Kaelon Black’s return to 11-on-11 action was one of the more encouraging signs for the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, with the rookie running back also scoring a red-zone touchdown as the team worked through its second joint practice of Training Camp.
The timing matters. Black had not taken part in 11-on-11 work since Day 6, so this was his first full live team period in more than a week, and it came against the Los Angeles Chargers on Day 14 of 2026 Training Camp. The 49ers now turn quickly to Thursday’s Week 2 preseason matchup, where Shanahan said Black is most likely to appear.
Shanahan liked the first look back
Shanahan was positive about what he saw from the rookie, even while acknowledging that it was his first practice back and that the setting was a difficult one. “He looked good from what I saw,” Shanahan said. “It was his first practice back. It's always tough going against another team on your first day back, but he looked healthy.”
That last point is the most important. For a young running back trying to earn trust early in camp, simply handling a full practice without hesitation is a meaningful step. Shanahan added that Black “had some juice today,” which fits the wider impression that the 49ers wanted to see how he responded in a more demanding, game-like setting.
Why the live work mattered
The 49ers used the joint practice to work through 11-on-11, red-zone and situational periods, giving Black a chance to show more than just straight-line running. The rookie was also part of the live team periods, and his touchdown in the red zone added to a productive day.
Fred Warner welcomed the chance to face another opponent, saying: “Anytime you get to go against another team, it's a great opportunity to see where you stand.” He added that the session was “a good test for us,” which is exactly what joint practices are designed to provide. For Black, that kind of environment offered a clean answer on where he is physically and how he looks against a different defense.
Black’s touches gave the 49ers something to think about
Brock Purdy also came away impressed. “I thought he looked good hitting the hole and running hard,” Purdy said, adding that Black showed “a different level of intensity when he touches the ball.” That is a useful trait for a young back, especially one who has to make every touch count in a crowded camp battle.
Shanahan’s comments suggested the coaching staff noticed the same thing. He said, “Those were two good plays,” while also praising the way Black approaches the work every day. “He's competing every day... I love how he handles himself. Stays humble. He takes coaching really well. Never seems to take anything personally. He's been real fun to coach so far.”
That combination of attitude and production is often what keeps a rookie in the conversation. Black still has more to prove, but his return to full team action came at a useful time for the 49ers, who were able to assess him in a more realistic setting before Thursday’s preseason game.
What comes next
Shanahan said Black is “most likely” to play in Thursday’s Week 2 preseason matchup against the Chargers. That would give the 49ers another important look at him in live action, this time with actual game conditions rather than practice periods.
The broader picture is straightforward. Tuesday’s session had ups and downs for the San Francisco offense, with Shanahan saying, “I liked it a little more at first. Didn't like it as much later,” and noting that the team “didn't score in two minutes.” But for Black, the day was a step forward: a return to 11-on-11 work, a red-zone score, and a strong chance to carry that momentum into Thursday.
