It is rare when teams that have a growing list of injuries, like the San Francisco 49ers, simply let go of productive veterans, but that is exactly what the 49ers did on Monday. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, the 49ers are releasing veteran running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert, 28, just joined the 49ers a one-year contract about two weeks ago as injuries continued to pile up at the position.
So, his departure could indicate that San Francisco likes the way the room is trending. It would also be surprising if it were that the team didn't like what it saw from Herbert in its first preseason action. Herbert had six carries for 18 yards and two catches for 35 yards in the 49ers' 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans last week.
Herbert would have brought some much-needed experience and production at the position. He began his professional career as a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, who he spent four years with, rushing for 1,791 yards and nine touchdowns. The Bears then traded Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 for a seventh round pick.
Since then, he has spent time Indianapolis Colts (2025), Seattle Seahawks (2025) and New York Jets (2025). The 49ers are now left with Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James, Kaelon Black and Isaac Guerendo in their running back room. As for Herbert, he will look for his seventh home in the NFL.
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