{
  "id": 241024,
  "title": "Power Ranking the Running Back Rooms in the NFC West",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/power-ranking-the-running-back-rooms-in-the-nfc-west",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T22:54:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/power-ranking-the-running-back-rooms-in-the-nfc-west-12294694"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NFC West's running back rooms are ranked based on their depth and performance. The Arizona Cardinals boast the best running back depth in the division, thanks to James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and the high-priced draft pick Trey Benson. However, their addition might have raised more questions than answers. The Cardinals will rely on first-round pick Jadarian Price, who rushed for 1,692 yards and 21 touchdowns at Notre Dame, as their primary running back. Zach Charbonnet, dealing with a serious injury, should still make an impact once he returns.\n\nThe San Francisco 49ers have Christian McCaffrey at the top of their running back depth chart, but their overall depth is what pushes them to the bottom of the rankings. McCaffrey, who rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, will likely see his workload reduced in 2026. Jordan James, Isaac Guerendo, Kaelon Black, and newly signed Khalil Herbert will compete for the remaining backup spots. James is currently nursing a rib fracture and may miss some games, while Guerendo and Black have shown promise in the past. Guerendo rushed for 420 yards two years ago but didn't record any stats last season, while Black rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns at Indiana last year. The 49ers see Black as a potential RB2 for the upcoming season.",
  "summary": "Which teams in the NFC West have the best running back depth? We ranked them from best to worst.",
  "key_points": [
    "Arizona Cardinals have best running back depth in NFC West",
    "San Francisco 49ers have lowest depth despite Christian McCaffrey",
    "Zach Charbonnet and Jordan James' injury status impacts rankings"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The NFC West's running back landscape shifts with the Cardinals' revamped room potentially unsettling the balance, while the 49ers' depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey gains promising, if inexperienced, reinforcements.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/241024.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Power Ranking the Running Back Rooms in the NFC North",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/power-ranking-the-running-back-rooms-in-the-nfc-north",
        "published": "2026-08-06T21:00:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}