Saturday's preseason contest between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts saw a lot of veteran running back Alfred Morris, who increased his chances of making the 53-man roster this season.
Veteran running back Alfred Morris, one of the newer members of the San Francisco 49ers, didn't take long to cement himself as a legitimate candidate on head coach Kyle Shanahan's 53-man roster in 2018.
With top runners Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder) both out for the Niners' third preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, Shanahan gave the 29-year-old Morris the start in what's generally viewed as each team's best regular-season tuneup.
Morris didn't disappoint either.
Over the first half, the veteran tailback managed 71 yards on 13 carries and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt. And while he received some excellent run-blocking support from San Francisco's offensive line, Morris' vision and hard-hitting ability certainly looked promising for his roster chances.
Alfred Morris projected 2018 rushing total: 3,731 yards.
McKinnon and, most likely, Breida are guaranteed roster spots. And with second-year tailback Joe Williams sidelined with a rib and hip injury, the battle for the No. 3 tailback spot on the running back depth chart comes down to between Morris and special teams ace Raheem Mostert.
The Niners lack a true in-between-the-tackles, third-down tailback. Morris appears to have flashed all the traits necessary to fill such a role.
It would be a shock if he doesn't wind up on the 53-man roster this season.
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
49ers beat writer makes bold first-round pick in mock draft
By David Bonilla
Feb 25
The staff at The Athletic recently conducted a joint mock draft, with one reporter selecting for each team. By the time the San Francisco 49ers were on the hypothetical clock at No. 11, three defensive linemen and two offensive linemen—the two positions widely considered...
Are the 49ers betting big on Jauan Jennings after trading Deebo Samuel?
By David Bonilla
Mar 2
Jauan Jennings is on the rise after posting a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns. He likely would have surpassed 1,000 receiving yards had he not been ejected from the San Francisco 49ers' season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Before this past...
Is Ricky Pearsall poised for big year after 49ers trade Deebo Samuel?
By David Bonilla
17 hrs
Barring an unexpected offseason move, the San Francisco 49ers appear set to enter the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall as their top wide receivers. The team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick,...
Should the 49ers pursue 6-time Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay?
By David Bonilla
52 mins
If the San Francisco 49ers are focused on getting younger this offseason, signing a 34-year-old veteran defensive back might not align with that strategy. However, with Charvarius Ward expected to leave in free agency, the team could weigh whether Philadelphia Eagles cornerback...
