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.
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