Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Running backs primed for an explosive 2019 season

By Matt Stephenson

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) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Jeff Wilson #41 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos during their game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Jeff Wilson #41 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos during their game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers put up quite the formidable run game in 2018. With the return of a healthy Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon for the 2019 season, the Niners will be primed for an explosive backfield.

The San Francisco 49ers had the year from hell when it comes to injuries. Both the offense and defense were forced to delve deep into their backups and practice squad in order to field a full team.

Among player groups hit especially hard were the running backs, with the 49ers down to their last two healthy players for their remaining game in Week 17.

It is quite extraordinary that, despite all the injuries, head coach Kyle Shanahan still managed to produce a very good run game throughout the course of the season. He is known as an offensive genius, after all.

The 49ers ended the season ranked 13th in the NFL in rushing, with a total of 1,902 yards. They averaged 118.9 yards per game, with their biggest game coming in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions with 190 rushing yards.

The season saw the rise of running back Matt Breida and the chance for undrafted rookie running back Jeff Wilson to build up some game film.

With the running back corps set to come back bigger and better for 2019, let’s take a look at where each player stands in the depth chart.