49ers roster predictions: Who’s in, out at running back?
By Peter Panacy
Out for 49ers: Josh Hokit and Wayne Gallman
San Francisco isn’t going to keep two fullbacks on the 53-man roster, so that unfortunately means Josh Hokit likely finds himself either on the practice squad for a second straight season or hoping to land elsewhere in 2021.
But the bigger position battle here is at halfback, where Wayne Gallman is vying for anywhere on the depth chart between spot Nos. 2 and 4.
Related Story: Wayne Gallman’s roster chances improve with Jeff Wilson out
Earlier this offseason when the 49ers inked Gallman to a one-year deal, it made more than enough sense. The Niners had bid farewell to two veteran runners, Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon. Gallman, 26 years old, filled in admirably for the New York Giants last year for injured running back Saquon Barkley, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and netting a total of 796 yards from scrimmage and six all-purpose touchdowns.
But that signing was before the additions of Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell. When San Francisco grabbed Gallman, it had no guarantee those two rookies would be in play.
Gallman’s one-year deal is a veteran’s minimum contract with zero in guarantees. So, at least in this regard, he winds up being a victim of the numbers game and likely won’t make the 49ers’ 53-man roster.