D’Ernest Johnson and Jeff Wilson Jr. both worked out for the 49ers on their off day. The 49ers also worked out Ameer Abdullah and Deon Jackson
The San Francisco 49ers worked out a pair of running backs on their off day, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. D’Ernest Johnson was one. Let’s talk about him.
Johnson, 29, is listed at 5’10”, 208 pounds. Johnson was most recently with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. He had 32 carries for 143 yards, including 12 receptions for 96 yards. Johnson started one game in two seasons with the Jaguars. He was an undrafted free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft, where he signed with the Cleveland Browns. Johnson was with Cleveland from 2019 through 2022. His most active season was in 2021, when Johnson had 100 carries.
Kyle’s update, 2:45 p.m. PT: NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted the 49ers worked out two more running backs—former second-round pick from a decade ago, Ameer Abdullah, and Deon Jackson.
Abdullah, 32, was with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. He’s bounced around the NFL since 2015. The 49ers’ decision to bring in an established veteran not only suggests an injury in the running back room but also that Kyle Shanahan wants somebody who can grasp his offense quickly and be serviceable in practice.
Jackson, 6’0, 218 pounds, was an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2021. He spent his rookie contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Jackson has 95 career rushes and 35 career receptions.
We know all about the second running back the 49ers worked out—Jeff Wilson Jr., who spent the last two and a half seasons with Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins after requesting a trade from San Francisco.
Wilson Jr. only had 16 carries last season and 41 the season prior. During the second half of 2022, Wilson Jr. had 84 carries. Wilson Jr. has battled injuries, which is why he has nearly a 30 percent chance of sustaining another injury in 2025.
Since leaving the 49ers, Willson suffered a Grade 1 hip strain and was placed on the Injured Reserve ahead of the 2023 season with a “midsection injury compounded by some finger issues,” according to McDaniel.
We should be asking why the 49ers are entertaining running backs before August. Rookie running back Jordan James didn’t practice on Tuesday. It’s unknown why, and the team has not announced an injury, but one plus one equals two, and we can likely expect some news to come out about James by the time the 49ers take the practice field on Thursday.