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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TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Jeff Wilson Jr. #41 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for an eight yard gain during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Jeff Wilson Jr. #41 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for an eight yard gain during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Jeff Wilson

Jeff Wilson got an unexpected chance to show off his skills following a string of injuries to players higher up the depth chart. Wilson was promoted off the teams’ practice squad just prior to Week 12’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He quickly impressed fans and media with his tough running style and surprised with his ability in the passing game. He has a great explosiveness about him when making contact with defenders and yards after contact. He showed reasonable production and kept the chains moving for the Niners offense.

However, his biggest problem area would come in the form of ball control. Wilson recorded three fumbles from his six games, often coming at crucial times while the Niners were in prime field position:

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1074418735593574400

He ended the season with 266 rushing yards from 66 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt with no touchdowns. He had 12 receptions for 98 receiving yards averaging 8.2 yards.

Wilson has impressed enough to retain a position on the 49ers’ roster next season. Whether he is fourth or third in the running back depth chart will likely depend on his direct competition, which we will look at in the next slide.