The San Francisco 49ers are entering their first preseason game without the services of their top four running backs, as Christian McCaffrey (tightness), Jordan James (ribs), Kaelon Black (adductor), and Isaac Guerendo (pec) are all sidelined.
Because of that, the team had three running backs in the building on Monday. One was on a visit, with two others for tryouts. Despite hosting Watson for a visit, the team signed former Raiders running back Zamir White. That wasn’t the only transaction the team made.
They also signed cornerback Eli Apple and defensive lineman Xavier Thomas, along with White, all to one-year deals.
The Niners were unlikely to use Deebo Samuel in the backfield in a preseason game the same way they did during their joint practice. That leaves Khalil Herbert, Patrick Taylor, and Sincere McCormick as the three healthy bodies in the backfield. Shoot, even Kyle Juszczyk is dealing with an injury. Another back was needed.
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.
The corresponding moves were to waive wide receiver Junior Bergen, punter Jack Bouwmeester, and to waive/injured edge rusher K.J. Henry.
So, at least for now, the punting competition is over.
Bergen might be a surprise, as some reporters who were present at practice went so far as to say he could sneak onto the roster and was viewed as the top option at punt returner. The team felt differently. They could bring Bergen back if he clears waivers, but the 49ers being comfortable with losing him on waivers with a slew of injuries at the position tells us how they feel about him.
