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Just five days into training camp, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious situation at the running back position, prompting the team to bring in seasoned player Khalil Herbert. The move is not a reflection of Herbert's standout performance but rather his availability, as the roster's other backup options are currently sidelined.
Jordan James suffered broken ribs during a practice incident when Fred Warner delivered a forceful punch to dislodge the football, leaving him out indefinitely. Isaac Guerendo is still recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and appears far from returning to action. Rookie Kaelon Black also exited Saturday's practice early with an undisclosed injury, further thinning the depth chart.
With Christian McCaffrey as the starter, the only healthy backups are now Patrick Taylor Jr., Sincere McCormick, and the newly signed Herbert. Herbert, 27, had a modest 2024 season split between the Bears and Bengals, appearing in 14 games and averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He later joined the Jets for seven games, rushing 16 times for an average of 3.3 yards per carry.
Injury Woes Continue
Herbert's signing is largely seen as a stopgap measure. If he secures a spot on the 53-man roster, it would likely be due to further injuries to younger, more promising players. The 49ers are facing what appears to be another season marred by injuries, a recurring theme for the 14th consecutive year.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is already out for the season with a PCL injury that failed to heal properly. Christian Kirk pulled his calf on the first day of camp. Additionally, the team's first four draft picks—De'Zhaun Stribling, Romello Height, Kaelon Black, and Gracen Halton—are all currently nursing injuries, though none are considered serious.
Some have pointed to the massive electrical substation located adjacent to the team's practice field as a potential factor. The substation has been there since 1987 but was significantly expanded in 2013 and 2014 to support Levi's Stadium, coinciding with the onset of the team's injury problems. Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh, a former 49ers defensive coordinator, recently discussed the substation on Pardon My Take, saying, "There's got to be something to that. You can't tell me it's nothing. Maybe it's death by a million paper cuts. I don't know. There's a reason why in real estate, if you live next to a power line, you're probably not getting a premium for your house."
Critics argue that the 49ers should relocate training camp away from the substation to give themselves a better chance at staying healthy. Until then, they may continue to rely on signings like Herbert while key players remain on the sidelines.