Our old friend Adam Peters has executed his second trade with the team by sending running back Brian Robinson, Jr, to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick and apparently picking up some of the bill. The move provides depth for the team and is cheap towards the salary cap. Now, Robinson, Jr. will be a free agent next season, but we’ll push that discussion off for another day.
The running back room has become clear. The 49ers will carry five running backs into 2025. Given the litany of injuries and depth, the Robinson trade fortifies the room and provides confidence in the face of any potential injuries.
Prediction: Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson, Jr, Issac Guerendo, Kyle Juszczyk, Jeff Wilson, Jr.
I know what you’re thinking. Where is Jordan James? I think the Robinson trade allows the 49ers to redshirt James this season, and he’ll be pushed to the IR. Given Kyle Shanahan’s track record, he’ll feel more comfortable with Wilson. However, if the 49ers are down to Wilson as a starter, things aren’t going to be good. Either way, James may be a candidate to sit out his first season.
22 personnel is a grouping that typically includes McCaffrey and Juszczyk. Now, the grouping could be McCaffrey and Robinson, Jr., especially in Week 1, given the injuries and uncertainty of the 49ers receiver room. McCaffrey is well-equipped to take the receiving role with Robinson in the backfield. Shanahan will have to get creative while the 49ers wait for the receiving room to round out.
Guerendo is a former wide receiver and can help as a pass catcher, but the trade for Robinson clearly signals the team’s level of comfort in the second-year running back’s ability to back up McCaffrey. Coupled with his injuries, Guerendo returned to practice recently and fumbled three times yesterday while wearing a brace for his shoulder. The talent is there, but the team is telling you what they think about the player. At this point, Guerendo will be returning kicks to begin the season.
The 49ers can get creative with playing time for their top three running backs. McCaffrey and Guerendo can help shoulder the load as pass catchers. Robinson, Jr is an experienced running back with a nose for the end zone. Juszczyk is still in play on early downs as a run blocker and overall mismatch. On Friday, August 22nd, the 49ers’ running back room is far more solid than it was a day ago.
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