49ers vs. Seahawks: 5 Niners who must bounce back in Week 4

No. 2: 49ers Running Back Trey Sermon

The Niners have sorely missed No. 1 running back Raheem Mostert this season, who was lost for the year to a knee injury suffered back in Week 1.

The loss was alleviated slightly by the sudden burst of rookie running back Elijah Mitchell’s 100-plus yard performance in that game, but he was lost to a shoulder injury in Week 2, putting more pressure on fellow rookie runner Trey Sermon to handle the load.

True, Sermon managed to cross the goal line in Week 3, recording his first touchdown as a pro. Aside from the score, however, Sermon’s sluggish rookie season continued, as he managed just 31 yards on 10 carries for a lowly 3.1 yards-per-carry average during the game. Even though Mitchell was spotted in a blue non-contact jersey during San Francisco’s practices leading up to Week 4, there’s still a chance Sermon will have to shoulder a large load against Seattle.

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Granted, the 49ers offensive line hasn’t been overly impressive with its run blocking this season. But Sermon also hasn’t done much to suggest he can be a difference-maker either.

And with Russell Wilson needing to be kept off the field as much as possible, the Niners will have to ensure they’re winning the time-of-possession battle this Sunday.

Sermon must be a key reason why.