2 ex-Niners the 49ers can sign to boost running back depth chart

The San Francisco 49ers suffered another injury at running back as Jordan Mason went down with a shoulder injury in Thursday night's victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

If the 49ers have learned anything this season, it is that you can never have enough depth at the position. Their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, has not played so far this year as he deals with tendinitis in both of his Achilles.

Their No. 2 running back from last year, Elijah Mitchell, is going to miss all of 2024 with an injury.

Mason stepped into the void and performed admirably, picking up over 600 rushing yards in six games. Unfortunately, he was limited to basically just one half against Seattle after he injured his shoulder.

Now, the 49ers are left with rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. on their running back depth chart. Guerendo showed a lot of promise on Thursday, but he is still a rookie. We do not know the extent of Mason's injury, but it is clear that even if Mason is good to go next Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, they could benefit from some more depth when it comes to running backs.

That is why the 49ers should entertain bringing back a familiar face, and there are a couple of options from which to choose.

One such familiar face available as a free agent is running back Matt Breida. Niner fans will remember how productive and quick Breida was in his early seasons with the team, although injuries and the emergence of Raheem Mostert led to Breida's departure via trade.

The Niners brought him back this preseason to see if he could win a job, but he did not look great and San Francisco ultimately cut him before the regular season. The Niners should not sign Breida to be their primary back, but he could at least be there if there is another injury or if Guerendo and Taylor struggle.

Another former 49er available in free agency is Jerick McKinnon.

Fans may have mixed feelings about bringing him back after the large contract he was given by the Niners that did not pan out due to some tough breaks with injuries. It also does not help that he was a member of the Chiefs last season and was part of the team that beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl.

However, McKinnon still is familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense and could provide some much-needed depth.

The Niners are churning through running backs this season. If they can add either Breida or McKinnon, it could go a long way toward ensuring they are not completely depleted at running back these next few weeks.

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