San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert is clearly frustrated with the narrative surrounding his future. He is 29 years old and is coming off an injury-plagued 2020 campaign. Although, in his defense, it feels like the entire 49ers roster was impacted by injuries last season, so it's not really fair to single out Mostert. The running back appears healthy and has reportedly looked good in the team's two training camp practices.
Mostert wears a brace during those practices. However, it has nothing to do with the injuries that limited the running back to eight games last season. He just wants to clear that up.
I'm going to address this one time and one time only. I am NOT injured and to the media trying to make something out of NOTHING, I won't allow it. I wear a knee brace in practice for PREVENTION and for my LONGEVITY in this league. I had this brace made YEARS AGO and wore…
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) July 30, 2021
it in other training camps/practices. Why is it a focus now? I won't allow you to put me into your "hole" of being old, washed up, and injured. I'm just getting started!!
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) July 30, 2021
It's unclear if Mostert is responding to a specific report or just his critics in general. Nothing regarding his use of a brace in practice immediately comes to mind.
Earlier this offseason, one beat writer, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, speculated that the 49ers could be tempted to trade Mostert, but that had more to do with the impressive depth added at the position rather than any criticisms directed at Mostert.
"I mean, Raheem Mostert could easily be the team's best running back," Maiocco added. "He could be a 1,200-yard rusher."
Mostert also addressed his brace while speaking with reporters on Thursday.
"I've been wearing this brace, even two years ago, when I had gotten an MRI," Mostert said. "It was just a longevity aspect. I intend to play this game for another four, five, six years, if I can. So, anything that helps prevent my career being shortened, I'm going to take those measures. That's the sole reason why I wear the brace, not just because I'm hurt or anything like that. I just take precaution."
Mostert only wears the brace during practices and doesn't feel it impacts his preparation for game days.
"When that brace comes off, you see me flying out there, going full tilt like I never even had it on," Mostert added. "I love that feeling, and I'm just going to stick with it."