SF 49ers vs. NY Giants: 3 X-factors for Kyle Shanahan in Week 3

No. 2: Can Jerick McKinnon shoulder the SF 49ers’ workload on the ground?

It’s somewhat odd to consider just how shorthanded the Niners are at running back. After all, at least entering Week 1, this was widely viewed as Kyle Shanahan’s deepest offensive position.

Losing Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert hurts, especially given how much the latter has already contributed on offense this year, including his 80-yard touchdown burst to kick off the scoring against the Jets in Week 2.

Fortunately, fellow running back Jerick McKinnon has already shown his value over those first two weeks, too, ranking second only behind Mostert with 121 all-purpose yards and tying the team lead in touchdowns with two.

But instead of the three-headed trio of tailbacks at Shanahan’s disposal, McKinnon is now expected to shoulder the brunt of San Francisco’s ground attack.

“I’m very confident in Jet. He’s done a great job in all the reps that he’s gotten in these two weeks,” Shanahan told Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee this week. “Every time he’s gotten opportunities, he came through for us. Obviously, with those two guys being out, he should get more opportunities this week and he deserves it. I know he’s excited for it and we’re excited to see him.”

The SF 49ers also have depth runner Jeff Wilson in the fray, and they protected undrafted rookie tailback JaMycal Hasty from being snatched off the practice squad this week, too. Hasty could be a game-day call-up from the practice squad on Sunday.

Still, the focus will be on McKinnon the most to go up against a Giants defense allowing an average of 4.5 yards per carry on the ground so far this season.