There’s an obvious reason why we held off on the running backs until it was the last post of this series. In case you didn’t hear, Jerick McKinnon tore his ACL and is out for the season. While McKinnon was a huge player for the offense, it may not be so devastating for the running backs, if you can believe that.
The 49ers did not attempt to re-sign Carlos Hyde in free agency, and snagged Alfred Morris during training camp. After the McKinnon injury, that makes the signing all the more genius. Unfortunately, that’s all they have. If the 49ers can not suffer another injury, the running back group isn’t horrible. Matt Breida has the ultimate opportunity in front of him to show he’s a three-down back and Morris, while turning 30 this year provides a nice 1-2 punch with Breida.
2017 RB depth chart: Carlos Hyde, Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert; FB: Kyle Juszczyk)
2018 RB depth chart: Matt Breida, Alfred Morris, Raheem Mostert; FB: Kyle Juszczyk)
The Mckinnon loss hurts the offense, but the running backs themselves aren’t horrible. And Kyle Juszczyk is going to be a factor replacing McKinnon in the passing game. Let’s see what Kyle Shanahan can do with them.
If you can’t see the poll below, click here.
Poll
Are the 49ers better, worse or the same at running back compared to the start of 2017?
This poll is closed
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17%
Better
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49%
Worse
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33%
Same