The San Francisco 49ers are moving quickly as injuries reshape their training camp plans. The 49ers sign Khalil Herbert on a one-year deal, adding an experienced running back at a time when the roster is dealing with several significant health concerns.
The move comes during an especially difficult stretch for San Francisco. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is headed for season-ending surgery on the PCL injury that has troubled him since last season, while injuries have also affected the 49ers’ running back depth.
49ers Sign Khalil Herbert to One-Year Deal
San Francisco officially announced Sunday that Herbert and defensive lineman Titus Leo had signed one-year contracts.
Herbert gives the 49ers another experienced option behind Christian McCaffrey. The 28-year-old entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2021 and has also spent time with Cincinnati and the New York Jets.
Across 63 regular-season games, Herbert has rushed for 1,957 yards on 416 attempts, averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry. He has also scored nine rushing touchdowns.
Those numbers show why San Francisco sees value in adding him during training camp.
Running Back Injuries Create Immediate Need
Herbert’s arrival is particularly important because the 49ers have already lost depth in their backfield.
Rookie Jordan James suffered fractured ribs, creating another opening behind McCaffrey. Herbert now enters a group competing for preseason opportunities and backup snaps.
His experience could help him adjust quickly.
Herbert has shown throughout his career that he can produce explosive runs when given space. He also brings NFL experience that could become valuable if San Francisco wants to manage McCaffrey’s workload during camp and the preseason.
The signing should not be viewed as a direct response to Pearsall’s injury because Herbert plays running back. Instead, it reflects the broader injury problems forcing San Francisco to reinforce multiple positions.
Ricky Pearsall Injury Makes Situation Worse
The biggest blow came at wide receiver.
Pearsall is expected to miss the 2026 season after the 49ers decided surgery was necessary for his lingering PCL problem. San Francisco subsequently placed him on injured reserve.
Pearsall caught 36 passes for 528 yards during the 2025 regular season, averaging 14.7 yards per reception.
Losing him removes a potentially explosive target from Brock Purdy’s offense before the regular season even begins.
The 49ers responded at receiver by bringing back veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. on a one-year contract.
That move directly addresses Pearsall’s absence, while Herbert strengthens another offensive position affected by injuries.
What Khalil Herbert Brings to San Francisco
Herbert does not need to become the centerpiece of Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
McCaffrey remains the clear lead back when healthy. Herbert’s immediate challenge will be earning a role behind him.
His career 4.7-yard rushing average makes him an intriguing depth option. San Francisco’s outside-zone concepts could also provide opportunities for a runner capable of finding space and accelerating through running lanes.
Herbert will need to learn the offense quickly, prove himself in pass protection and make the most of preseason opportunities.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
San Francisco’s priority is getting through the rest of training camp without losing more key players.
Herbert gives the coaching staff another experienced running back, but the bigger story is the growing pressure injuries are putting on the roster.
With Pearsall gone for the season and James sidelined, the 49ers are already being forced to test their depth earlier than expected.
The 49ers sign Khalil Herbert move may not generate the attention of a blockbuster acquisition, but it could become an important piece of San Francisco’s plan to survive an increasingly difficult training camp.
FAQs
1. Why did the 49ers sign Khalil Herbert?
The 49ers signed Khalil Herbert to strengthen their running back depth during training camp. San Francisco has been dealing with several injuries across its roster, including rookie running back Jordan James’ rib injury. Herbert brings NFL experience and provides another option behind Christian McCaffrey.
2. What contract did Khalil Herbert sign with the 49ers?
Khalil Herbert signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The move gives Herbert an opportunity to compete for a role in the backfield while giving San Francisco experienced depth as it works through its training camp injury concerns.
3. Is Khalil Herbert replacing Ricky Pearsall?
No. Khalil Herbert is a running back, while Ricky Pearsall is a wide receiver. Herbert’s signing strengthens San Francisco’s running back room rather than directly replacing Pearsall. Pearsall’s injury is part of the broader injury situation affecting the 49ers’ roster.
4. What are Khalil Herbert’s career NFL stats?
Khalil Herbert has recorded 1,957 rushing yards on 416 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, with nine rushing touchdowns. His ability to produce efficient rushing yards gives the 49ers an experienced option behind their established running backs.
5. What could Khalil Herbert’s role be with the 49ers?
Herbert will compete for a backup role behind Christian McCaffrey. His NFL experience and career rushing efficiency could help him earn carries during preseason and provide valuable depth. His exact role will depend on his performance in practice, roster competition and the health of San Francisco’s other running backs.
