The San Francisco 49ers will open their 2025 preseason slate on Saturday night against the Denver Broncos. This could be the first and potentially last opportunity for some rookies and fringe veterans looking to make the 49ers’ 53-man roster or practice squad later this month.
While fans would love to see the vets out on the field, the emphasis will be on the rookie class and young guys, which the team is excited about.
The 49ers did a good job of addressing defensive needs while also adding playmakers to the offensive side of the ball. One position group that will be under the microscope over the next few weeks is the running back spot.
Now, we know the 49ers have one of the best in the game in Christian McCaffrey and a dynamo in Isaac Guerendo, who played well when called upon last year. However, after those two, it isn’t clear who will win the RB3 and RB4 jobs.
Fifth-round pick Jordan James is an obvious candidate for one of those spots, even though he’s undergoing surgery for a broken finger, per Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group. Therefore, leaving one spot for Patrick Taylor Jr., UDFA Corey Kiner, and veteran Ameer Abdullah.
UDFA RB Corey Kiner Will Have Uphill Climb to Make 49ers’ 53-Man Roster
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the undrafted free agent running back could be the 49ers’ top ball-carrier this preseason, based on the injuries at the RB position and the amount of work Taylor has seen during camp.
Maiocco adds the nugget that the rookie running back “has looked sharp” as he gets acclimated to the offensive system in San Francisco. That being said, Kiner will have the opportunity to put pressure on the brass to make a tough decision later this month.
The biggest question left to be answered is, can he do it? We will find out over the next several weeks.
Taylor Jr. is likely a front-runner for the other spot, and based on comments from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan earlier this month, he’s excited for his chances this summer.
"“Yeah, I mean he’s got just as good of a shot as anyone to back up Christian. I thought he did a good job with us last year. Forget how he started out, whether it was practice squad or on the team, I forget. But he ended up getting better throughout the year. He was very valuable on special teams. Came in there at the end of the year and ran the ball well for us, and I think he’s only gotten better this offseason.”"Kyle Shanahan via Niners Nation
If you’re Kiner, you cannot worry about that; all you can do is put out the best film, not only for the 49ers but for other teams in the league. The 5-foot-8, 209-pound running back has a good center of gravity, making it hard to be tackled. He also possesses the skills to rip off long runs, even though his long speed is a concern.
For a team like the 49ers, running back is a premium spot because of the injury factor, which means they are always well stocked with guys. The numbers game isn’t in Kiner’s favor, but if San Francisco does part ways at the end of this month, maybe they can sneak him back onto the practice squad, in hopes of further development in 2025.