The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed running back Khalil Herbert, adding him back to the roster after he was released earlier in the week. This move comes as the team placed running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, marking another setback for the team's depth at the position.
Taylor, a veteran, was considered a strong candidate for a 53-man roster spot. His placement on injured reserve is particularly impactful as it is his second consecutive season ending with a long-term injury, following a shoulder injury last year. Taylor had scored the 49ers' only touchdown in their preseason-opening loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Herbert, 28, will fill Taylor's roster vacancy. He had previously seen action in the 49ers' preseason opener, recording six carries for 18 yards and two receptions for 35 yards against the Titans. Herbert was originally selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets.
Across 63 career games, including 31 starts, Herbert has accumulated 1,957 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 416 carries. He has also contributed 316 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 54 receptions.
The 49ers' running back room has been significantly impacted by injuries throughout the summer. Jordan James sustained fractured ribs early in training camp, and Isaac Guerendo is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the offseason. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has had to navigate these challenges with a depleted group.
If Guerendo is activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, he would be eligible to compete for a final running back spot on the roster. His potential return would place him in contention with Herbert and Sincere McCormick for available positions before the regular season begins.