In a gut-wrenching turn of events during the San Francisco 49ers’ second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, undrafted rookie running back Corey Kiner suffered a devastating left ankle injury that abruptly ended his night and potentially his immediate NFL aspirations. The injury occurred after Kiner, a standout from Cincinnati, broke free for an impressive 19-yard run, showcasing the speed and power that made him a coveted prospect despite going undrafted. According to the 49ers’ official release, Kiner was ruled out for the remainder of the game after being evaluated by the medical staff and carted off the field, as reported by team reporter Briana Jeannel.
Kiner, a 5-foot-9, 209-pound dynamo, was a force during his collegiate career at Cincinnati, where he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his final two seasons. Over his college tenure, he amassed 2,886 yards and 16 touchdowns, including a stellar 2024 campaign with 1,153 yards and four scores. His physical running style and relentless drive had positioned him as a potential dark horse to earn a roster spot with the 49ers, making this injury a heartbreaking setback.
The 49ers’ backfield woes deepened as Kiner’s injury was not the only blow to the unit in the game. Running back and return specialist Patrick Taylor Jr. also exited early with a shoulder injury, further depleting San Francisco’s depth. The team is already grappling with a string of injuries at the running back position: Isaac Guerendo is nursing a shoulder injury, Jordan James is sidelined for several weeks with a broken finger, and Ameer Abdullah was recently placed on injured reserve. The mounting injuries have left the 49ers’ running back room in disarray as they navigate the critical preseason period.
The injury bug didn’t stop at the backfield. Starting right guard Dominick Puni also suffered a knee injury after being rolled up on during San Francisco’s opening scoring drive, which culminated in a 30-yard field goal. Puni, a key piece of the 49ers’ offensive line, was ruled out for the game, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns as they prepare for the regular season.
For Kiner, the injury represents a cruel twist of fate. The undrafted rookie was fighting an uphill battle to secure a spot on the 49ers’ roster, and his explosive play early in the game was a testament to his potential. Now, his immediate future is uncertain as he awaits further medical evaluation. The 49ers, meanwhile, face the challenge of regrouping amidst a rash of injuries that threaten to derail their depth and momentum heading into the 2025 season. As the team and its fans hold their breath for updates, the preseason clash with the Raiders will be remembered as a costly collision that left dreams on hold.