Quarterback C.J. Beathard, who was thrust into the starting quarterback role last weekend, would probably feel a lot better heading into Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the NFL's leading (co-leading, actually) rusher, Matt Breida.
Breida exited the San Francisco 49ers' Week 3 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury. He managed to return to the game and finished with 90 rushing yards on 10 attempts, bringing his season total up to 274 yards. There is no doubt that Breida wants to maintain his ranking among running backs, but he is also thinking long-term.
"[Whether or not I play will] be a game-time decision," Breida said via The Mercury News in the locker room after Friday's practice. "I have to feel comfortable. I'm not at 100 percent right now."
Friday's injury report officially listed Breida as questionable.
"I'm not going to go out there and risk getting hurt," he added. "We have a long season to play."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that a decision on whether or not Beathard has Breida in the backfield will likely be made on Sunday.
"He's been up and down a little bit this week," Shanahan said. "He got a little bit more yesterday. We kept him limited today just trying to manage the wear and tear. But, questionable is better than doubtful so hoping it works out."
With Jerick McKinnon out for the season with a torn ACL, Breida has been doing a superb job carrying the load. He averaged nine yards per carry against the Chiefs and 12.5 yards per attempt the week before against the Detroit Lions.
If Breida cannot go, fans might see a lot of Alfred Morris carrying the football. Of course, he too is listed as questionable for Sunday with a knee injury. Morris has 153 rushing yards this season on 40 attempts with a touchdown.
The only other pure running back on the active roster is Raheem Mostert.