San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black stepped onto an NFL field for the first time Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers came away with a decisive 41-17 victory, and Black saw action with the first-team offense, finishing the night with eight carries for 33 yards.
"I would say I had a solid day," Black told reporters after Saturday afternoon's practice. "Still some things to clean up on. Playing the first game in the NFL is definitely big. Just blessed to be out there, playing the game that I love."
Black did not contribute to the 49ers' passing attack and was not targeted against the Chargers. However, that could change as the rookie continues to develop and earn the trust of his coaches and teammates.
Black didn't receive many opportunities to showcase his pass-catching ability during his time at Indiana, but he believes that was largely due to the school's talented receiving corps. Before transferring to Indiana, Black spent two seasons at James Madison, where he recorded 44 receptions for 431 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He believes he can be a reliable receiving option at the NFL level.
The 49ers appeared to give Black opportunities to showcase his pass-catching ability during Saturday's practice. However, the rookie emphasized that he wants to continue improving in every area of his game.
"Really just all-around game—in the run game, pass game, and just making sure that everyone is really keyed into what they're supposed to be doing to help the offense flow as good as it can," Black said.
Part of playing running back in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense involves handling pass-protection responsibilities. Black is certainly up for that challenge, but he acknowledges that there is much more to the position at the NFL level. Luckily, he has one of the league's best running back coaches to get him up to speed.
"I also have a very detailed coach in Bobby Turner," Black said. "He's very hard on me and making sure that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing on the field, and he has very high expectations for me—and I'm up for the challenge."
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