Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting the future at running back in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Carlos Hyde #28 during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Carlos Hyde #28 during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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49ers Breida
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a 22-yard touchdown against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levis Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Running Backs on the 49ers Roster

With so many voids on San Francisco’s 2017 roster, it’s good to know running back hasn’t been a pressing issue.

True, this crop of runners haven’t exactly “taken over the league.” The Niners rank 22nd in total yards gained on the ground (1,311) and 17th in average rush yards per attempt (4.1).

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

This is due to many things. First, the 49ers have been playing from behind a lot this season, meaning the ground attack has to take a backseat to a more-aggressive passing game. Additionally, the previously mentioned Carlos Hyde was, for most of the year, the team’s biggest weapon on offense. Opponents knew this and schemed accordingly.

Before we go further, though, let’s take a look at who’s on the roster right now.

Running Backs on the 49ers Roster

  • Matt Breida
  • Carlos Hyde
  • Kyle Juszczyk (fullback)
  • Jeremy McNichols
  • Raheem Mostert (IR)
  • Joe Williams (IR)

The lion’s share of carries this season have gone to Hyde, of course, with undrafted rookie Matt Breida doing a good job as a change-of-pace back.

San Francisco’s X-factor in all of this moving forward is fellow rookie Joe Williams who, after being selected in Round 4 of the NFL Draft, is being redshirted his first year with an ankle injury.

Williams had a slowish start to his pro campaign, struggling both with consistency and fumbles during training camp and into the preseason. A full year of development could help here, but it’s equally as possible he winds up being a bust.

Being a hand-picked selection from head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner helps some, but the former Utah prospect has already started off on the wrong foot.