49ers release veteran RB Khalil Herbert
San Francisco is moving on from running back Khalil Herbert, Adam Schefter reported, trimming the backfield as cutdown season approaches.
The San Francisco 49ers are releasing veteran running back Khalil Herbert, Adam Schefter reported Monday.
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): 49ers are releasing veteran RB Khalil Herbert.
Herbert, 28, has bounced around the league in recent seasons after beginning his career with the Chicago Bears, where he flashed as a between-the-tackles runner and kick returner. He landed with San Francisco amid the club's perennial backfield churn, but the 49ers are thinning the position as roster cutdown decisions loom.
The move drew immediate reaction across the 49ers-centric corner of social media, with multiple fan accounts amplifying Schefter's report within minutes. San Francisco has cycled through running backs aggressively under its current regime, valuing fresh legs and scheme fit over veteran continuity.
Herbert becomes a free agent and figures to draw look from backfield-needy clubs once he clears waivers, particularly those seeking experienced depth behind an established starter.