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49ers Stock Watch: Who’s Up and Down Midway through the 2016 Preseason?

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback John Tidwell (45) recovers a fumble of San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) during the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback John Tidwell (45) recovers a fumble of San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) during the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down — 49ers Running Backs & Fumble-itis

Head coach Chip Kelly’s offense is going to be a run-based approach this season. And the lack of a solid passing attack so far puts even more pressure on San Francisco running backs.

OK, so No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde looks just fine. He’s averaged five yards per carry thus far in the preseason. And other depth running backs have contributed nicely as well.

Except for one pressing issue — holding onto the  ball.

Combined, 49ers running backs have fumbled four times over two games. Second-year pro Mike Davis, who seemed destined for a roster spot after his impressive efforts versus Houston, fumbled twice against the Broncos.

Not a good way to ensure a roster spot.

The good thing is these are coachable errors Niners running backs coach Tom Rathman will draw focus on this upcoming week before Friday’s contest against the Packers.

The preseason is a good time to get these woes out of the way. Not so much in the regular season.

Next: Stock Up: 49ers Secondary