Khalil Herbert signed with the San Francisco 49ers at the beginning of August. After a couple of weeks of training camp and a preseason game where he had six carries for 18 yards, including nine yards after contact and one forced missed tackle, the 49ers are releasing the veteran running back, according to Adam Schefter.
This could signal that Christian McCaffrey may return to practice this week after missing time due to muscle tightness.
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows noted running backs Jordan James (rib), Kaelon Black (adductor), and Isaac Guerendo (pec) were working on the side of the field during Sunday’s practice. However, James and Black aren’t expected back at practice this week or to partake in the preseason game against the Chargers. Barrows noted that they could return for the preseason finale.
With Herbert released, that leaves Sincere McCormick and Zamir White as the only healthy backs. He’s not listed as a running back on the depth chart, but Deebo Samuel would likely be the first player up in the backfield if neither of the top four backs were healthy.
We’ll provide updates once there is a corresponding move to Herbert’s release.