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San Francisco 49ers: 4 players who benefit early from training camp injuries

By Robert Morrison

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

No. 1: RB Tevin Coleman

There was some shock among 49ers fan when the front office signed former Falcons running back Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $10 million deal back in March. After bringing McKinnon last offseason (to the tune of four-years, $30 million), another speedy, pass-catching running back wasn’t on the list of offseason needs.

Add that to the presence of speedy, much-improved pass catcher Matt Breida and noted “offensive weapon“/fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and another backfield didn’t feel necessary.

But with the news of McKinnon’s minor setback, and the 49ers just being careful with their running back, it’s starting to look like Coleman will have an opportunity set himself apart among the team’s cadre of backs.

Coleman was a key cog in Shanahan’s offense in Atlanta, serving as part of the two-headed monster backfield with Devonta Freeman. Coleman racked up 238 total touches (205 rushes, 33 receptions) for 1,347 yards over 25 games.

Once Shanahan left for San Francisco, Coleman saw his numbers increased, and he totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season, serving as the Falcons main back once Freeman went on the IR in October.

Coleman’s familiarity with Shanahan’s offense should allow him to transition smoothly into the 49ers offense. McKinnon’s time away from the team, while he makes sure he’s fully healthy, will give Coleman an opportunity to set himself apart from the rest of the running back options.

Next. 49ers 2019 training camp: 10 things to watch during opening weekend. dark

And even though the consensus is the 49ers will go with a running back by committee in 2019, Coleman may prove himself to be the top option. McKinnon’s time on the PUP to start training camp could be just enough time to do that.