San Francisco 49ers training camp erupts with scrums as rookie Kaelon Black impresses veterans

The San Francisco 49ers held their first padded practice on Friday, and the intensity sparked several on‑field scuffles. Linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw were involved in a brief altercation after a tackle, and veteran linebacker Fred Warner later was cited in a separate incident that left rookie running back Jordan James with cracked ribs. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster said the incidents were typical of a Day 1 practice.

Running back Christian McCaffrey praised third‑round rookie Kaelon Black, noting his “stacked” skill set and college success at Indiana, where he rushed for 1,040 yards and ten touchdowns. McCaffrey, the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year, expects Black to contribute in short‑yardage situations while he remains the lead back. The team also evaluated receiver Ricky Pearsall’s knee injury, with surgery still a possibility.