The San Francisco 49ers will roll out their third starting running back in as many preseason games when they face the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday (h/t 49ers Webzone). Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR Friday morning that Alfred Morris would get the start. Jerick McKinnon started the first preseason game, and Jeremy McNichols started the second game after McKinnon suffered a calf strain in practice.
The 49ers brought in Morris prior to the Texans game, but decided to hold off getting him snaps. McNichols was the final running back into the Cowboys game, but a solid showing then and in practice got him the start the next week against Houston.
Joe Williams was the second running back into the game against Houston, but a rib injury has him out this week. Shanahan told KNBR that it was possible Williams could be available for next week against the Los Angeles Chargers, but for this game he was definitely not playing.
This all comes as the team awaits the returns of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida. Both are expected back in time for Week 1 vs. the Minnesota Vikings.