49ers rookie Kaelon Black poised for significant role in 2026 season

The San Francisco 49ers are looking at rookie running back Kaelon Black to potentially take on a bigger workload in the 2026 season. With head coach Kyle Shanahan aiming to reduce Christian McCaffrey's touches after a demanding previous season, the competition for the backup running back position becomes critical. Black's skill set closely mirrors McCaffrey's, providing the 49ers with a versatile option who can execute the same plays. Black has shown promise during offseason activities, showcasing his ability to catch passes effectively. The 49ers rated him highly in the pre-draft process, indicating their intention to integrate him into the offense early on.

• 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Insider explains how 49ers rookie is primed for big role in 2026