49ers vs. Raiders: 4 can’t-miss storylines for preseason finale
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: The risers for 49ers running back depth chart
The 49ers effectively have five running backs likely competing for only four spots on the 53-man roster this season:
- Raheem Mostert
- Trey Sermon
- Wayne Gallman
- JaMycal Hasty
- Elijah Mitchell
Mostert hasn’t played at all this preseason and is also dealing with a minor back injury, yet it wouldn’t be shocking if Kyle Shanahan held him out of the game anyway. Not like Mostert has much to prove.
Sermon, the third-round rookie, has also been limited this preseason, yet both players are all but guaranteed spots. The real battle comes down to the remaining three.
Gallman led all Niners ball-carriers with 78 rush yards on 15 attempts in San Francisco’s exhibition win over the Los Angeles Chargers last weekend, but it was Hasty who was tasked with carries to grind down the clock in the fourth quarter. Between the two, Gallman might have the edge based on his veteran prowess and pass-blocking abilities, although Hasty likely isn’t someone whom the 49ers can sneak through to the practice squad.
Mitchell, the Niners’ sixth-round rookie, has yet to play this preseason after suffering a hip injury at the end of training camp. Now having returned to practice, his speed should be something Shanahan will want to explore.
Making for an awfully enticing three-way battle for two spots.