KaelonBlack

News: 4 days agoBlack rushed four times for 28 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the 49ers' 18-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Thursday.

Spin: Black didn't log a touch on the 49ers' opening three-and-out possession, but he gained 11 yards on back-to-back carries to start San Francisco's second drive. The rookie third-round pick then recorded his game-high 14 yard run on the last play of the first quarter, rounding out his relatively brief night in encouraging fashion. Black put together a solid two-game preseason during which he rushed 12 times for 61 yards, but his primary competition for the No. 2 running back role, Jordan James, had a productive night himself Thursday with 55 yards from scrimmage on nine touches. Consequently, it's possible the two backs share complementary work behind Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) to open the regular season.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Black was selected by the 49ers in the third round of April's draft. It was a bit of a surprise selection after Black failed to clear 190 touches in four collegiate seasons prior to not landing an invite to the scouting combine. He did clear 1,000 rushing yards at Indiana in 2025, but remained a nonfactor as a receiver, totaling exactly four receptions in each of his two seasons with the Hoosiers. Black will open his career handling No. 2 duties behind Christian McCaffrey. He'll be worth an add if the 30-year-old McCaffrey misses time, but a lack of third-down ability may severely limit his fantasy output. Stash Black in dynasty formats.