49ers Coach Can't Stop Raving About Rookie Kaelon Black

Stock is going up.

Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (26) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's undeniable that 49ers rookie Kaelon Black looked solid in his preseason debut against the Chargers. He was one of the top players who raised their stock from that game.

Black ran hard and refused to go down easily. He looked natural in the 49ers' offense, which is tremendous for a rookie. Usually, it takes a long time for rookies to get accustomed.

But Black performed as if he had been on the 49ers forever. It didn't even look like he missed a couple of weeks of practice with an injury.

Missing all of that time should've derailed him. However, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak knew it wasn't going to. And after Black's performance against Los Angeles, Kubiak can't stop raving about him.

“I loved how he ran. He really brought kind of a spark to our offense," Kubiak said. "He's a guy who you don't have to block it perfect every time. He's going to muscle his way through for five, six yards, but he's got good speed to burst and get some explosive runs. I thought he did a really good job. His first time in NFL action, the moment wasn't big for him.

"He didn't blink. He was ready to go. Love his development. Love where he's at, but he needs to keep getting better, too, and stacking days. I think we're going to have a good player on our hands down the road, but he's got to keep pushing himself every day.”

Black did himself a huge favor with his performance against the Chargers. Now, it is just one performance in the preseason, but for a guy who missed a chunk of training camp, it is very encouraging to see.

It makes you wonder how much better he can get with more practice reps under his belt. He's going to need it if he wants to convince the 49ers to steal some carries from Christian McCaffrey.

Getting McCaffrey off the field is something the 49ers never want to do, but if Black is proving valiant, it'll be impossible for them to not play him and give McCaffrey some necessary rest.

McCaffrey shouldn't be receiving the bulk of the carries anymore. If the 49ers want to preserve him for pivotal games and a playoff run, then they'll be mindful of his usage and incorporate Black.

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