Eagles vs. SF 49ers: 5 players who’ll tear up Philly’s defense

No. 3: SF 49ers Running Back Jeff Wilson

San Francisco is still banged up at running back, currently missing Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman, who are both out with knee injuries.

That’ll mean No. 3 runner Jerick McKinnon is likely to get the start and will probably be featured throughout the majority of the first half, both as a rusher and a receiving option for Nick Mullens.

Like he did after halftime against the Giants, though, Kyle Shanahan will look to involve his other option at the position, Jeff Wilson, who didn’t exactly do much on the ground and averaged only 1.3 yards per carry on 12 attempts in Week 3.

But Wilson, who scored two touchdowns in the game, made his mark in the receiving game, notching three receptions for 54 yards and one of those two scores by way of the air.

Two elements suggest why Wilson could find himself going off in Week 4. First, it’s likely Shanahan’s offense opens up a lot more in the second half after the first two quarters’ efforts result in a worn-down Eagles defense being on the field a lot in response to its own offense not being able to sustain drives.

Second, Mullens isn’t exactly a deep thrower, and he showed his tendency to rely upon those short-area throws to his tailbacks, evidenced by Wilson’s surge last weekend.

Expect the same to ramp up and continue in quarters three and four against Philly.