The San Francisco 49ers could get running back Tevin Coleman back for Monday night's game against the Cleveland Browns. He suffered a high-ankle sprain during the team's Week 1 outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has missed time since then.
Coleman started practicing again this week, and head coach Kyle Shanahan was optimistic after Saturday's practice that the running back could return for Monday's matchup at Levi's Stadium.
Shanahan was asked what it means to get Coleman back.
"Just adding another good back," Shanahan responded. "Tevin's a good back, as everyone knows. Got him for about a half in the Tampa Bay game. Definitely being optimistic about him being ready to go on Monday. We'll be excited to have him."
Coleman is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report for Monday night's game.
Of course, Coleman's return could create a difficult decision at running back. The 49ers already have three active, and each has contributed during the team's 3-0 start. Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson, Jr. have helped make San Francisco the No. 2 ranked rushing offense in the NFL, averaging 175 yards per game.
During a Friday-morning conversation on KNBR, Shanahan shared that the 49ers might consider carrying four running backs on the active roster once Coleman returns. But a lot of that will depend on what happens at other positions.
"We can always consider getting four backs up," Shanahan said. "It's just kind of hard to play four backs, so it comes down to special teams. When you do get four backs up, then where do you go short? Do you go short in O-linemen? Do you go short at corner or short at receiver? None of that is a problem until one guy gets hurt. It's a guessing game."
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk recently shared with The Athletic what having Coleman back would mean for the already impressive 49ers rushing attack.
"I think it's going to be awesome to have Tevin out there," Juszczyk said. "Tevin, he's just a complete running back. He's a guy that has a ton of speed. What I always like to say to describe him is he hits home runs. He finishes in the end zone so often. But at the same time, he's very physical and has great receiving skills.
"I really feel like he's a complete back, and it's going to be really good to add him to an offense that we already feel is off to a good start."