49ers vs. Texans: 5 players to watch in preseason Week 2

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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 19: Alfred Morris #46 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Running Back Alfred Morris

When head coach Kyle Shanahan announced earlier this week that the team would sign running back Alfred Morris, I was unusually excited. Most people are thinking Morris will just be a camp body due to the injuries suffered by starters Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder), but I have a good feeling Morris will have a legitimate shot to compete for a roster spot.

Yes, the ex-Washington Redskin is getting up there in age, at 29 years old, but he looked really good in 2017 filling in for Ezekiel Elliott on the Dallas Cowboys, averaging 4.8 yards per carry last season.

And yes, it is the Cowboys’ stacked offensive line Morris was running through, but he still looked solid out there — like a running back who belonged in this league.

Don’t forget Morris had his best seasons as a Redskin with Shanahan as the offensive coordinator, rushing for 1,613 and 1,275 yards, respectively, in his first and second seasons in the league. His familiarity with the Shanahan offense should be very beneficial for his chances of making the roster.

Morris was practicing with the second and third teams in practice this week, so we should be able to get to see a lot of playing time for him this Saturday.