Former Nebraska Football Running Back Ameer Abdullah Signs with San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have added a familiar name to their backfield, signing veteran running back Ameer Abdullah, a former standout at Nebraska and NFL journeyman with nearly a decade of experience.

The signing brings depth and versatility to an already crowded 49ers running back room, which includes superstar Christian McCaffrey along with Jordan Mason, Elijah Mitchell, and rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader. While McCaffrey remains the undisputed lead back, Abdullah’s addition is seen as a smart depth move — particularly given his special teams value and pass-catching ability.

Abdullah, 31, enters his 10th NFL season after spending the past three years with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was originally drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, where he served as their primary back early in his career before injuries and a coaching change shifted his role.

A dual-threat weapon out of the backfield, Abdullah has racked up 1,683 rushing yards, 1,692 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 125 career games. While no longer considered a workhorse, his reliability in pass protection and as a third-down receiving option could make him a valuable asset in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

“Ameer brings leadership, experience, and a versatile skillset to this locker room,” said one 49ers assistant coach. “He knows how to prepare, how to compete, and how to contribute in all three phases.”

During his time at Nebraska, Abdullah was one of the most electrifying backs in college football. He finished his collegiate career with over 4,500 rushing yards and was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection. His work ethic and humility quickly made him a fan favorite both in Lincoln and early in his NFL career.

With the 49ers gearing up for a Super Bowl run, depth and experience will be crucial during the grueling regular season. While Abdullah may be a long shot to make the final 53-man roster, his versatility and veteran presence give him a legitimate chance to earn a role — especially if injuries hit the position group.

Whether as a third-down back, special teams contributor, or locker room mentor, Ameer Abdullah’s journey continues — this time in San Francisco red and gold.