The San Francisco 49ers' backfield is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 season. As the team heads into offseason workouts, they're loaded with six running backs vying for roster spots—and a new NFL insider prediction suggests the depth chart could look very different than expected.

Headlining the group is superstar Christian McCaffrey, who remains the undisputed RB1. But the battle for RB2 is heating up, especially after the 49ers used a third-round pick in 2025 on Kaelon Black. According to The Athletic's Vic Tafur, Black is now poised to compete directly with Jordan James for the backup role. James, a fifth-round pick in 2025, was hampered by an early-season injury and saw limited action last year, but head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously praised his potential. However, Shanahan also admitted that Black was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the 2026 draft class, signaling the team's high expectations for the rookie.

This shakeup could spell trouble for Isaac Guerendo, a fourth-round pick just two years ago. After a promising rookie season in 2024 with 84 carries for 420 yards and four touchdowns, Guerendo didn't record a single carry in 2025. Tafur's assessment is blunt: "Guerendo... seems like he is buried and will be looking for a new team." It's a tough break for the young back, but in the competitive world of NFL rosters, production is everything.

With McCaffrey and Black likely locks for the roster, the 49ers' depth chart is taking shape. Jordan James will have to fight for his role, while Patrick Taylor and Sincere McCormick round out the competition. For fans and fantasy football enthusiasts, this backfield battle is one to watch—especially if you're eyeing the next breakout star in San Francisco's high-powered offense.