Both Matt Breida (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (knee) were listed as questionable for the San Francisco 49ers' Halloween-night matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Kyle Shanahan sounded optimistic on Wednesday that both of his running backs would play.
It sounds like Shanahan and the 49ers' No. 2 ranked rushing offense will have their full complement of running backs against the Cardinals. Both are expected to play. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN first reported the news of Breida's availability.
49ers RB Matt Breida, who's listed as questionable with an ankle injury, is playing tonight vs. the Cardinals, per source. Felt good this AM so good to go.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 31, 2019
Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported that Mostert would also be available. However, San Francisco will remain without injured tackle Joe Staley (fibula). He will not suit up, with a Week 10 return against the Seattle Seahawks more likely.
More 49ers' injury updates: RB Raheem Mostert, listed as questionable for tonight with a knee injury, will play vs. Cardinals. OT Joe Staley, doubtful with a fibula injury, will not. https://t.co/krIr36YXkE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2019
"I don't think it would be an issue if we were playing Sunday," Shanahan said while discussing his running backs on Wednesday. "It's just a little bit of an issue because of how quick this game is coming. So when we travel there tonight, really, how they wake up in the morning will be the biggest (indicator). Sometimes there's always a little effect when you travel, just the swelling and things like that.
"If they aren't good enough to go, obviously they won't, but just knowing Breida, knowing Raheem, I have a feeling they'll be alright."
San Francisco owns the No. 2 ranked rushing offense, which is averaging 181.1 yards per game this season. Only the Baltimore Ravens (204.1) are averaging more.
Breida leads the team in rushing yards with 446 on 84 carries with one rushing touchdown. He also has 12 receptions for 89 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Mostert has 54 carries for 309 yards with a rushing touchdown while adding four receptions for 68 yards with a receiving touchdown through seven games.
The 49ers (7-0) kick off at 5:20 p.m. PT against the Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1) at State Farm Stadium.
Note: The story has been updated to reflect injury updates provided throughout the day.
