49ers vs. Seahawks: Winners, losers from Week 17 NFC West clincher

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 29: Tackle Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers spikes the ball after running back Raheem Mostert scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

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Matt Breida, K.J. Wright, Seahawks, 49ers

Running back Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers and linebacker K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Loser: Running Back Matt Breida

Unlike last week, when Kyle Shanahan failed to put him in the offensive game plan, running back Matt Breida actually got some touches in Week 17 against the Seahawks.

In total, Breida rushed four times for 16 yards — not terrible numbers for a third-string running back, although Breida didn’t exactly start the year as a third stringer.

Shanahan kept his preference for the veteran, Tevin Coleman, for much of the early phases of the game. And it’s been impossible for fellow running back Raheem Mostert, who managed two rush touchdowns in the game, out of the lineup.

Breida did get some time on special teams Sunday night, too, which was provocative. It’s still unclear what Shanahan’s intention is for the third-year pro.

Perhaps Shanahan is saving Breida, whose solid career has been marked with regular injury setbacks, for the playoffs. After all, San Francisco’s depth at running back has turned into one of the team’s better strengths this season.

Still, Breida’s lack of use is quite odd this late in the season, prompting questions as to what role he’ll have once the postseason hits.