Niner Noise
FanSided

Projected 49ers Week 1 starting lineup halfway through 2018 preseason

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 hands off to Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 hands off to Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings uses a stiff arm on Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings uses a stiff arm on Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Halfback: Jerick McKinnon

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk

Another position battle of note, yet one that’s focused more on the back end behind presumed starter Jerick McKinnon.

McKinnon has been dealing with a calf issue this preseason, so it’s not likely you’ll see much of him for the Niners’ two remaining exhibition games. Still, Kyle Shanahan is going to look at the former Minnesota Viking to be an integral part of the offense this season, both as a dynamic tailback and explosive pass catcher.

The 49ers also have to consider injuries to fellow tailbacks Matt Breida (shoulder) and Joe Williams (hip, ribs), which is a reason veteran running back Alfred Morris found his way to the 90-man roster amid the preseason.

Williams, who has been a disappointment over two preseason games, likely won’t make the cut. He’ll either find himself on injured reserve to open up 2018 (the same place he was at his rookie season a year ago) or waived outright.