Kaelon Black injury update: Will 49ers RB play vs. Dolphins?

One of the stories of the San Francisco 49ers' Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams was the workload and success of rookie third-round running back Kaelon Black.

Black led the team with 14 carries and tied Christian McCaffrey with a team-high 15 touches. It looked in the aftermath of the season opener that Black would be a legitimate second option in the 49ers backfield. Now he's dealing with a groin injury that puts his opportunity for a Week 2 follow up in jeopardy.

There was no indication Black was dealing with an injury early in the week. He didn't appear on the Wednesday practice participation report which means he was a full participant with no injury he was managing. Thursday he showed up as a limited participant with a groin issue. He was limited again in Friday's practice.

It's a coin flip for now. Black after being limited in Thursday and Friday's practices is officially 'questionable' on the injury report. It's a good sign overall that he was at least limited in Friday's session and not absent.

Shanahan was mum on Black's status for the week. He indicated Thursday that the team is just being cautious with Black after he dealt with groin tightness.

"No, I think we're just being smart with him," Shanahan said in a radio interview. "It was a little tight today, so we didn't want to push him too hard."

After Friday's practice Shanahan had even less information. He said he has "a questionable amount of optimism" about Black playing Sunday against Miami.

Jordan James would be next up if Black is unable to suit up. James was a healthy scratch from Week 1. He figures to be up for Sunday if Black is out. The 49ers could also elevate RB Sincere McCormick from the practice squad for some additional depth.

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