On Friday, the San Francisco 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, as first reported by ESPN‘s Adam Schefter. The transaction is expected to bolster the 49ers’ running back depth ahead of the 2024 NFL season, offering new options behind star Christian McCaffrey.

With Robinson now joining the roster, the 49ers’ offensive depth chart has been updated, positioning him as the team’s likely second-string running back while providing important insurance for their leading rusher.

Updated Offensive Depth Chart Highlights New 49ers Roster Composition

The current quarterback lineup features Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Carter Bradley, and Nate Sudfeld. At running back, Christian McCaffrey remains the primary ball carrier, followed by Brian Robinson Jr., Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, Corey Kiner, Jeff Wilson, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Fullback duties continue with Kyle Juszczyk.

The wide receiver group includes Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Russell Gage Jr., Terique Owens, and Malik Turner, while a secondary receiver group features Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Junior Bergen, Isaiah Hodgins, and Robbie Chosen. The tight end unit is led by George Kittle alongside Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges, and Brayden Willis.

At offensive line, the left tackle position is covered by Trent Williams, Spencer Burford, and Isaiah Prince. Left guard options include Ben Bartch, Nick Zakelj, and Connor Colby, with Jake Brendel, Matt Hennessy, and Drake Nugent rotating at center. Right guard candidates are Dominick Puni and Drew Moss, while right tackle is manned by Colton McKivitz, Austen Pleasants, and Isaac Alarcon.

Impact of Robinson’s Arrival on the 49ers’ Running Back Dynamics and Fantasy Football

Brian Robinson Jr. strengthens the running back group by adding crucial depth behind Christian McCaffrey, who will remain the focal point of the 49ers’ rushing attack. Robinson’s presence could lead to him absorbing some short-yardage and red-zone carries, which may slightly reduce McCaffrey’s touchdown opportunities. However, McCaffrey is still widely expected to be a top-tier, first-round fantasy pick.

McCaffrey demonstrated elite production two seasons ago as the No. 1 overall fantasy player, amassing 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Despite being the consensus first overall pick last fantasy season, an Achilles injury delayed his return until Week 10. A subsequent knee injury in his fourth game sidelined him for the rest of that campaign.

In total, McCaffrey compiled just 202 rushing yards, 15 catches for 146 yards, and no touchdowns across four appearances. Although last season‘s performance and injury concerns may caution some fantasy managers from selecting him early, reports indicate he is currently healthy and poised for a strong comeback.

Additional Challenges and Changes Within the 49ers Offense

The 49ers face ongoing injury concerns with other offensive players, such as wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who is sidelined by a calf issue, and Brandon Aiyuk, dealing with recovery from a torn ACL and unlikely to play before Week 6, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

When McCaffrey was injured last year, Jordan Mason capitalized by rushing for 789 yards and three touchdowns over 12 games, including three starts. However, Mason signed with the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason. This left 2024 fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo as McCaffrey’s expected backup after a solid rookie campaign with 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 84 carries.

Robinson’s arrival significantly impacts the fantasy outlook for Guerendo, likely pushing him out of many fantasy drafts except in the deepest leagues. Robinson, initially a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, spent three seasons with Washington, consistently rushing for between 733 and 799 yards each year.

Robinson’s best rushing season came last year with 799 yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 4.3 yards per carry. However, his receiving production dipped from 36 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns in 2022 to just 20 catches for 159 yards and no touchdowns in the following season. In San Francisco, he is unlikely to be heavily involved in the passing game either, which limits his upside in fantasy leagues.

Looking Ahead: Christian McCaffrey’s Role and Fantasy Value Amid New Competition

While Robinson could occasionally take some touchdowns from McCaffrey, the 49ers clearly view him more as a backup than an equal partner. This dynamic means McCaffrey’s fantasy value remains strong, especially for those willing to draft him in the mid-first round and bet on his health staying intact through the season.

Beyond the backfield, George Kittle continues to be an elite fantasy tight end, generally selected in the third or fourth round. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall offer high-upside potential in later rounds, typically between the sixth and eighth rounds. Quarterback Brock Purdy remains one of the safer late-round quarterback options in fantasy drafts.