Predicting 49ers 2021 starting offensive, defensive starting lineups

49ers Running Backs

Raheem Mostert

Naming a starting running back for San Francisco is a bit counterintuitive, given the tendency for head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner to simply feed the hot hand at a given moment and the constant attrition the position has.

That said, as of Week 1, the feature back has to be Raheem Mostert.

Mostert, prior to his rash of injuries, was having a career year and matching the rapid and obscene efficiency he had during the 20202 playoffs that January. Even though the 49ers used a high pick on Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell might end up providing some important help, the lead back of the running back committee is still Mostert, especially given the injury to Jeff Wilson Jr.

Sermon will likely end up getting a lot of carries, but Mostert will remain the official starter.