The San Francisco 49ers will end their preseason with Saturday's clash against the Los Angeles Chargers, but that didn't stop general manager John Lynch from adding a new face to the roster on Friday. The 49ers shook up their backfield by acquiring running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick back the other way, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Trade: Commanders are trading RB Brian Robinson to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bqYjKoxgl5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2025
Although the deal was unexpected, to say the least, it was necessary due to injury concerns surrounding the 49ers' running back room. The former Alabama RB has played 14-plus games in back-to-back seasons, which gives head coach Kyle Shanahan a high-upside backup should Christian McCaffrey miss any time.
With that being said, here's a look at how the 49ers' RB depth chart is shaping up following Friday's surprise trade with the Commanders.
1. RB1: Christian McCaffrey
Even with Robinson in the mix, McCaffrey will open the 2025 NFL season as the 49ers' RB1 without a doubt. Achilles and PCL injuries limited the former Offensive Player of the Year to only four appearances last year; however, all signs point to him being fully healthy ahead of the new campaign. If McCaffrey stays healthy enough to replicate his 2023 performance (339 touches for 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns — all league-best numbers), the rest of the NFL better watch out.
2. RB2: Brian Robinson Jr.
Although he's yet to dress for the 49ers, Robinson should open the season as the team's No. 2 runner. The ex-2022 third-rounder has amassed 2,329 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 570 career carries while posting a 65-587-5 stat line as a receiver, too. He's the type of versatile weapon Shanahan & Co. can get plenty of juice out of, and it wouldn't be surprising if his role is bigger than expected if the 49ers want to mitigate the chances of CMC getting hurt.
3. RB3: Isaac Guerendo
Isaac Guerendo was on track to be the RB2 behind McCaffrey, but, obviously, Robinson's arrival throws a wrench into those plans. Still, Guerendo has familiarity with San Francisco's coaching staff after being drafted 129th overall last season, and even started three times in 16 outings as a rookie. He averaged an impressive 5.0 yards on 84 carries and even found the end zone four times; however, three fumbles show he has some improvements to make. If his ball security improves, perhaps he'll cut into Robinson's share.
4. RB4: James Jordan
2025 fifth-round pick James Jordan was also bumped down the depth chart once the 49ers acquired Robinson. Still, the former Oregon Duck's role in the backfield isn't defined yet, having been hampered by a broken finger throughout the last few weeks, which has prevented him from making his preseason debut. As he recovers from his ailment, expect Jordan to stay behind Guerendo on the depth chart until he gives the 49ers a reason to bump him up.
5. RB5: Jeff Wilson Jr.
Veteran RB Jeff Wilson Jr. is a name with whom the 49ers are more than familiar. The ex-North Texas product began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in the Bay back in 2018, and played 45 games in parts of five seasons with the team before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in November 2022. Wilson rejoined the 49ers on Aug. 10 but hasn't done much, tallying 16 yards and one TD on eight preseason carries so far. At this point, he's nothing more than a roster filler.
6. RB6/Cut Candidate: Ke'Shawn Vaughn
With Robinson arriving in San Francisco, Ke'Shawn Vaughn's stint should be over. The Nashville, TN native has struggled to improve his stock with the 49ers despite being with them since last August, and his preseason performance has done the opposite of helping him (28 rushing yards on 10 carries). Vaughn doesn't do anything particularly better than the other 49ers RBs, and the fact that 10 of his yards came on one carry further illustrates just how bad he is. It's time to cut ties.
Without a doubt, the 49ers' RB depth chart looks much better with Robinson in the mix. Whether or not the backfield performs as well in-game as it looks on paper remains to be seen, with the first real test being the Week 1 collision with the rival Seattle Seahawks.