49ers mid-preseason 53-man roster projection for 2019

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

April (5): Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, Kyle Juszczyk

Mid-preseason (5): Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, Kyle Juszczyk

Yes, as of this moment, expect nothing to change from this group from earlier in the offseason.

Between Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman and Kyle Juszczyk, there should be a lot of competition for touches in 2019.

Not to mention the emergence of special teams ace Raheem Mostert as a runner, both late last season and in the preseason so far.

All that said, the only real wild card here is McKinnon, Kyle Shanahan’s handpicked choice to be the offense’s featured backfield option last offseason. After his surgically repaired knee had a flare up earlier in training camp, the former Minnesota Viking has yet to see any preseason action.

And while he did return to practice after Week 1 against Dallas, he has yet to participate in any team drills and his availability for the regular season opener in Tampa against the Buccaneers is still in question.

The issue is, because placing McKinnon on injured reserve would keep him out until Week 9, it seems likely, barring a major setback, he’ll make the 53-man roster even if he is inactive for games to start the season.

This would allow Mostert to be active on game days as both the third back and a special teams ace, but ensure that McKinnon would be part of the team for 2019.