Who Should I Start? Nyheim Hines or Corey Kiner

Sunday, August 10, 9:31 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Nyheim Hines looked rusty in the team's 27-13 preseason win against the Saints. The 28-year-old returned to the league, signing a contract with the Chargers in July after a two-year absence following a jet-ski accident. Hines muffed two punt returns and fumbled one away. He also added 10 yards on four carries, busting out an impressive juke on one run. However, he appeared out of sync most of the game. Despite having flashed on special teams in the past, Hines will have to do a lot more to make the team in an extremely crowded backfield.

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.