49ers work out 3 running backs as Jordan James injury concern heightens

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to assist Christian McCaffrey by any means necessary.

According to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard, the team worked out three running backs on Thursday afternoon.

Raheem Blackshear, Khalil Herbert, and Owen Wright worked out in an attempt to help the team temporarily replace Jordan James, who suffered a broken rib on Monday.

Lombardi noted that the three running backs are all 5-foot-9 and have experience as return specialists, which is the same size as James, who weighs 208 pounds.

49ers host three running backs for tryouts; should Christian McCaffrey fans be concerned? AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Herbert has been a longtime backup running back in the NFL, spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears. In 2022, he was the Bears’ third leading rushing leader with 129 carries for 731 yards and 4 touchdowns, behind then-quarterback Justin Fields and running back David Montgomery.

Both Blackshear and Wright have primarily served as backups that rarely saw any action throughout their young careers.

The 49ers backfield needs all the help it can get as McCaffrey has been plagued with injuries over the last six years.

Between 2020 and 2021, McCaffrey appeared in only 10 games and was dealing with injuries to his shoulder, ankle, and hamstring.

From 2022-2023, when McCaffrey was traded by the Panthers to the 49ers, and only missed one regular-season game during that timeframe.

In 2023, he was crowned the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year when he ran for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns.

49ers host three running backs for tryouts; should Christian McCaffrey fans be concerned? AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

In 2024, the injury bug struck again, spending most of the season sidelined due to an Achilles injury and appearing in only four games.

Last season, McCaffrey was crowned the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year after putting together a year where he was San Francisco’s leading rusher and receiver.

On the ground, he ran the ball 311 times for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the passing game, he caught 102 balls for 924 yards and 7 touchdowns.

This past offseason, the 49ers drafted Kaelon Black in the third round and are likely hoping he can shed some of the workload off McCaffrey’s back, serving as a power running back.

Outside of Black, the depth at the running back position remains a question the 49ers will need to address before the regular season begins.