Who Should I Start? Jordan James or Kaelon Black

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jordan James News

Jordan James Could Move into RB2 Role

Friday, September 18, 6:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James could step in as the primary backup this weekend against the Miami Dolphins. Rookie back Kaelon Black (groin) is currently listed as questionable for the Week 2 matchup in Miami. If he gets downgraded, James figures to move into the primary backup role behind Christian McCaffrey. James was inactive for Thursday's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The 22-year-old probably won't have a role normally unless there is an injury in the backfield. This could be his opportunity to prove he deserves more playing time. Black saw 14 carries during the season opener, so James could be an interesting handcuff if the rookie is unable to go.

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
4.8 27.5 0.1 0.5 4.0 0.0

Kaelon Black News

Kaelon Black's Playing Time At Risk

Friday, October 2, 11:57 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black saw a healthy 38.5% snap share in the first two games of the season. The 49ers had both contests well in hand early on, allowing them to get Black involved frequently as a means of managing Christian McCaffrey's workload. When the Cardinals proved surprisingly pesky in Week 3, San Francisco leaned on their star at the expense of the rookie, who saw just eight snaps to CMC's 45. That pattern may follow in Week 4, when the 49ers take on the Denver Broncos, who have engineered fourth-quarter comebacks in each of the last two weeks. On the plus side, the Broncos have been soft against the run so far in 2026, giving up the third-highest yards per carry and highest EPA per rush attempt. Black is projected as a borderline RB4/5 for Week 4. Fantasy managers may want to look for an option with more certain playing time before plugging Black into their lineups.

Jordan James vs. Kaelon Black

Still trying to decide between James and Black? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jordan James is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Kaelon Black is projected to score 4.8 points.