San Francisco 49ers: Early look at 10 players on the 2018 roster bubble
By Peter Panacy
No. 10: Running Back Joe Williams
San Francisco 49ers
Like most players on this list, a lot of the bubble watch will focus on the 49ers’ actions during free agency and the NFL Draft.
With 2017 rookie tailback Joe Williams, who spent the entirety of his first season on injured reserve with an ankle injury, this will depend on whether or not the Niners re-sign veteran RB Carlos Hyde and/or add another runner in the draft this April.
Especially when the crop of talented prospect backs is pretty deep.
Williams didn’t enamor himself to the 49ers coaching staff during training camp or the preseason, dealing with consistency and fumbling issues. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently noted he’s been pleased with Williams’ work last season, which is a positive.
But this position is already one that could easily be pretty crowded in 2018.
Undrafted rookie Matt Breida solidified himself as a No. 2 ball carrier behind Hyde, and some may argue he’s worthy of a starting job. If Hyde re-signs, that leaves one more likely spot on the 53-man roster.
If Shanahan tabs another runner in the draft, it’s not likely Williams makes the cut next season.