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49ers training camp 2018: 10 takeaways from Week 2

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 29: The San Francisco 49ers run their drills on the practice field during training camp at the 49ers practice facilities on July 29, 2003 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 29: The San Francisco 49ers run their drills on the practice field during training camp at the 49ers practice facilities on July 29, 2003 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 2: The No. 2 Running Back Spot Is Up for Grabs

Heading into training camp, second-year pro Matt Breida all but had the No. 2 running back job locked up behind free-agent pickup Jerick McKinnon. 2017 redshirted tailback Joe Williams was going to be a camp body, likely little more. He was on the outside, looking in.

Not so much after the first two weeks, however.

Williams has been stellar in training camp thus far, flashing the blazing speed and vision he showcased at Utah and ultimately led the 49ers to drafting him in Round 4 last year. Yet a lack of “urgency,” as Kyle Shanahan phrased it, was a bit of an issue heading into year two of Williams’ NFL tenure.

So far, Williams has done just that:

If Breida was scuffling in camp, Williams would easily be the favorite to pair with McKinnon. The issue, though, is Breida has been just as effective carrying the ball and acting as a legitimate pass catcher for Jimmy Garoppolo.

It’s a good problem for Shanahan to have. He’s now carrying two tailbacks capable of boasting the key backup duties this season, which will prompt a very difficult decision when it comes to formulating the 53-man roster this September.