Niner Noise
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49ers roster bubble-watch breakdown after 2019 minicamp

By Peter Panacy

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder warms up during a San Francisco 49ers training session at Allianz Park on October 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder warms up during a San Francisco 49ers training session at Allianz Park on October 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 18: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 18: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Lock: FB Kyle Juszczyk, Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman

Strong Bubble: Jerick McKinnon, Raheem Mostert

Weak Bubble: Jeff Wilson Jr.

Long Shot: Austin Walter

The 49ers have more than ample depth at running back. The problem, however, is only one of the likely four halfbacks on the 90-man roster, Tevin Coleman, is healthy.

Coleman’s previous rapport under Kyle Shanahan with the Falcons could earn him the starting job, although Shanahan will interchange his runners as necessary. That’s a good thing, given both matchup potential and injury concerns.

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Meanwhile, Matt Breida (pectoral), Jerick McKinnon (knee) and Raheem Mostert (forearm) are all out until training camp and saw almost no time during OTAs and minicamp.

McKinnon and Mostert find themselves on the strong bubble almost entirely for injury reasons. The former is still undergoing recovery from his 2018 ACL tear, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him start the regular season on the injured list. Mostert, meanwhile, has more than enough upside on special teams.

It’s likely that keeps him safe. But special teams abilities alone rarely end up warranting a roster spot.

Good thing Mostert flashed some promise as a runner, albeit in limited moments, last season.