Quarterback Brock Purdy will get some reps tonight. As interesting as the left guard battle is, and judging from previous joint practices, how frustrating the play of the 49ers' safeties has been so far in camp, an intriguing option to observe closely tonight is rookie running back Kaelon Black.
With the current state of the running back depth chart somewhat in flux based on injuries and availability, Black will see plenty of opportunities tonight. The 2026 third-round pick from Indiana is coming off an abductor injury in which he missed about two weeks of camp.
Black averaged 5.6 yards per carry with ten rushing touchdowns in under 200 attempts during his final collegiate season. Not initially deemed a shifty running back or a pass-catching option out of the backfield, Black is fast, physical, and a bruiser in short-yardage situations considering his measurables (5'10, 210 lbs.). In a recent interview, NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell acknowledged that he is high on Black's upside.
"I thought he was tough, physical, a grinder, powerful, no-holds-barred runner," Cosell said. "He's just a very, very physical guy. I think he fits the 49ers' run game."
Given that the 49ers would prefer to limit McCaffrey's touches considerably this year from the absurd 450 (including playoffs) he had last season, there is a chance for Black to flourish as a potential primary backup.
While John Lynch's resume drafting running backs in the third round has been less than stellar (Trey Sermon, anyone?), Black could be a steal. Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling impressed mightily in the exhibition opener. You're up, Kaelon Black.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Notebook: Kaelon Black, Stribling stand out vs. Chargers; Left guard competition could go on for a while
49ers fans who tuned into Thursday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers came away with plenty to cheer about as their team handed the Chargers a 41-17 beatdown following what was, by multiple accounts, a shaky week of practice. The 49ers had some problems on... -
49ers rookie Kaelon Black reflects on NFL debut, sees room for growth
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black stepped onto an NFL field for the first time Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers came away with a decisive 41-17 victory, and Black saw action with the first-team offense, finishing the night with eight... -
Colton McKivitz praises George Kittle, highlights Kaelon Black's impact on 49ers run game
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz was glad to see a couple of familiar faces back on the practice field Sunday. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a planned absence, while tight end George Kittle continued his impressive recovery from the Achilles... -
49ers rookie to get another look at crucial position against Chargers
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Carver Willis missed valuable training camp reps due to a concussion. However, he returned to practice on August 10 and has quickly entrenched himself in the competition for the starting left guard job. Willis is competing with...