Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan says Raheem Mostert is ‘extremely impressive,’ deserves more opportunities
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert may be an emerging NFL star. People really started to take notice during a Week 15 loss that saw Mostert gain single-game career-highs in carries (19) and rushing yards (146).
Mostert has averaged 7.4 yards per carry over the last three games, and he has racked up a team-leading 608 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Mostert had another big game during Sunday's 48-46 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He recorded 109 all-purpose yards, which included 10 carries for 69 yards with a touchdown. Mostert even added a receiving touchdown on a pass from wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. No, that is not a typo.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged on Monday that the 49ers couldn't burry Mostert on the depth chart any longer. The one-time special-teams ace has earned more opportunities and the right to be a featured piece of San Francisco's offense.
"Raheem's earned it over these last few weeks," Shanahan told reporters. "I mean, how many games can you go and how many years can you go averaging six yards a carry, somewhere in there?
"I mean, we keep trying to balance it out and stuff, but what Raheem has done these last few weeks and has continued to do, we need to give him more opportunities. He's given us no choice. I'm happy for him, and it's been great. He's been extremely impressive."
Mostert is part of a deep and talented running back group that includes Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, and even Jeff Wilson. Each possesses valuable skills and traits, so what is it about Mostert that separates him from the others?
"Well, he's faster than most people, and I think sometimes it's a little bit deceptive," Shanahan explained. "I mean, you see guys who have an angle on him, and all of a sudden, they just don't. I don't know if they don't know that he's that fast, because our other guys are fast too.
"I'm not exactly sure what it is, but when you do it week in, and week out, it's time for people to notice. He's been pretty damn good, and he needs some more opportunities because he's making the best of it."
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Brock Purdy hopes Kyle Shanahan makes addition to 49ers playbook
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for a franchise-record 4,280 yards last season, leading the team to the Super Bowl and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He held onto the football 39 times on the ground, rushing for 144 yards and scoring twice. This marked a significant improvement over his rookie 2022 campaign when he had 22 carries for 13 yards and a score.
Purdy further displayed his athleticism during the 49ers' playoff game against the Detroit Lions last season, helping engineer a comeback victory while rushing for 48 yards on five carries.
On Tuesday morning, Purdy joined the "Pat McAfee Show," acknowledging that he believes he can contribute more rushing yards if called upon. However, that decision rests with head coach Kyle Shanahan,
Former NFL exec on 49ers' Brock Purdy: "I think he needs to find more fire"
Brock Purdy isn't one to seek the spotlight. He exudes politeness, respect, and an even-keeled demeanor when speaking to reporters during interviews. Nothing we've seen from the San Francisco 49ers quarterback's time off the field would indicate that it's a facade.
However, on the field, Purdy can show some fire, particularly after a big play or in an effort to ensure his teammates are on the same page as him. While praising the third-year quarterback, one unnamed former NFL executive expressed a desire to see more of that fire from Purdy in the future, believing it is crucial to his development.
"Brock Purdy is one of the most talented arms that I've seen," the former executive recently
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
