49ers post opt-out 53-man roster predictions

49ers Running backs (5)

Jerick McKinnon

Raheem Mostert

Tevin Coleman

Jeff Wilson, Jr

Kyle Juszczyk (FB)

In what feels like an ever-moving element of the 49ers roster, the running back position seems easier this season than in recent efforts.

Even though the 49ers reworked last year’s breakout star Raheem Mostert’s contract over the offseason, don’t expect it to really be a decision-making type deal as far as Kyle Shanahan is concerned. As he always does, the 49ers head coach will ride the hot hand and look for matchups he can exploit on the opposition’s defense.

So while Mostert will get an opportunity to show his 2019 wasn’t a fluke, expect there to be ample chances for Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon as well, especially if the latter shows himself to be healthy and back to the player he was before his ACL injury and subsequent setbacks last year.

In Jeff Wilson, the 49ers know what they have, but if the Super Bowl proves anything, it’s that Shanahan trusts him in certain situations. While there’s a chance McKinnon makes Wilson a little obsolete, look for the 49ers to hold onto Wilson, at least immediately.

Kyle Juszczyk is entering the final year of his initial free-agent contract signed back in 2017, but he’s still one of the most valuable pieces of the 49ers offense in terms of the run game and has proven himself useful in the passing game when called upon. There’s no way he doesn’t make the team, and I’d imagine the 49ers will look to extend him if they can.