49ers: 4 players whose roster value took a hit in win vs. Raiders

No. 1: 49ers RB Wayne Gallman

Wayne Gallman played very well in the final preseason game, averaging 4.6 yards a carry on 13 carriers for a smooth 60 yards. He played primarily in the end of the game, but he looked good.

However, he has the unfortunate situation of dealing with what is a very talented running back room with several explosive athletes, two of whom made compelling statements this game.

San Francisco 49ers

JaMycal Hasty saw his roster chances clearly rise with a crisp and explosive day at the office. Much like Raheem Mostert before his ascent into a starting-tier back, Hasty’s biggest issue is fumbling, but he has nearly every other explosive attribute necessary to contribute. He flashed that ability during this entire preseason, and his flashy plays have likely made it hard for the 49ers to sneak him by waivers.

For a player on the backend of the running back rotation, Hasty’s explosiveness gives him an added bonus on the roster.

And the other player, Elijah Mitchell, finally got game action, and while he had some rookie blunders, he flashed versatility that makes his roster spot very valuable. Mitchell excelled as both a gunner and as a returner, and on the back end of the roster, that type of flexibility is important and useful.

He may in fact be the unsung hero of the 49ers season. While he is still a little rusty, he again offers an upside that Gallman may not.

This situation is the unfortunate reality of fighting for a roster spot on the 2021 San Francisco 49ers: even good performances may not be enough to increase roster chances. But it’s a testament to the depth Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have managed to put together, and a clear indication that those who do make the roster will be able to truly contribute.