Kaelon Black - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

49ers Backfield Depth Behind Christian McCaffrey Looks Much Improved The 49ers' running back depth behind Christian McCaffrey looks much improved in 2026, with rookie Kaelon Black and Jordan James giving Kyle...

2 DAYS AGO • SI.COM

Averages 7.0 yards per carry Black rushed four times for 28 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the 49ers' 18-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Thursday.

Impact Black didn't log a touch on the 49ers' opening three-and-out possession, but he gained 11 yards on back-to-back carries to start San Francisco's second drive. The rookie third-round pick then recorded his game-high 14 yards on the last play of the first quarter, rounding out his relatively brief night in encouraging fashion. Black put together a solid two-game preseason during which he rushed 12 times for 61 yards, but his primary competition for the No. 2 running back role, Jordan James, had a productive night himself Thursday with 55 scrimmage yards on nine touches. Consequently, it's possible the two backs share complementary touches behind Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) to open the regular season.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Kittle Returns Ahead of Preseason Finale vs. Raiders | The Saloon Highlighting TE George Kittle's remarkably early return to practice, the return of running backs Kaelon Black and Jordan James, and the 49er...

3 DAYS AGO • 49ERS.COM

49ers Coach Can't Stop Raving About Rookie Kaelon Black It's undeniable that 49ers rookie Kaelon Black looked solid in his preseason debut against the Chargers. He was one of the top players who r...

6 DAYS AGO • SI.COM

The 49ers acquire LB Deion Jones from the Saints for RB Zamir White, AP source says

The San Francisco 49ers added depth at linebacker by acquiring Deion Jones in a trade with the New Orleans for running back Zamir White, a person familiar with the trade told The A...

6 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Kubiak Talks Standout Players, Position Battles San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak detailed guards' explosiveness and continued improvement, praised rookie RB Kaelon Bla...

AUGUST 23 • 49ERS.COM

Black, Dugger on Settling In, Elevating Their Game San Francisco 49ers RB Kaelon Black and LB Jaden Dugger discussed building confidence and adjusting to the league as rookies, learning from...

AUGUST 23 • 49ERS.COM

Logs eight carries in preseason win Black rushed eight times for 33 yards and wasn't targeted in the 49ers' 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers on Thursday night.

Impact The rookie third-round pick operated as the starting running back with Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) inactive, and Black immediately recorded a five-yard gain on the 49ers' first play from scrimmage. The Indiana product also had eight- and nine-yard gains on San Francisco' second possession as he continued to make a strong case for the No. 2 job to open the regular season. Black saw backfield mate Sincere McCormick put together an impressive 6-53-1 line on the ground Thursday as well, but the former likely has the inside track to serve as McCaffrey's primary backup in a backfield that may also include Jordan James (ribs) and Isaac Guerendo (PUP-pectoral).

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Kaelon Black might just be 49ers' No. 1 player to watch vs. Chargers If Kaelon Black impresses against the Chargers, the 49ers can feel a lot better about not only drafting him early but their depth chart as a...

AUGUST 20 • NINERNOISE.COM

Chargers Torch 49ers: 4 Takeaways From San Francisco-Los Angeles Joint Practice

Justin Herbert and Chargers had their way with the 49ers on Tuesday, but it wasn't all sunshine and roses for Los Angeles.

AUGUST 19 • FOX SPORTS

Chargers Torch 49ers: 4 Takeaways From San Francisco-Los Angeles Joint Practice

Chargers center Tyler Biadasz carted off with left leg injury in joint practice with 49ers

Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz was carted off the field with a left leg injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers

AUGUST 18 • Associated Press

Shanahan Breaks Down Joint Practice vs. Chargers Head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed RB Kaelon Black's return to practice, which starters could play during Preseason Week 2 vs. the Chargers,...

AUGUST 18 • 49ERS.COM

Shines in return to practice Black (thigh) looked like himself at Tuesday's practice, Grant Cohn of SI.com reports.

Impact Black has been sidelined since Aug. 3 due to an adductor injury, but his return to the practice field Tuesday was a welcome sight for an RB room that currently is without Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed), Jordan James (ribs) and Isaac Guerendo (pectoral, active/PUP). Black, a rookie third-round pick, now is the top healthiest player at the position ahead of Patrick Taylor, Sincere McCormick and Zamir White on the 49ers roster.

