49ers Coach is Confident Injured Kaelon Black Won't Fall Far Behind

Rookie Kaelon Black could struggle to catch up with all of the time he's missed, but this 49ers coach thinks he'll be fine.

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) runs to score a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's been over a week since 49ers rookie Kaelon Black strained his abductor. He's been out of practice because of it, which is brutal for him.

He had a prime chance to establish himself as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, with Jordan James injured with fractured ribs. Now, he has to sit out until he's fit.

Aside from missing a chance at a backup role, Black will fall behind in the offense. It's already tough enough for a rookie to embed themselves in the 49ers' offense.

Missing a bunch of practices will only increase the difficulty for Black. However, 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak is confident the rookie won't fall too far behind.

Kubiak thinks Black will be fine

Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes the ball for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

An injury is a setback, no matter who it is. Especially when you're a rookie, and you're still learning the ropes, and you're still going through everything the first time, you want to be out there, and you want to be getting those reps," Kubiak said. "But Kaelon specifically, he's the right kind of guy. He's made of the right stuff. He prepares the right way.

"He's taking care of his body. He's out there at the walkthroughs, he's in the meetings, he's locked in. He's doing everything he can do to keep himself ready to go when he's healthy, and he will be. We've got full confidence he'll be ready."

This is a vote of confidence in Black from Kubiak. He probably isn't saying that just to say it. I think he truly believes Black can catch up to the offense.

It makes sense considering he played for the University of Indiana in his last two years of college. That's a tightly run and professional team. He knows what it takes.

The 49ers don't have to teach him that, and that's what Kubiak is seeing. It's why he has the confidence that Black can bounce back.

Still, Black missing so much time will hurt him to some degree. Even Kubiak has acknowledged that. But with how locked in he is, all Black needs is some practice to get back into the thick of it.

"I'm not going to lie and say it's not a problem. It's always a setback, but the good ones and pros will overcome that and they'll get themselves ready to go. So, that's what we're looking for.”

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