49ers preseason: Player stock watch after Week 3 loss to Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Running Back Raheem Mostert

Earlier this offseason, running back Raheem Mostert was the longest of long shots to make the 49ers regular-season roster.

Mostert had more than enough competition and was likely considered little more than an afterthought and holdover from the previous regime.

Answering to an impressive preseason effort earlier, Mostert was one of the biggest stars on San Francisco’s offense on Sunday. His 6.5 yards-per-carry average — 26 yards on four carries — led all 49ers runners. That’s good.

But even more impressive was his ability to elude would-be Vikings tacklers on an 87-yard touchdown run off a screen pass from quarterback C.J. Beathard:

It was a race to the pylon and @RMos_8Ball wasn’t going to be beat. #SFvsMIN pic.twitter.com/EXEfEP4s4O
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 28, 2017

Even with plays like these, guaranteeing Mostert a spot on the 53-man roster is a reach. San Francisco has a lot more invested in players like Joe Williams and Matt Breida to suddenly switch its plans.

But Mostert could easily be auditioning for a job elsewhere. Heck, he might force the Niners’ hand and make them keep him around as the No. 4 option.

Regardless, it’s nice to see him making notable contributions.

Stock: Up

Next: 49ers vs. Vikings: Preseason grades, analysis for San Francisco

Keep posted to Niner Noise for continuous preseason coverage as the 49ers prepare for Week 1 of the regular season!