Who Should I Start? Jaret Patterson or Corey Kiner

Saturday, August 31, 9:20 AM

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad. He had been released from the 53-man roster earlier in the week but is now back in the building. The 24-year-old registered 339 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2021, but his production has scaled back since then and he didn't even register a touch last year. He's merely a depth option behind the four running backs on the Chargers' active roster and therefore isn't expected to see the field much in 2024.

Sunday, August 10, 5:46 AM

Rookie Corey Kiner had a solid day in his professional debut. In the 49ers' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, Kiner led San Francisco's backfield in touches and yards, taking 10 carries for 45 yards and catching one pass for a two-yard gain. He also served as a kick returner, bringing one back for 17 yards. Kiner, an undrafted free agent, comes to the 49ers after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons as a Cincinnati Bearcat and figures to see a lot of work in the preseason. San Francisco is unlikely to put Christian McCaffrey's health on the line so early, and Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and fellow rookie Jordan James (finger) are set to miss multiple weeks while nursing injuries. Kiner will have his next chance to impress next week against the Las Vegas Raiders.