Kaelon Black records more carries than Christian McCaffrey in 49ers opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:05 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in a regular season game currently underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Through the first half of play, rookie running back Kaelon Black has recorded more carries than veteran starter Christian McCaffrey. Black registered seven carries for 36 yards and one reception for five yards before halftime, while McCaffrey recorded three carries for 17 yards and four receptions for 20 yards. The 49ers selected Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft following his national championship season at Indiana. Coaches are utilizing the rookie to manage the total workload for McCaffrey, who led the NFL in touches during the previous season. The decision reflects a strategic move to preserve the health of the veteran back throughout the season.
- •Kaelon Black leads the 49ers in rushing attempts at halftime against the Rams.
- •The 2026 season opener takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
- •Christian McCaffrey recorded 450 total touches during the previous season.
- •Black was drafted by San Francisco following a national title with Indiana.
- 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — Why Indiana Champ Kaelon Black Is Running More Than Christian McCaffrey in 49ers’ Opener
"Kaelon Black entered the NFL as a proven winner. He won a national championship with the Indiana Hoosiers at the end of the last college football season, taking handoffs from Fernando Mendoza as a standout running back. He had followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison to IU, and it paid off for him. Black turned […] The post Why Indiana Champ Kaelon Black Is Running More Than Christian McCaffrey in 49ers’ Opener appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 7:02 AMMyles Garrett Makes Alarming Admission After Nightmare Rams Debut
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 6:58 AM49ers coach Kyle Shanahan cool on NFL return to Australia: ‘I just don’t like to travel’
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 6:55 AMSeventy-four yards for Puka Nacua in Melbourne
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 6:50 AMNew Rams superteam getting rocked by 49ers has NFL fans getting the last laugh
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 6:49 AMMike Evans passes Seahawks legend to crack NFL’s top 20 in 49ers debut vs Rams
NFL•Sep 11, 2026, 6:45 AMMyles Garrett Called Out After 49ers Shred Rams in Australia