Jordan James Fantasy Overview

The 49ers drafted Indiana RB Kaelon Black in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Black spent his first two seasons at James Madison, emerging as a sophomore with 891 total yards and a 27-254-4 receiving line. He followed HC Curt Cignetti to Indiana and, after a quiet 2024, earned a larger role last fall. Black held the 1B role behind fellow prospect Roman Hemby, posting 186-1040-10 (5.6 yards per carry). He was a non-factor in the passing game, though, mustering only 4 receptions for 36 yards. Overall, Black presents adequate size (5’9, 208 pounds) and a low pad level that helps him fight through contact. He posted a solid 3.47 yards after contact per attempt in 2025. Still, this is a surprising selection considering Black wasn't invited to the NFL Combine. He was graded by The Athletic's Dane Brugler as a 5th-6th round value.

The 49ers might be preparing to hand a high-value job to a player with little NFL experience. According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, second-year RB Jordan James "appears to be the frontrunner to be the top backup this season." San Francisco drafted James in the fifth round last year, but an injury-plagued summer kept him from competing for a regular-season roster spot. James didn't touch the ball until the playoff loss to Seattle (six carries and one catch at the end of a blowout).

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) is active for today’s game vs. the Seahawks. He popped up on Thursday’s injury report as limited and officially did not practice on Friday. McCaffrey went through an extensive warmup on Friday, though, and didn’t sound concerned about his status afterward. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported this morning that scans on McCaffrey’s calf came back “completely clean.” There’s still some additional risk here, but CMC belongs in Week 1 fantasy lineups. RB Jordan James (finger) is inactive today, leaving RBs Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo behind McCaffrey.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) is listed as questionable for this weekend's game vs. the Seahawks. He was added to the injury report and limited in practice on Thursday and officially did not practice on Friday. McCaffrey was on the field going through warmups at the start of Friday's practice, though, and looked reasonably healthy. We'll surely get multiple updates on McCaffrey between now and kickoff on Sunday. Hopefully he's not a game-time decision, though, because 49ers-Seahawks doesn't kick off until 4:05 pm ET. McCaffrey's absence would leave Brian Robinson as San Francisco's lead back, although it's unclear exactly how big a role he'd be ready for after joining the team on August 22. RB Isaac Guerendo will also be available for the 'Niners, but RB Jordan James (finger) is doubtful.