Brian Robinson finally delivered the way 49ers expected him to

Being the San Francisco 49ers' backup running back to Christian McCaffrey can often double up as spending some time in witness protection.

You're not often called on to take snaps, when you do the fans often grumble, and only the diehards know your name.

Worse yet, many vanish into obscurity.

The likes of Jeff Wilson, Matt Breida, and Elijah Mitchell are all remnants of Niners backup running backs past, and haven't really amounted to much outside of the Bay Area. Conversely, now-Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has somewhat thrived, although he did get much more time and starting experience due to McCaffrey's injuries in 2024.

This offseason, Mason was replaced by Brian Robinson Jr., acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders. At least initially, Robinson's career with the 49ers looked to be following a familiar path, with precious few carries being offered to him. He recorded no carries at all in two games, while his highest carry number was nine, against the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons. That gave a total of 36 carries and 144 yards with no touchdowns through the first eight games.

Despite that, Robinson did show occasional potential as a runner, utilising his power to find first downs against otherwise tough defenses, and displaying a hard-nosed, no-nonsense style. He'd also begun to appear on the Niners' kick return unit, replacing fellow running back (and another disappeared McCaffrey alternative) Isaac Guerendo.

Fast-forward to Week 9's victory over the New York Giants, however, and Robinson finally showed why the 49ers were so keen on bringing him to the team. While his carries remained sparse, numbering only five, he was able to produce a couple of explosives, including an 18-yard scamper for a touchdown which turned into an unassailable 49ers lead.

He also made an impact in another area the Niners have been looking for some inspiration, namely, the special teams unit. While the team continues to try and find its feet in the third phase of the game, the 49ers have tried several different configurations at the kickoff return position. None have really stuck, in large part because they have been unable to provide a consistent threat of a big play.

However, Robinson flipped that narrative on Sunday, busting a 41-yard return, which was the spark that ignited the vital San Francisco touchdown drive that finally stuck a dagger in the New York Giants.

It was an excellent performance by Robinson, who, to his credit, has never complained about his role and has always tried to maximise each opportunity given to him. He provides an interesting counterpunch to McCaffrey, and his extra value added on special teams will no doubt please the coaches, who have often looked for players to carve out roles in spite of their obstacles in getting on the field.

Whether that means more playing time for Robinson, or possibly even the two-back sets that Sherman suggests above, is unknown. The likelihood is that the 49ers will keep handing McCaffrey the ball as much as possible; he's the team's best offensive player, and probably one of the most impactful in the entire league.

Still, Robinson's outing on Sunday will certainly not have harmed his case to play more regularly. The 49ers are configured in such a way that they expect their depth players to step up when required and grasp any opportunity given to them.

It worked out pretty well for Jordan Mason, and the signs suggest that Robinson is on the same trajectory.