The San Francisco 49ers invested a lot of 2018 money in running back Jerick McKinnon, and he is going to get every opportunity to shine. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Thursday that McKinnon is the guy they brought in to be the starting running back, the guy they feature in the offense.
McKinnon thinks Shanahan’s offense puts him in a strong position to succeed, and given his freakish athleticism, it makes sense. McKinnon has not put up big numbers during his career, but he tested off the charts coming out of college. He is viewed by many as a third down back in the passing game, but Kyle Shanahan sees a guy who can do a little bit of everything for them.
McKinnon joins Matt Breida and Joe Williams in the 49ers backfield. It would not be at all surprising to see the 49ers add another player to compete on the back end of the depth chart. McKinnon might be the starting running back, but I fully expect a big opportunity Breida and/or Williams. It remains to be seen if his will turn into a Devonta Freeman/Tevin Coleman duo, but the 49ers will certainly hope for it!