Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the football in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the football in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk

Running back is a provocative position for the 49ers heading into this offseason. No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde is a free agent, and we have no clue whether or not Joe Williams (IR, ankle) winds up being a regular contributor after redshirting his rookie season.

Undrafted former rookie Matt Breida looks to be the real deal, although head coach Kyle Shanahan likes to employ a dual-back set in his offense. Breida could be a featured guy or he could not. We just don’t know.

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If Hyde returns next year, he likely remains the starter. For now, the only guarantee is fullback Kyle Juszczyk starts.

Juszczyk finally started to see some offensive action over the latter half of 2017, eventually finishing the year with 315 receiving yards and one touchdown en route to being named San Francisco’s lone Pro Bowl representative.