Wilson Jr. Scores on Return as 49ers Lose Kiner, Defense Shines

Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. capped his first series since re-signing with the San Francisco 49ers by punching in a 1-yard touchdown, five days after returning to the club. The score highlighted the opening stretch of the team’s Aug. 16 preseason game. San Francisco’s backfield depth thinned moments earlier when rookie Corey Kiner was carted off with an ankle injury. Christian McCaffrey was a healthy scratch, while fellow backs Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) were inactive. Patrick Taylor managed minus-6 yards on four carries, leaving Ke'Shawn Vaughn as the only fully available reserve. The 49ers’ defense also impressed. Rookie linebacker Nick Martin recorded a third-down sack, and newly signed edge rusher Trevis Gipson added two more, helping the unit generate consistent pressure throughout the first half.