Tevin Coleman might not have expected to get as much work as he is receiving during the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program. Injuries to the running backs group have forced him to assume the No. 1 role during organized team activities, which are now in their second week.
The 49ers were already without Jerick McKinnon, who continued to rehab from the torn ACL he sustained in September. Coleman probably figured to be joined on the practice field by Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert. The former suffered a slightly torn pectoral muscle during a workout in the weight room while the latter had a setback from the broken forearm which ended his 2018 campaign. Both, however, should be available for training camp in late-July.
Some believe this puts Coleman at an advantage to win the starting running back job. The modest running back was complimentary when asked about his teammates on Wednesday. Coleman already knew McKinnon but had not met him face-to-face before signing with San Francisco.
"When I met him, he was a real good dude," Coleman told reporters.
McKinnon figured to be the offense's workhorse last season before the injury ended those plans. He, like Coleman, is a versatile player who can attack a defense as a runner and receiver. Coleman believes the two running backs complement each other well.
"Seeing what he did in Minnesota and things like that, I think it complements us well," Coleman said. "We can do big things on the field together."
Despite what is being written about him, Coleman isn't ready to assume he will be the Week 1 starter in September. He knows the competition, once everyone is healthy, will make everyone better.
Coleman believes all the running backs on the roster, whether they be a starter or a backup, can play a vital role within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
"I'm just trying to get better each day at a time, and work hard," he said.
You can watch Coleman speak to reporters below, courtesy of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat's Grant Cohn.