The San Francisco 49ers are bringing in free agent running back Lance Dunbar for a visit, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan. Dunbar spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, and is coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 4. There were reports he may have also torn his MCL, but I have not seen follow-up on the MCL portion of the injury. Insert your Trent Baalke jokes.
Dunbar would be brought in primarily to help in the passing game, as opposed to the ground game. In four seasons, he has 85 rushing attempts and 52 receptions. Given the development of Chip Kelly's offense, he would make some sense as a passing down back. Maybe doing something the 49ers hoped for from Reggie Bush. DuJuan Harris and Jarryd Hayne are two guys who will compete for that role, but adding Dunbar could provide an intriguing option. The team has also been rumored to be speaking to the Kansas City Chiefs about De'Anthoy Thomas.
Given the Week 4 ACL tear, I can't imagine Dunbar would cost much more than the league minimum, and would basically be a flier for Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke. And if you're wondering, former NFL wide receiver Anthony Armstrong thinks it makes sense.
This would be a spot on fit "@caplannfl: Former #Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar to visit #49ers, source said."
— Anthony Armstrong (@MrArmstrong13) March 10, 2016