Training camp is nearly upon us, and the San Francisco 49ers have some questions to answer. A lot of key positions are pretty set, but there are still going to be some underrated camp battles that could have huge implications for the rest of the season.
Let’s dive into the big three to keep an eye on.
Backup running back
Christian McCaffrey is obviously still the unquestioned top dog atop the depth chart, but who ends up being his primary backup will be very important.
Jordan James is the favorite as of right now, but rookie Kaelon Black is another guy to keep an eye on. There’s also a chance the Niners don’t love any of their young options and decide to bring in a veteran or trade for one, like they did with Brian Robinson Jr. last season.
Even if McCaffrey is able to start every game, it will be important for the Niners to have a backup who is trustworthy enough to give CMC a bit of a break so they don’t overstretch him.
Of course, if he goes down with an injury, then his backup will become a much bigger question to resolve, but there’s definitely some uncertainty right now.
Who is returning kicks and punts?
Skyy Moore is gone, and the Niners are going to have to see who will step up and replace him as their primary kick and punt returner. They have several internal options to choose from.
Jacob Cowing seems like the most likely candidate since he handled return duties in 2024 as a rookie. Wide receiver Jordan Watkins could be another option, and so could running back Isaac Guerendo, but he seems likely to be cut.
They could go for an outside option at this point, but we know the Niners have never truly prioritized special teams under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Punter battle?
Speaking of special teams, it’s the second year in a row the 49ers will have a specialist battle. Last year, it was between the kickers, and this year it will be the punters.
Corliss Waitman and Jack Bouwmeester will duke it out, and it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top. Waitman has the experience, but there’s something about an Australian punter the Niners like especially since Mitch Wishnowsky was with the team for so long.
These questions aren’t going to get a ton of headlines, but every little detail matters in an NFL season, so these will be important things to keep an eye on as training camp begins.
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