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49ers Cut Eli Apple, Sign Khalil Herbert & Colts Edge Rusher
49ers Shake Up Roster: New Running Back and Defensive Lineman Added
What Happened?
The San Francisco 49ers made two new signings to their football team this week. Think of it like a teacher adding two new students to the class mid-year—except these "students" are professional athletes!
Who Are the New Players?
Khalil Herbert – Running Back
- Signed to a one-year contract
- Age: 28 years old
- Previous team: New York Jets (played very little in 2025)
- Background: Once considered a rising star with 4.48-second speed in the 40-yard dash (that’s really fast!)
- Current situation: Injuries have slowed him down recently, but the 49ers are giving him a fresh start
Titus Leo – Defensive Lineman
- Height/Weight: 6’3", 245 pounds (about the size of a large refrigerator!)
- Draft history: 6th round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023
- Experience: Only 4 games played in his career so far
- Most recent stop: Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad (October 2025)
- Special talent: Incredible athlete – ran 4.69 seconds in the 40-yard dash and jumped 129 inches vertically at his Pro Day (that’s elite!)
Why Did the 49ers Make These Moves?
1. Running Back Emergency
Important: The team’s rookie running back Jordan James suffered fractured ribs and will miss time. With Christian McCaffrey (the star player) likely sitting out preseason games, they needed healthy bodies at running back immediately.
2. Defensive Line Depth
- The 49ers were testing multiple defensive linemen (like trying on shoes to find the best fit)
- They worked out Ogbo Okonkwo but chose the younger, more athletic Leo instead
- Leo’s incredible jumping ability (129" vertical!) makes him a rare athletic specimen
Who Had to Leave to Make Room?
The team has a strict limit on how many players they can keep (like a classroom with only 30 desks). To add Herbert and Leo, two players had to go:
| Player | Position | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Apple | Cornerback | Waived (released completely) |
| Mikail Kamara | Defensive Line | Waived/Injured (carted off field during Saturday’s practice) |
What’s Next for the New Guys?
Khalil Herbert’s Role:
- Preseason games: Will share carries with Kaelon Black and Patrick Taylor
- Regular season: Backup option behind Christian McCaffrey
- Goal: Prove he still has "big-play ability" despite injury history
Titus Leo’s Role:
- Training camp: Compete for a roster spot on the defensive line
- Special teams: Could contribute immediately on kick/punt coverage
- Development: Coaches will try to unlock his raw athletic potential
Summary
The 49ers addressed urgent needs at two positions:
- Running back: Added Herbert for depth after Jordan James’ injury
- Defensive line: Took a chance on Leo’s rare athleticism despite limited experience
Both are low-risk, high-reward signings – if they work out, great! If not, the team didn’t commit much money or time.
FAQ
Q: Why sign a 28-year-old running back who barely played last year?
A: It’s a "prove it" deal – one year, low cost. Herbert has shown flashes of brilliance before injuries derailed him. The 49ers need someone healthy right now.
Q: What does "waived/injured" mean for Mikail Kamara?
A: He was hurt (carted off the field), so the team cut him but with an injury designation. If he clears waivers, he goes on their "injured reserve" list and can’t play for anyone this year.
Q: How good is a 129-inch vertical jump?
A: Insanely good! For context, the average NFL player jumps 30-35 inches. Leo jumped nearly 11 feet straight up – that’s elite even for professional athletes.
Q: Will Christian McCaffrey play in preseason?
A: The article says "assuming we don’t see much of Christian McCaffrey" – star players often sit out preseason to avoid injury risk.
Q: What’s a practice squad?
A: Think of it as the "junior varsity" team – up to 16 players who practice with the team but don’t play in games (unless promoted). Leo was on the Eagles’ practice squad before this signing.
