Black appears to have the lead in the competition for the 49ers’ backup running back job.
The 49ers drafted Jordan James in the fifth round in 2025 and Black in the third round this year, setting up what was expected to be a training camp competition for the backup job. San Francisco has discussed reducing Christian McCaffrey’s workload in recent years, so the backup should have an opportunity to contribute even when McCaffrey is healthy. McCaffrey also has an extensive injury history, giving whichever back wins the No. 2 job significant fantasy upside if he misses time. Instead, injuries prevented much of that competition from taking place. James spent most of training camp recovering from a fractured rib, while Black missed time with an adductor injury. Black returned for last week’s preseason game, while James returned to practice last weekend. Those few extra days appear to have been enough for Black to take the lead. He played all 12 snaps on San Francisco’s first three drives, including two with Mac Jones and one with Adrian Martinez at quarterback. James didn’t see his first offensive snap until the fourth drive. There is still time for James to close the gap, but Black currently appears to be the 49ers handcuff worth drafting.