The San Francisco 49ers, renowned for their explosive offensive play under head coach Kyle Shanahan, are entering the 2025 season with high expectations. However, after a challenging 2024 campaign with a 6-11 record and a slew of injuries, the team faces a critical question: Who will step up as the backup running back to star Christian McCaffrey this year? The answer might surprise many fans.
Context: A Depleted Running Back Room
Last season, the 49ers were hit hard by injuries at the running back position. Christian McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, was limited to just four games due to Achilles and knee injuries. Jordan Mason, a reliable backup, was traded to the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason. This leaves the 49ers searching for a new face to share the workload with McCaffrey, who, nearing 29, can no longer carry the same heavy load as in previous years.
In response, the team made notable moves in the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency to bolster their running back depth. Two names have emerged as frontrunners for the backup role: Jordan James and Corey Kiner, with one of them poised to be a shocking revelation in the eyes of analysts and fans alike.
Jordan James: The Promising Fifth-Round Pick
Jordan James, selected by the 49ers in the fifth round (pick 147) of the 2025 NFL Draft, is one of the leading candidates. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 205 lbs, James may not have the imposing frame of Jordan Mason (6’0″, 223 lbs), but he’s lauded for his explosive running style and physicality, drawing comparisons to 49ers legend Frank Gore, who has personally endorsed James in the team’s war room.
Hailing from the University of Oregon, James is known for his durability, rarely missing games or practices. He excels at catching passes out of the backfield and protecting the quarterback in pass-blocking situations. General Manager John Lynch expressed excitement about drafting James, noting his value in a draft class loaded with talented running backs. Scouting Director Josh Williams praised James’ toughness and versatility, calling him a perfect fit for the 49ers’ run-heavy scheme.
However, ESPN ranks James as a “depth back” among rookie running backs, suggesting he still has work to do to prove himself. Can he rise to the challenge and solidify his role as the primary backup in 2025?
Corey Kiner: The Shocking Undrafted Free Agent
If Jordan James is the safe bet, Corey Kiner—an undrafted free agent (UDFA)—is the true wildcard. According to Pro Football Network, Kiner is projected to be the most impactful undrafted player on the 49ers’ roster. A standout at the University of Cincinnati, Kiner is described as a dependable, hard-to-tackle running back with the ability to power through defenses.
For an undrafted player to secure a critical role like backup running back is rare, but the 49ers have a history of unearthing gems in the free-agent market. Kiner’s gritty playstyle and relentless work ethic give him a legitimate shot to outshine his competitors and earn a spot in the rotation. If Kiner secures the backup role, it would be a shocking development, especially as he competes against drafted players like James and even Isaac Guerendo, who faces an uncertain future.
Isaac Guerendo: A Forgotten Option?
Isaac Guerendo, a fourth-round pick in 2024, showed promise before a knee injury derailed his season. With the arrival of James and Kiner, Guerendo’s roster spot is in jeopardy. Some reports suggest the 49ers might consider trading him, with the Los Angeles Chargers mentioned as a potential destination. If Guerendo fails to impress in the preseason, he risks being cut from the 53-man roster.
Prediction: Who Will Be the Backup Running Back?
Based on current analysis, Jordan James appears to be the frontrunner for the backup running back role, given the 49ers’ investment in him during the draft and the praise from the coaching staff. However, Corey Kiner is an intriguing dark horse. If he capitalizes on his opportunities in preseason games, Kiner could emerge as the surprise choice, continuing the 49ers’ tradition of finding undrafted talent.
Whether it’s James or Kiner, the winner will need to prove they can alleviate the pressure on Christian McCaffrey, whose health remains a significant concern. With the easiest schedule in the NFL over the past decade, the 49ers have a golden opportunity to return to the playoffs if their running back unit can maintain consistency.
Conclusion
The backup running back position for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 season is generating buzz, and Corey Kiner—an undrafted free agent—could be the shocking name to watch if he outshines Jordan James and other competitors. Regardless of the outcome, 49ers fans have reason to be excited about a revitalized running back room ready to make waves in the new season. Will Kiner pull off a stunning upset, or will James prove his worth in the red and gold? Stay tuned!