Brian Hill

Hill is familiar with the playbook after spending the final two months of the 2021 season in San Francisco. He has since had stints in the XFL and CFL. With Jeremy McNichols nursing an injury from the 49ers’ second preseason game, Hill will likely serve as the team’s third active running back for their final preseason game against the Chargers.

With Elijah Mitchell (knee, concussion), Trey Sermon (ankle), Jeff Wilson (knee), and Trenton Cannon (concussion) all ailing, the 49ers need a warm body behind JaMycal Hasty. Hill, 26, has been bouncing around practice squads and the workout circuit all year.

Cleveland will have D'Ernest Johnson, FBs Andy Janovich and Johnny Stanton, and Hill available in their backfield to replace Nick Chubb, Demetric Felton, and John Kelly, the latter three who landed on the team's COVID list Tuesday afternoon. Johnson remains a touch-based RB1 against New England.

Hill immediately becomes Cleveland's No. 2 running back upon signing with the organization since Nick Chubb, Demetric Felton, and John Kelly all tested positive for COVID on Tuesday. Hill will be promoted to the active roster behind D'Ernest Johnson if all three players are ruled out for Week 10.