49ers roster: 5 players impressing early during 2021 OTAs
By Peter Panacy
![San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e819dd6c6dfc148ab66e47c3c2458f493e7b0ef172340ecf5727ee11ed3a2cb4.jpg)
No. 3: 49ers Running Back Trey Sermon
With running back Jeff Wilson (knee) out indefinitely and fellow runner Raheem Mostert temporarily sidelined with a knee injury, too, much of the OTA sessions have featured the 49ers’ third-round rookie, running back Trey Sermon, who could be Kyle Shanahan’s first bell cow-type rusher since taking over the job in 2017.
Sermon was seen as a natural fit in Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme, and all indications from these first two weeks of practice have indicated the former Ohio State standout is going to be more than prepared for a lot of action this season.
Read More: What 49ers can expect from Trey Sermon in Year 1
Wilson and Mostert’s respective absences from OTAs ultimately meant Sermon would get a lot of workload with the first-team unit, and it’s looking as if he’s thriving in the opportunity.
Fellow running backs Elijah Mitchell and JaMycal Hasty primarily worked with the second-stringers, meaning Sermon could end up being the starter right out of the gate if Mostert’s injury lingers.
Either way, look for Sermon to be a major factor in the Niners offense this season.