What’s The Deal With The San Francisco 49ers Running Back Situation?
What are the San Francisco 49ers doing? They’ve got four capable running backs on the roster. The team just signed Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert. In addition, Jerrick McKinnon and Matt Brieda also have spots on the roster. What does John Lynch have in mind?
It’s unusual to find four capable starting RB’s on a roster. That’s exactly what the 49ers have. The Coleman signing was puzzling, considering Brieda and McKinnon were already signed. Mostert added to the confusion. This can only mean either Brieda or McKinnon, possibly both, are likely to be traded.
Here’s where things get interesting. San Francisco 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan, doesn’t see the Coleman signing to have any effect on McKinnon. In fact, he stated that the 49ers have a good problem on their hands with four RB’s on the roster.
In theory that’s a good idea, but too many cooks in the kitchen can be a bad thing. Although considering the health status of these backs, it might be wise.
McKinnon and Brieda have had an injury history. McKinnon missed the entirety of the 2018 season. Meanwhile, Brieda missed 3 games in 2018. That’s where the depth might come in handy. Regardless, four
RB’s is still a lot. It’s not like San Francisco can bench McKinnon and Brieda. They are too damn talented.
The thought of trading either McKinnon or Brieda was brought up earlier. It’s a real possibility the 49ers trade either for a pick in the draft. What they’d get for these two isn’t known. Brieda would have significantly more value, seeing as he’s a year younger and isn’t coming off an injury. Although,
that might not be the way the 49ers go.
In terms of play on the field, McKinnon is the better of the foursome. He’s much better as a receiver and is a bit more versatile. The injury history might be a reason the San Francisco 49ers signed Coleman. Considering Mostert was just signed, so he’ll probably be the third string. This leaves Brieda as the odd man out.
QIt’s hard to blame John Lynch and the San Francisco 49ers for going out and signing RB’s to stabilize the position. It’s a bit unusual they’ve got four starters on the roster, but there are reasons for that. The intent is to compete this season. The depth at RB will play a factor for a run to the playoffs. San Francisco just doesn’t need four of them.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
