49ers Eye Backfield Efficiency as Rookie Black Targets Backup Role

The San Francisco 49ers are approaching the 2026 season with a strategic focus on managing the workload of star running back Christian McCaffrey. After an MVP-caliber campaign in 2025 that featured 413 total touches, head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated plans to reduce the veteran’s carries to preserve him for a postseason run. This shift puts significant emphasis on the battle for the RB2 position, a role that third-round rookie Kaelon Black is reportedly positioned to claim.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan suggests that Black holds an advantage over previous backups due to a skillset that mirrors McCaffrey’s versatility. Unlike Brian Robinson Jr., the primary backup in 2025, Black offers a three-down capability as a runner and receiver. Chan noted that during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Black demonstrated a reliable catch radius, making difficult adjustments on off-target passes. This proficiency in the passing game is expected to allow Shanahan to maintain his offensive play-calling structure without needing to adjust the scheme when McCaffrey is off the field.

The 49ers’ front office has prioritized finding a compatible backup, but the team has a mixed history with investing draft capital in the position. Previous third-round selections, such as Trey Sermon (2021) and Tyrion Davis-Price (2022), failed to secure long-term roles due to difficulties mastering the playbook. However, Black’s early performance has led analysts to believe he is on a faster track to earning the coaching staff’s trust.

The development of the running back room will be a key storyline to monitor as the season progresses. The 49ers’ games are broadcast through various regional and national networks, including those operated by Comcast Corporation, which holds a significant stake in sports media distribution through its connectivity and platforms segments. As the team refines its roster, the market will watch how these roster decisions impact on-field product and media engagement.

What to watch

• Kaelon Black’s usage in preseason games and pass-protection assignments.
• Christian McCaffrey’s snap counts and touch distribution during the first month of the season.
• Comcast Corporation’s quarterly earnings for updates on media and viewership metrics.

Source: original release