49ers sign RB Khalil Herbert

Herbert was filling in for Brian Robinson in Week 7, but he did not have anything close to Brian Robinson’s workload. Herbert also caught one pass for 19 yards and was a couple of inches from taking that into the end zone for a score. The 28-year-old will likely be back on the practice squad next weekend if/when Brian Robinson returns.

Herbert could get elevated on game day, but he will not have a fantasy-relevant role. The Falcons also signed EDGE Drake Jackson.

Herbert was a camp body for the 49ers when several of their running backs were banged up, but the room is fairly healthy now. He could wind up on San Francisco’s practice squad. Also waived/released were OL Isaac Alarcon, DL Evan Anderson, TE Khalil Dinkins, DL Bryson Eason, DL Viliami Fehoko Jr., LB Jalen Graham, WR Wesley Grimes, DL Jah Joyner, CB Darrell Luter Jr., QB Adrian Martinez, RB Sincere McCormick, S Patrick McMorris, OL Drake Nugent, WR Will Pauling, CB Jakob Robinson, CB Eli Apple, DL Quinton Bell, S Ashtyn Davis, WR KhaDarel Hodge, WR Trenton Irwin, LB Deion Jones, OL Robert Jones, OL Doug Kramer Jr., DL Ogbo Okoronkwo, OL Brandon Parker, WR Malik Turner, P Corliss Waitman, and LS Jon Weeks.

Wagoner said he saw “some good stuff” from James as a rusher and receiver today, but noted it’s still early. Today was the 49ers’ first training camp practice. Wagoner’s notes seemed to indicate rookie RB Kaelon Black is in the No. 3 spot while veteran RB Patrick Taylor Jr. sits at No. 4. Things can change quickly, but today’s report backs up what we catalogued here from March through May — that James is next up behind starting RB Christian McCaffrey. He is a worthwhile late-round dart throw in summer drafts right now.

Free agent RB Elijah Mitchell attended as well. Herbert appeared in three games with the Jets last year, rushing 16 times for 52 yards and earned three targets. Mitchell logged zero touches and earned one target, playing for the Patriots. The Eagles already have five running backs on the roster, so both players face uphill battles to snag a roster spot.

Taylor ran 39 times for 183 yards and a touchdown with the 49ers in 2024. He suffered a shoulder injury in that season, which would eventually require surgery. The procedure knocked him out of the 2025 season entirely. He will not return to San Francisco as a depth option and a special teamer.

Herbert was released by the Colts in March and then later signed with the Jets in October. He was firmly behind Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis during the season, but was called upon today with both of them ruled out for the final week of the season. Herbert finishes the season with 16 carries for 52 yards and only three targets in the passing game. A free agent in 2026, Herbert will continue to bounce around the league looking for an opportunistic depth chart opening.

When asked if Hall will play, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, “we’ll see.” Glenn has played coy with most start-sit decisions in the Jets’ 3-13 season. No reason to stop now. Hall logged just two limited sessions to close the week. He is scheduled to enter free agency at the end of the season. Preserving his health for free agency could be the smart move. He may wish to put his stamp on the season with a strong showing, though. It would be difficult to project his playing time if he is active. Treat him as a volatile RB2 if he suits up. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), has been ruled out, leaving Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert behind Hall.

It’s looking unlikely that Davis will be cleared for Week 18 given the lack of practice — it suggests he’s still in the beginning stages of the protocol. If he rests, Khalil Herbert will likely see backup reps behind Breece Hall against the Bills on Sunday.

Starting RB Breece Hall (knee) was also sidelined by a knee injury, though he told reporters post-game that his knee is fine. Whether he can play on Sunday remains to be seen. Jets RB Kene Nwangwu (quad) is listed as the next man up, with RB Khalil Herbert seated behind him on the depth chart. Nwangwu is practicing fully.