The San Francisco 49ers made notable roster changes on Thursday, waiving running back Sincere McCormick and placing safety Darrick Forrest on injured reserve (IR). To reinforce their backfield depth amid these moves, the team signed running backs Jordan Mims and Salvon Ahmed. These transactions highlight the ongoing offseason adjustments as the 49ers prepare for training camp and the 2026 NFL campaign.
Parting Ways with Sincere McCormick
Sincere McCormick's departure closes a chapter that began when he joined the 49ers on a one-year deal earlier this offseason. The former Las Vegas Raiders undrafted free agent came to San Francisco as a physical, downhill runner expected to add depth behind a crowded group of backs. Despite showing flashes in previous stints, McCormick struggled to carve out a role behind the established lead back Christian McCaffrey, energetic backup Isaac Guerendo, promising rookie Jordan James, and reliable special teams contributor Patrick Taylor Jr.
His release shortly after the addition of Mims and Ahmed reflects the 49ers' clear roster strategy: prioritize versatile contributors capable of adapting to Kyle Shanahan's varied rushing attack and pass-catching schemes. McCormick now faces the uncertainty of the waiver process and could either latch on to another team's active roster, return to San Francisco's practice squad if unclaimed, or seek opportunities elsewhere.
Darrick Forrest's Placement on Injured Reserve
More impactful for the 49ers' defensive plans is the IR designation of safety Darrick Forrest. Signed earlier this offseason to provide veteran depth behind Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha, Forrest's injury will sideline him for a minimum of four weeks. The nature of the injury has not been publicly disclosed, but the timing places immediate pressure on San Francisco's safety group during upcoming practices and preseason matchups.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris's scheme demands safeties who excel in both run support and coverage. Forrest, with his NFL experience across multiple teams, had been a key durable option amid youth and competition. His absence spotlights the readiness of younger safeties Marques Sigle, Jalen Stroman, and Patrick McMorris, all vying to contribute meaningful snaps. The team may explore additional free agent or waiver pickups if Forrest's recovery extends to maintain depth and scheme versatility.
The New Faces in the Backfield: Jordan Mims and Salvon Ahmed
To fill the roster void and push competition in the backfield, the 49ers added Jordan Mims and Salvon Ahmed, two backs with distinct but complementary skill sets valued in Shanahan's offense.
Jordan Mims, an undrafted running back out of Fresno State in 2023, impressed with his vision and one-cut running style. He brings a solid collegiate production backdrop, amassing over 1,300 rushing yards in his final season and displaying receiving ability out of the backfield. At 6 feet and approximately 210 pounds, Mims fits well in a zone-blocking system where decisive movement is critical. His ability to handle short-yardage roles and contribute in passing situations offers added depth behind the starters.
Salvon Ahmed, formerly of Washington and with previous NFL experience with Miami and Houston, provides a change-of-pace option. Smaller and quicker at about 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, his strength lies in pass-catching and maneuvering through traffic, traits that mesh with Shanahan's intricate route concepts for running backs. Ahmed's role will likely focus on third-down duties and special teams contributions.
Both players are competing for the role of RB4 and potentially special teams participation, rounding out a backfield that already features McCaffrey, Guerendo, James, and Taylor. Their presence enhances the team's ability to maintain an energetic and diverse rushing attack while safeguarding against inevitable injuries.
Depth and Versatility: A Running Theme
Christian McCaffrey remains the 49ers' workhorse and offensive centerpiece, but the supporting cast in the backfield is evolving. Isaac Guerendo, a 2024 fourth-round pick, projects as the primary backup with a blend of speed and blocking proficiency. Rookie Jordan James offers a more physical style suited for power and goal-line situations. Behind them, the carousel of Mims, Ahmed, and Taylor provides flexibility and insurance.
The decision to invest in Mims and Ahmed signals the coaching staff's cautious yet aggressive approach to preserving depth, especially given Shanahan's history of utilizing multiple running backs to stress opposing defenses. The importance of roster versatility cannot be overstated in a league where injury situations frequently dictate personnel availability.
Defensive Secondary: Adapting to Forrest's Absence
Forrest's injury exposes a thinner safety bench for the 49ers, pushing younger safeties and cornerbacks into more prominent roles. The coaching staff may experiment with players such as Deommodore Lenoir or Renardo Green borrowing safety duties in certain packages, or they may accelerate the development of existing safeties on the roster.
Maintaining cohesion in the secondary is critical, as Morris's defense requires intelligent coverage and run support from versatile defensive backs. The front office and coaching staff will monitor the situation closely and remain open to adding veteran bodies if necessary.
Conclusion: Small Moves, Meaningful Impact
While the transactions involving McCormick, Forrest, Mims, and Ahmed may not capture national headlines, they illustrate the 49ers' meticulous roster management during the offseason. Each move is calculated to optimize depth, maintain competitive pressure in position battles, and secure the personnel best suited for Kyle Shanahan's demanding schemes on both sides of the ball.
The backfield competition promises to provide one of training camp's more intriguing battles, with Mims and Ahmed eager to prove their value and McCormick looking to find new opportunities. On defense, the safety group faces a challenge but also an opportunity to showcase its youth and resilience in Forrest's temporary absence.
As the 49ers push toward the 2026 season, these quieter roster maneuvers are foundational. The ability to sustain depth and develop talent behind proven starters remains a pillar of San Francisco's strategy in pursuit of another Super Bowl run.
Fans and analysts alike will want to track the progress of these new additions during OTAs, minicamps, and preseason as the team refines its 53-man roster and positions itself for success in the upcoming campaign.