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Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 9

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Running Back Matt Breida

Injuries have been a significant theme for second-year running back Matt Breida all season long, and a lingering ankle injury has cast some doubt on his availability for Week 9.

The good news, however, is Breida is currently listed as probable and was able to practice on a limited basis this week.

Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR 680 (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News) that Breida’s status is pointing in the right direction too:

Breida is no longer leading the NFL in rushing or yards per carry. But it’s pretty clear his level of importance for Shanahan’s offense. With the quarterbacking issues C.J. Beathard has displayed for much of the year, combined with the very real possibility Nick Mullens has to start, being able to rely on Breida to shoulder a lot of the offensive load will be essential for San Francisco’s chances.

The Raiders are allowing an average of 4.9 yards per rush — 28th best in the league.