49ers stock watch entering Week 3 of 2018 preseason

Stock down: Joe Williams

Oh boy, the alarm bells are really ringing now.

For running back Joe Williams, the clock is ticking down on his 49ers career at this current juncture.

San Francisco 49ers

To make a point, Jeremy McNichols got the start over Williams. But if this were the only thing, Williams would not have a stock down next to his name.

Putting it simply, despite the Texans resting their top defensive linemen, Williams once again failed to impress.

He was given every chance, but could only produce 18 yards on his eight carries as well as a fumble. He also deflected a regulation Nick Mullens pass for an interception that wasn’t entirely on him, but he should have protected the ball better from the Texan defender.

To be entirely fair, the 49ers run blocking has been far less than impressive. But Williams is on the roster bubble trying to pluck the third running back spot from the incumbent, Raheem Mostert, but failed to do anything to make the 49ers think twice.

And finally, Williams will not be seen for a while yet if he stays on the roster, as it’s been confirmed he’s suffered a fractured rib in the game and will be out past Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Consider Alfred Morris hasn’t even entered the fray yet, and Williams could find himself on the chopping block.