49ers vs Chargers: 5 bubble players who earned roster spot
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Running Back Wayne Gallman
Entering training camp, there was an awfully good chance veteran running back Wayne Gallman would be the odd man out in an otherwise crowded 49ers backfield that’s set to feature Raheem Mostert and the rookie, Trey Sermon, in prominent roles before using JaMycal Hasty and another rookie, Elijah Mitchell, as supplementary players.
With Mostert and Sermon resting for the game, and Mitchell sidelined with an injury, Gallman and Hasty were the only two halfbacks dressed against the Bolts.
And both performed admirably well.
Hasty got the bulk of carries with 19 but averaged only 3.1 yards per attempt. Still, the scatback could be a tough cut, and it’s hard to imagine the Niners can sneak the second-year pro onto the practice squad.
If they try, however, it’ll be because Gallman showed his value against Los Angeles, rushing 15 times for a team-high 72 yards and averaging 4.8 yards per carry. While Gallman might not be as flashy as Hasty, the former’s experience and previous bell-cow duties with the New York Giants last year in relief of the injured Saquon Barkley could give him the edge for a final roster spot.
Simply put, Gallman should be considered the favorite to be the No. 4 running back on the roster. Perhaps even No. 3 behind Mostert and Sermon.