The San Francisco 49ers held tryouts for running backs Nyheim Miller-Hines and Zamir White on Monday, per the NFL’s transaction wire. They also hosted running back Blake Watson on a visit.
This comes after the Niners were without Christian McCaffrey on Monday, as he sat out of practice due to tightness. With a joint practice and a preseason game this week, it’s unlikely we’ll see any of the 49ers’ top four backs in action. With that in mind, San Francisco will need capable bodies in the backfield.
Miller-Hines is a name that everyone is aware of. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent his first five seasons with the Colts. His career was derailed by an offseason injury in July 2023 when Miller-Hines tore his ACL and LCL in a jet ski accident. He was with the Chargers and the Saints last season, but only managed three total touches. Miller-Hines turns 30 in November.
White was a fourth-round pick of the Raiders in 2022. His most productive season was in 2023, when White ran for 451 yards and had 98 receiving yards. White, 26, only had 12 carries for Las Vegas last year. He’s 6’, 215 pounds.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the team announce the signing of Watson on Tuesday morning, given the fact that he was on an actual visit. Watson was an undrafted free agent out of the 2024 NFL Draft. His speed is something every team covets. During Memphis’s Pro Day in March 2024, Watson ran a 4.39 40-yard dash with a 41.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump. Each of those numbers is in the 90th percentile. That plays.
Watson would have quite the opportunity with a banged-up depth chart to sneak onto the roster, or at the very least, stick around on the practice squad, if he signs and can show anything in the preseason.
Earlier on Monday, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said, “anytime guys are out, it lets guys step up and gives them opportunities.” McCaffrey, Jordan James, Kaelon Black, and Isaac Guerendo are currently out. So that leaves Patrick Taylor Jr., Sincere McCormick, and Khalil Herbert as the only healthy backs on the roster.
The door is open for Watson, Miller-Hines, White, or any free agent back to make a name for themselves.
