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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Raheem Mostert

Raheem Mostert was on track to cement himself as Matt Breida’s backup this season. That was until he suffered a gruesome fractured arm in Week 9 against the Oakland Raiders, which would see him sit out the rest of the year.

Since the 49ers grabbed Mostert in 2016, he has been primarily utilized on special teams, making the occasional appearance at running back. And while he has succeeded during his time in special teams, he recorded just 42 yards from eight carries in his first three seasons.

However, much like Jeff Wilson, this year saw Mostert benefit from a team riddled with injuries. Shanahan provided him with the opportunity to finally get a start at running back, which was unfortunately cut short all too soon.

Mostert rushed for 261 yards from 34 carries, averaging a great 7.7 yards per carry. 2018 also saw Mostert with his first NFL touchdown. Compare that to Wilsons’ stats and he is the clear winner when it comes to production value:

Mostert will be a restricted free agent come the completion of the 2018 NFL season. It would be a surprise if the 49ers don’t re-sign him to a new deal and bring him back to the red and gold.