Fantasy Football News

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.

49ers RB Jordan James fractured a rib in Monday's practice and "will miss some time," ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports. James opened camp running as the No. 2 RB, but his absence gives rookie Kaelon Black a chance to grab that job.

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.