SF 49ers: 4 players who light up Week 12 vs. LA Rams

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San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert (31) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam (50) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: SF 49ers Running Back Raheem Mostert

Boy, the SF 49ers have sorely missed their top running back, Raheem Mostert.

Over their last three games, the Niners have failed to rush for more than 60 yards. Mostert being out with an ankle injury has hindered nearly everything San Francisco’s offense wants to do, putting more pressure on Nick Mullens to overcome what’s otherwise been an inept rushing attack.

Granted, Mostert might not be available for Sunday’s contest and could be a game-day inactive after his practice window off injured reserve was opened during the week. Or Kyle Shanahan could put the runner on a proverbial “pitch count,” limiting the number of carries he receives.

Either way, should Mostert be fully available, expect him to be a major factor.

Mostert, despite appearing in only four games this season, still leads the SF 49ers with 303 rush yards. His 5.9 yards-per-carry average is also indicative of the number of explosive plays he’s capable of having at any particular moment.

With the LA Rams giving up a lowish average of 3.9 yards per carry, one might expect Mostert to be the primary means to up that average allowed a lot during Sunday’s contest.