Injury-driven depth picks fuel this year’s late-round RB stash. Eight backs across multiple backfields offer true contingency upside in deep leagues, with Keaton Mitchell leading the tier as a potential Ravens fill-in if J.K. Dobbins misses time. The crew also includes Tahj Brooks, Bhayshul Tuten, Kyle Monangai, Jaydon Blue, Devin Neal, and Jordan James, each positioned behind established starters yet with clear paths to meaningful work should opportunities open. Expect waivers and late-draft targets to prize these players for possible burst weeks in 2025.

Mitchell’s speed and rookie efficiency foreshadow a high-ceiling role if volume rises; Brooks and Tuten carry breakout potential in Cincinnati and Jacksonville, respectively, while Monangai, Blue, Neal, and James offer clean depth-chart fits with upside in positive-game-script systems. Injuries to starters are the common catalyst, but even in non-injury weeks these backs can produce in limited touches via breakaway plays, goal-line chances, or as receiving options. The piece stresses that league rankings and late-round values remain fluid, making these players prime waiver-wire adds as the season unfolds.

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 buzz around the rookie running back class for the 2025 NFL season is reaching a fever pitch, with several lesser-known names poised to make significant impacts in fantasy leagues. Among the intriguing prospects is Brashard Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs, a former wide receiver turned running back, who could thrive in a shifting backfield. Meanwhile, Woody Marks from the Houston Texans brings versatility as a receiving back, likely to capitalize on the team's need for a solid RB2 given Dameon Pierce's struggles. Jordan James of the San Francisco 49ers shows promise as a power runner and could benefit from Christian McCaffrey's injury history.

Additionally, Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders, despite being a seventh-round pick, has the potential to seize opportunities in a competitive backfield. Phil Mafah of the Dallas Cowboys rounds out the list with his powerful running style, presenting a potential gem in deeper fantasy leagues. Overall, the 2025 NFL rookie running back class is rich with sleeper picks that could reshape fantasy rosters.

As the NFL offseason progresses, the San Francisco 49ers face difficult decisions regarding their roster ahead of the upcoming season. One player whose future appears uncertain is second-year running back Isaac Guerendo, recently mentioned as a potential trade candidate. The addition of rookies Jordan James and Corey Kiner has raised eyebrows regarding Guerendo's position on the team.

Guerendo's previous season showcased his dual threat as a runner and a pass catcher, evidenced by his impressive catch rate. However, his tendency to hesitate at times has drawn criticism, making his spot in the pecking order less secure. Should he find a way to improve his decisiveness, he could solidify his role in what is a competitive backfield alongside established star Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers' willingness to trade him hinges on the performances of their new rookies and their overall confidence in Guerendo's development.