San Francisco’s preseason backfield was thin from the start, with Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James sidelined. Ameer Abdullah shouldered the early load, but a third‑quarter rib hit forced him out and left the 49ers with Ke'Shawn Vaughn stepping in after being signed just days earlier. The immediate shift underscored how quickly depth can get taxed in the warmups.

Abdullah’s rugged veteran presence was complemented briefly by Patrick Taylor Jr., Corey Kiner, and Abdullah before the injury, with Vaughn poised to absorb extra snaps the rest of the night. Abdullah’s background—All‑Big Ten standout at Nebraska, then a career across several NFL stops—highlights the volatility and value of veteran depth in SF’s backfield. Vaughn’s arrival could illuminate a path to a broader role if Abdullah misses time.

Fantasy angles center on Abdullah’s health and Vaughn’s integration. If Abdullah is sidelined, Vaughn could become the immediate lead for early downs and short-yardage, while Kiner may compete for change‑of‑pace touches. The Broncos game amplified SF’s need for flexibility behind a top option, making Abdullah’s status a key monitor as Week 1 approaches.

Bottom line: this game illustrated SF’s willingness to test options behind McCaffrey, with a veteran’s injury opening the door for Vaughn and potentially elevating Kiner and the rest of the depth chart in fantasy projections to start the season.

The Philadelphia Eagles are trading pass rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers for a mid-round pick. The deal can't be processed until after June 1, but both teams are finalizing the agreement, with Huff reworking his contract to facilitate the trade. Huff, who had a breakout season in 2023 with 10 sacks, will join a revamped 49ers defense led by his former Jets coach Robert Saleh.

This trade reflects a strategic move for the Eagles, who are cutting losses on Huff's significant contract while still contending with a solid roster after winning the Super Bowl. For the 49ers, acquiring Huff highlights their belief in his potential, especially with Saleh's familiarity with his capabilities from their time together in New York.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a notable addition to their running back roster by signing Patrick Taylor III to a one-year contract. Taylor, who had a brief stint with the team last season, is expected to fill a role that was previously held by Jordan Mason, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Taylor's familiarity with the 49ers' system and his past experience with the Green Bay Packers, where he demonstrated his ability on third downs, makes him a compelling candidate to support Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo.

Last season, Taylor showed promise, particularly in the season finale, where he stepped in as the lead back and rushed for over 100 yards. With the 49ers' current depth at running back, including McCaffrey and Guerendo, Taylor's performance in training camp will be crucial as he competes for a roster spot against other candidates like Israel Abanikanda.

The San Francisco 49ers faced significant penalties during their Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, resulting in a 29-17 loss. The team was flagged 11 times for a total of 90 yards, reflecting a lack of discipline on the field. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of reducing penalties, stating, 'No matter what's going on, when you have penalties like that, you don't deserve to win.'

In addition to the game penalties, the NFL imposed fines on three players from the 49ers for infractions that occurred during the game but did not result in on-field penalties. Linebacker Fred Warner was fined $16,883 for a hip-drop tackle on Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, marking his second fine of the season. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott received an $11,774 fine for a similar tackle on Raheem Mostert.

Running back Patrick Taylor was also fined for unnecessary roughness related to a low block that did not draw a penalty flag, which coincidentally resulted in a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to tight end Eric Saubert. While other defensive players faced penalties in the second half, they escaped fines. Additionally, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland was fined for a low hit on 49ers center Jake Brendel, illustrating that both teams were under scrutiny for their conduct during the game.

This article provides an in-depth look at potential fantasy football waiver wire pickups for the upcoming week, focusing on players who could significantly impact your lineup. It highlights several key athletes, including running backs and wide receivers, who are poised to take advantage of favorable matchups or increased roles due to injuries on their respective teams.

One standout mentioned is Kimani Vidal, a rookie running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite a lackluster season, he could become a valuable asset in Week 17, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding J.K. Dobbins' availability due to injury. The Chargers' matchup against the New England Patriots, who have struggled against running backs, presents a prime opportunity for Vidal to shine.

Other notable players discussed include Jalen McMillan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has recently improved his performance, and Ameer Abdullah of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has been a surprising contributor in recent weeks. The article also touches on Alexander Mattison, who is expected to lead the Raiders' backfield, and Patrick Taylor Jr., who may become the featured back for the San Francisco 49ers. Lastly, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is recommended for fantasy managers looking for a quarterback boost.