49ers biggest winners, losers halfway through 2019 NFL preseason

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Running back Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers has a third quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Winner: Running Back Raheem Mostert

There’s a similar description, as the one for Richie James, regarding running back Raheem Mostert. Only the opposite is true: Mostert is flashing his offensive abilities in addition to an already-impressive reputation on special teams.

The 49ers aren’t going to give a lot of field time to their starting-caliber running backs this NFL preseason, namely Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida, instead saving their efforts for Week 1 and beyond.

In turn, though, that means backup spots are up for grabs. And if there were any doubts whether or not Mostert would make the 53-man cut, those were erased in Denver.

Mostert was arguably San Francisco’s offensive star on Monday night, hauling in two passes for 42 yards, while adding 58 yards on the ground plus a touchdown — averaging an astounding 9.7 yards per carry in the process.

In addition to some offensive thump Mostert flashed last year, there is going to be little reason for Kyle Shanahan to keep the previously journeyman-only ball carrier off the roster when the regular season rolls around.

Mostert is a legitimate offensive weapon now.