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Niners Nation fantasy football takes on Khalil Herbert
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Niners Nation about Khalil Herbert.
9
Insights
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Positive
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Insight ledger
All Niners Nation insights about Khalil Herbert
PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Herbert was brought back on a one-year deal as the corresponding move to Patrick Taylor Jr.'s IR placement. The source expects Herbert to see plenty of work in Week 2; he logged 31 snaps in his previous appearance (seven on special teams) with six carries for 18 yards, positioning him as a key contributor in the 49ers' RB rotation without Christian McCaffrey.NegativeDepth ChartAug 18, 2026
Released by the 49ers on Monday; the source directly attributes the release to Kaelon Black's return to practice, indicating Black's recovery eliminates the need for Herbert as a backup option.NegativeDepth ChartAug 17, 2026
Herbert signed with the 49ers at the beginning of August but was released after a couple of weeks of training camp and one preseason game in which he had six carries for 18 yards, including nine yards after contact and one forced missed tackle; his release opens the backfield for healthier options.NegativeDepth ChartAug 3, 2026
RB Khalil Herbert was signed by the 49ers this weekend in response to injuries to three of their top four running backs before the third window of practice blocks. The signing reflects the team's depth chart needs amid the injury wave.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Herbert's work ethic and film study are exceptional. QB Hendon Hooker, Herbert's roommate, praised his dedication: 'His work ethic is just incredible. The way he can break down defenses while watching film and then implement it in the game is incredible.' Herbert's parents instilled a culture of education and hard work; he holds a business administration degree from Kansas and is pursuing a Master's in Information Technology at Virginia Tech.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Herbert's running back vision and patience are standout traits. Offensive coordinator Getsy describes Herbert as having a 'cool patience about him,' noting he 'is able to kind of let things happen and make it feel like he's not necessarily going full speed but he is, which then allows him to make cuts and read off the blocks of guys really well.' Herbert credits running backs coach David Walker with training his eyes and helping him identify landmarks on the defense, plant his foot, and get upfield.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
49ers signed Herbert as a backup RB to spell Kaelon Black and Patrick Taylor in the preseason, assuming limited Christian McCaffrey usage. Herbert played sparingly in 2025 with the Jets; the 28-year-old was once viewed as a promising big-play threat with 4.48 speed, but injuries have since zapped some of that explosive ability.NegativeRoleAug 2, 2026
49ers signed Herbert to a one-year deal as depth at running back. The 28-year-old will likely spell Kaelon Black and Patrick Taylor in the preseason, assuming Christian McCaffrey remains healthy. Herbert played sparingly in 2025 with the Jets; he was once viewed as a promising big-play threat with 4.48 speed entering the NFL, but injuries have since zapped some of that explosive ability.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
49ers worked out the former Bears sixth-round pick (2021) as potential depth; Herbert has accumulated nearly 2,000 rushing yards over five NFL seasons with peak production in 2022 (731 yards, 4 TDs on 5.7 YPC in 13 games) and 2023 (611 yards, 2 TDs in 132 carries), but role dwindled after trade to Cincinnati in 2024 (36 carries) and subsequent stint with Jets last season (52 yards in 7 games).