AUGUST 18 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Black (thigh) is back in uniform for Tuesday's practice session, Matt Barrows of The Athletic

Impact This is significant for the rookie as Black had been sidelined since the first week of camp due to an adductor injury. Black is jockeying for position in the 49ers' backfield behind Christian McCaffrey and has to make up for lost time. Any ability to show some flash over the remainder of the preseason would help Black's case for playing time vs. Jordan James.

AUGUST 18 • ROTOWIRE

Not participating in Thursday's contest Black (thigh) will not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Titans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Black is competing for one of the relief running back roles behind Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed), so any missed time is detrimental to the 24-year-old's chances of remaining in his position on the depth chart. With primary competition Jordan James (ribs) also out for Thursday's game, Patrick Taylor, Sincere McCormick, Khalil Herbert and Zamir White will get a chance to prove they should be in the conversation for spots on the 53-man roster.

AUGUST 14 • ROTOWIRE

49ers Coach is Confident Injured Kaelon Black Won't Fall Far Behind It's been over a week since 49ers rookie Kaelon Black strained his abductor. He's been out of practice because of it, which is brutal for hi...

AUGUST 12 • SI.COM

Receiver Mike Evans misses practice for the 49ers with a strained quadriceps

Wide receiver Mike Evans missed practice for the San Francisco 49ers because of a strained quadriceps in the latest injury to hit the team’s receiver room

AUGUST 3 • Associated Press

Dealing with adductor injury Black is missing Monday's practice due to an adductor injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Black now is one of three 49ers running backs tending to a health concern -- also, Jordan James (ribs) and Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) -- leaving Patrick Taylor, Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert to handle reps behind No. 1 option Christian McCaffrey. A third-round pick in this year's draft, Black will have a prime chance to compete for the direct backup role once he's healthy, especially since James is out indefinitely with fracture ribs.

AUGUST 3 • ROTOWIRE

49ers Mailbag: What Deebo Samuel's Return Means for Kaelon Black The 49ers have the day off before resuming training camp on Monday. Let's answer some questions.

AUGUST 2 • SI.COM

Rookie Kaelon Black gets a golden chance amid 49ers' latest bad injury news The 49ers will be without Jordan James for a little while, opening the door for rookie Kaelon Black to take a lead on the depth chart.

JULY 30 • NINERNOISE.COM

Opportunity knocks Black faces an opportunity to handle the bulk of No. 2 running back role behind Christian McCaffrey early in training camp after Jordan James suffered a fractured rib on Tuesday, D...

Impact Black will look to make the most of his immediate opportunities at camp, with Vic Tafur of The Athletic noting that the rookie third-rounder had already gotten off to a strong start. While James should still be ready in advance of Week 1, his grasp on the No. 2 backfield role could lessen if Black is able to continue stringing together momentum. Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) also began training camp on the active/PUP list, leaving Patrick Taylor and Sincere McCormick as Black's main current competition for reps. Given these developments, Black's average draft position will figure to rise in advance of the preseason.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Jordan James somehow became a forgotten commodity in 49ers running back room The 49ers' 2026 pick of Kaelon Black has somehow pushed Jordan James to the periphery of the running back room, but will that end up staying...

JUNE 17 • NINERNOISE.COM

49ers fans got Kaelon Black reassurance they've been seeking since draft day The San Francisco 49ers unnerved their fanbase when they selected Kaelon Black early in the draft, but the worries may have just been put to...

JUNE 10 • NINERNOISE.COM

49ers Vow to Reduce Christian McCaffrey's Workload Whether He Wants That Or Not

Perhaps the only person around the San Francisco 49ers not worried about the heavy workload All-Pro Christian McCaffrey handled last season...

JUNE 9 • FOX SPORTS

49ers Vow to Reduce Christian McCaffrey's Workload Whether He Wants That Or Not

Christian McCaffrey is Carrying the 49ers in More than One Way The San Francisco 49ers have Christian McCaffrey, but Jordan James and Kaelon Black remain major question marks. That's keeping the 49ers ou...

JUNE 9 • SI.COM

KAELON BLACK NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES

The 49ers acquire LB Deion Jones from the Saints for RB Zamir White, AP source says

Chargers Torch 49ers: 4 Takeaways From San Francisco-Los Angeles Joint Practice

Chargers center Tyler Biadasz carted off with left leg injury in joint practice with 49ers

Receiver Mike Evans misses practice for the 49ers with a strained quadriceps

49ers Vow to Reduce Christian McCaffrey's Workload Whether He Wants That Or Not