49ers RB Kaelon Black appears to be the frontrunner for the No. 2 job, according to Noah Furtado of the SF Chronicle. Black was a third-round pick in this year's draft and widely viewed as a reach after he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine. But he seems to have bounced back from an early-August thigh injury and made a strong camp impression, putting him ahead of second-year RB Jordan James, who missed part of camp with a fractured rib.
What They're Saying: Black Looks Explosive
Noah Furtado, The SF Chronicle: “Black, the talk of training camp, logged a cool 28 yards on 7 yards per carry in the preseason finale at the Raiders. It was just more of the same from the explosive third-round draft pick out of Indiana, who is largely running away with the RB2 role after consensus boards considered him a reach in April.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Black Has Handcuff Appeal
The battle for the 49ers’ No. 2 RB remains important, especially after Christian McCaffrey just finished a 413-touch season. If he goes down, the new starter could be an every-week fantasy starter.
The selection of Black was condemned after the RB didn’t get invited to the NFL Combine, but he appears to be edging out James for that spot. Black's drawn rave reviews in training camp since returning from his injury. He certainly fits the Kyle Shanahan one-cut scheme, and showed that in yesterday’s preseason game.
Black ran four times for 28 yards, including a 14-yard run. James ran eight times for 35 yards.
Both players likely would play if McCaffrey misses time, but Black appears to be the better late-round flier in redraft leagues.
