SF Khalil Herbert
NFL running back. Position: RB. Team: San Francisco 49ers (SF).
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: San Francisco 49ers (SF)
- Age: 28
- College: Kansas (2016-19), Virginia Tech (2020)
- Draft: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 6, Pick 217 (Chicago Bears)
2026 Outlook
Herbert signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on 2026-08-02 amid a rash of early training camp running back injuries. The 28-year-old veteran arrives as depth behind Christian McCaffrey, having appeared in 63 games across five seasons with Chicago (2021-24), Cincinnati (2024), and New York (2025). Limited 2025 production with Jets (16 carries, 52 yards in 7 games) suggests a reserve/committee role. 49ers added him specifically because of injuries to Jeff James (rib fracture) and Kaelon Black's adductor strain, plus Isaac Guerendo's offseason pec injury from lifting. As a veteran with experience in similar systems, Herbert provides immediate insurance behind McCaffrey. (per 49ers Sign RB Khalil Herbert and DL Titus Leo One-Year Deals; More Moves and 49ers ravaged by injuries early in training camp: NFC contender barely survives first week of practice)
By late August, the 49ers released backup Patrick Taylor Jr. after an injury settlement, further solidifying Herbert's position on the depth chart as the primary reserve. (per 49ers Part Ways with Patrick Taylor Jr. After Injury Settlement)
Role / Depth Chart
Reserve running back. Backup to Christian McCaffrey in a Kyle Shanahan-system backfield.
Recent News
- 2026-08-02 — The 49ers Sign Khalil Herbert as Injuries Pile Up at Running Back (The 49ers Sign Khalil Herbert as Injuries Pile Up at Running Back)
- 2026-08-02 — 49ers Sign RB Khalil Herbert and DL Titus Leo One-Year Deals; More Moves (49ers Sign RB Khalil Herbert and DL Titus Leo One-Year Deals; More Moves)
- 2026-08-02 — Signed one-year deal with San Francisco 49ers (49ers Sign RB Khalil Herbert and DL Titus Leo One-Year Deals; More Moves)