No. 2: Running Back
The 49ers are carrying three running backs on their 90-man offseason roster all capable of assuming significant roles this upcoming season — Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida and Joe Williams.
All three have stood out in a major way during camp. McKinnon has flashed the unique running and pass-catching skill set that warranted the four-year deal San Francisco gave him earlier this offseason.
But while McKinnon is all but pegged as the team’s featured back, the real battle is taking place for his complementary role.
The strong candidate for the job is still Breida, who nearly broke Reuben Foster’s legs in the drill below:
Watching a future All-Pro in the making in @MattBreida @MattAlmond330 #brickbybrick with the help of a great system @49ers @JohnLynch49ers @NinersNation @AlGuido @jenniferleechan @BontaHill @mattbarrows @ferrarifoster @MaioccoNBCS pic.twitter.com/LniU7euq3V
— NINERS1 (@rickyhelton1) July 30, 2018
Williams, meanwhile, has shown the “urgency” Kyle Shanahan wanted him to display earlier this offseason. During Saturday’s practices, Williams ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run and flashed all the speed that drew the Niners to him in the first place.
While Williams did have a fumble during Saturday’s practice — a primary issue that set him back a year ago — all other signs point to him inserting himself into the discussion.
And while he’s nowhere guaranteed a roster spot, it’s going to be tough for Shanahan and Co. to keep him off the roster based off what we’ve seen so far.