Overview
- The 49ers released veteran running back Khalil Herbert, a transaction first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
- Herbert had signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in early August and played in the preseason opener, recording six carries for 18 yards and two catches for 35 yards.
- The cut reduces the 49ers’ immediate healthy depth at running back, leaving Sincere McCormick and Zamir White listed as the only healthy backs while Jordan James, Kaelon Black, and Isaac Guerendo remain working on the side.
- Herbert is a journeyman with roughly 1,900 career rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns across five NFL seasons and has spent time with the Bears, Bengals, Colts, Seahawks, and Jets.
- The release reflects routine preseason roster churn and could prompt the 49ers to accelerate Christian McCaffrey’s return to practice or to pursue another short-term back while Herbert becomes a free agent who may draw interest from teams needing immediate depth.