Rookie Kaelon Black impresses in 49ers' joint practice with Chargers

San Francisco rookie running back Kaelon Black, returning from an adductor injury, was a standout in the 49ers' joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday. Black caught a 7-yard pass from quarterback Brock Purdy on the first play and later recorded an 8-yard touchdown reception from third-string quarterback Adrian Martinez.

"I thought he looked good with hitting the hole and running hard," Purdy said. "You could tell there’s a different level of intensity when he touches the ball. I’m excited to see what he does in live action, too, with breaking tackles and hitting the gaps."

Coach Kyle Shanahan noted that it was Black’s first practice back and praised his health and effort.

"I thought he looked good from what I saw. It was his first practice back. It’s always tough going against another team on your first practice back and he looked healthy and had some juice today."

With running backs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo still out, Black received a larger workload. He is expected to see game action in the preseason matchup against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday.

The practice also featured veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who was removed early due to quad tightness, and a mixed performance from the 49ers' offense. The Chargers defense forced two interceptions, and the 49ers struggled in the two-minute drill.

"We struggled a little bit in the move-the-ball period and didn’t score in two-minute. So there were some ups and downs, and I didn’t like the way we finished the day," Shanahan said.

"It wasn’t our best day. I feel like our fundamentals were a little off. I feel like we could’ve come out with a little more of a chip on our shoulder," Purdy added.

Rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling also made an impact with two touchdown catches, and several other players, including wide receivers Jacob Cowing and DeMarcus Robinson, contributed in the drills. Injuries continued to limit some veterans, such as wide receiver Christian Kirk, who remains sidelined with a calf issue.

Overall, the joint practice highlighted Black’s readiness to contribute while underscoring areas the 49ers aim to improve before the upcoming preseason game.