Power ranking the 49ers’ running backs in 2019 before training camp

Austin Walter might want to take notice of what running back Jeff Wilson was asked to do in 2018.

Wilson, who started off on the 49ers practice squad after being grabbed as an undrafted free agent last year, eventually found himself promoted to the active roster on Nov. 24, getting the start in two games and eventually recording 66 rush attempts for 266 yards. Additionally, the 6-foot-0, 194-pound North Texas product added another 98 yards on 12 receptions through the air.

While Wilson’s use was primarily to support the team after injuries to Matt Breida, one should note the former all but took veteran running back Alfred Morris’ role as a short-yardage ball carrier.

Those are important, as the Niners don’t exactly have an established third-down tailback heading into 2019. That said, Wilson had fumbling issues during his limited use, coughing up three over the course of the year.

Prediction for 2019

Wilson could be competing for a practice squad spot with Walter in training camp. With Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon likely to be scantly used this preseason, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the majority of exhibition carries split between Wilson and Walter.

Whoever winds up winning this battle likely winds up being stowed away as a practice squad reserve.

Wilson’s limited short-yardage success gives him the edge over Walter, but look for those ball-security issues to be a deciding factor.