Backup running back position in flex on 49ers depth chart

The San Francisco 49ers PR team released their latest depth chart on Tuesday as they continue preparations for their Week 7 matchup vs. the Los Angeles Rams. The release came after the team announced the signing of quarterback Tom Savage and the release of Cole Wick.

The depth chart is mostly the same, including the running back position. It continues to list that starter as Matt Breida OR Alfred Morris, with Raheem Mostert behind them. This past week offered a little more insight into the team’s strategy. Breida started in spite of a Week 5 ankle injury that left him questionable for Week 6. He played 27 snaps, and was followed by Mostert, who played 23 snaps. Morris only played a single snap.

I don’t think this means Mostert has supplanted Morris on the depth chart. Instead I think 49ers team reporter Joe Fann made a good point about strategy.

I think Breida is the primary starter, and the 1a guy is going to switch between Morris and Mostert. In Week 5, Mostert had a fumble the play after the 49ers converted a 3rd and 13 into Arizona territory. The team did not give up on him and he rewarded them with a huge effort in Week 6. I suspect he earned a more regular look with that performance.