49ers reportedly bring back their former leading rusher to depleted backfield

The 49ers will have a familiar face returning to their running back room this week.

Citing agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the 49ers are bringing back running back Jeff Wilson Jr.

The 49ers likely have no intention of playing starter Christian McCaffrey in the preseason, backup Isaac Guerendo is out for at least two more weeks with a shoulder injury and fifth-round draft pick Jordan James had finger surgery after knee issues earlier in camp. Their leading rusher in Saturday’s preseason-opening loss to Denver was undrafted free agent Corey Kiner (10 rushes, 45 yards), followed by veteran free agent Ameer Abdullah (four rushes, 20 yards). Abdullah was hurt during the game, suffering a rib injury on a play in which he fumbled.

Wilson played in 45 games with 15 starts for the 49ers under Shanahan and gained 1,733 yards on 390 carries with 15 touchdowns. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022 when McCaffrey was acquired by trade from Carolina.

The 49ers overhauled their running back depth this offseason, trading last year’s leading rusher, Jordan Mason, to Minnesota and allowing 2021 leader Elijah Mitchell to walk in free agency, where he signed with Kansas City.

Wilson led the 49ers with 600 rushing yards during their doomed 2020 season. He has plenty of experience in coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, as his coach in Miami was former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.