Secure as top man in backfield
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Wednesday that McCormick will start Monday's game against the Falcons, even if Alexander Mattison (ankle) is cleared to play, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Pierce said Mattison will "probably" return from his three-game absence this week, but McCormick appears to have earned the lead role after performing well since Week 12. During the past three contests, McCormick has carried 32 times for 175 yards (5.5 YPC) to go with four catches for 12 yards, with his efficiency on the ground far surpassing what Mattison has provided this season when healthy (3.3 YPC on 97 totes over 10 games). With Mattison and Ameer Abdullah primed to fill backup roles out of the backfield and Zamir White (quadricep) on injured reserve, McCormick will look to string together a few more quality appearances to close out the 2024 season with the hope of entering 2025 with a meaningful role.
More San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football News
George Kittle
Says he's ahead of schedule
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he's "doing great" and is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab, ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reports.
Mike Evans
Winning over teammates and coaches
Evans is making a strong impression at voluntary OTAs and feels rejuvenated after an injury-plagued 2025, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Issued arrest warrant for speeding
Aiyuk (knee) has been issued an arrest warrant on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
Christian McCaffrey
Downplays workload concerns
McCaffrey said after Thursday's OTAs that he's looking forward to sustaining another heavy workload in 2026, and that any reductions in touches should come in practice rather than games, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
George Kittle
Still targeting Week 1
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he is still targeting the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Rams in Week 1 as his return date, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
Mac Jones
Gets raise for 2026
Jones agreed to terms Wednesday on a contract restructure with the 49ers that adds a $300,000 roster bonus for 2026, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Jordan James
Could be headed for No. 2 RB role
James "seems the most likely" of San Francisco's running backs behind Christian McCaffrey to earn the No. 2 role for the upcoming campaign, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
De'Zhaun Stribling
Pick motivated by intangibles?
The 49ers' selection of Stribling at No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft was partially motivated by the organization's strong belief in his personality, leadership and work ethic, according to Matt Barrow of The Athletic.
Kaelon Black
In RB2 mix behind CMC
Black is set to compete with recent draft picks Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for backup touches behind Christian McCaffrey, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
George Kittle
Aiming to play Week 1
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Kittle (Achilles) is aiming to be ready for the 49ers' Week 1 game against the Rams, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.