Can Kaelon Black take over RB2 role in the preseason?

August 14, 2026 - 01:54

San Francisco's running back group has taken a few hits during training camp, and that has opened the door for an undrafted rookie to make a serious push for the number two spot on the depth chart. Kaelon Black, out of James Madison, has been getting extra reps with the second team, and coaches are starting to take notice.

The 49ers brought Black in as a free agent after the draft, but he has looked comfortable in the zone scheme. He runs with patience, finds cutback lanes, and has shown reliable hands out of the backfield. With veteran Elijah Mitchell dealing with a soft tissue issue and rookie Isaac Guerendo still learning pass protection, Black has quietly positioned himself as a candidate to back up Christian McCaffrey.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has always valued versatility in his backs, and Black fits that mold. He is not the biggest guy, but he runs with good pad level and does not shy away from contact. His ability to pick up blitzes in practice has also impressed the staff, which is often the biggest hurdle for young players.

The preseason games will be the real test. If Black can produce against live tackling and show he can handle special teams work, he could steal a roster spot. The 49ers have kept four backs in recent years, but nothing is guaranteed. Right now, the competition is wide open, and Black is making the most of his chance.