NFL fans react as 49ers sign “Bears legend” ahead of 2026 season

The San Francisco 49ers are adding some much-needed depth to their injury-ravaned offense.

On Sunday, the NFC West franchise was reported to have signed running back Khalil Herbert amid injuries to Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo. He is expected to back up Christian McCaffrey, while also serving as a returner on special teams.

Reaction to the development was rife:

After exploding for 1,183 yards and eight touchdown on the ground in his sole season at Virginia, Herbert was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 draft by the Chicago Bears.

He begin his rookie season as a third-stringer, but was elevated to the starting role after David Montgomery suffered an injury and Damien Williams contracted COVID-19. He finished with 433 yards and two touchdowns on 103 carries, as well as 96 yards from 14 receptions.

After Williams left for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Herbert became Montgomery’s backup. He had 731 yards and four touchdowns on the ground — both career highs — and caught a touchdown fir the first time in his career.

He became the Bears’ starting running back in 2023 after Montgomery left for the divisional rival Detroit Lions. An ankle injury limited him to 611 rushing yards, but he did set career highs in receptions (20) and receiving yards (134).

In the middle of the 2024 season, after posting just 16 rushing yards in six games, Herbert was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. He primariiy played kick returner in place of Jermaine Burton, but did start the season finale, ultimately finishing with 114 rushing yards. That is the last game he has played so far, as he spent 2025 on three teams’ practice squads.

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49ers release CB for second straight summer

Also the same day, the 49ers were reported to have waived Eli Apple.

The veteran cornerback had first joined the team in 2025, but was released ten days later. He was re-signed to the practice squad during roster cuts and played two games off the bench recording two tackles. After the season, he signed a reserve/futures contract.

Also waived was rookie edge rusher Mikail Kamara, with veteran Titus Leo taking his place.