San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert played just 27 offensive snaps during Monday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills. He has just 85 rushing yards in his two games since returning from the high-ankle sprain that landed him on injured reserve.
Mostert explained to reporters on Thursday that the ankle is still bothering him, which could be why fans aren't seeing the normally explosive running back frustrating opposing defenses just yet.
"Especially these next few weeks, it's not going to be 100 percent," Mostert said, "But it's there, and it's a nagging feeling, most importantly. I've just got to overcome it, which I've been doing a great job. I've just got to continue to keep rehabbing and doing all the little things. That way, I can be close to 100 percent when I step out onto the field."
Mostert knows ankle injuries can be tricky, and the recovery time differs from person to person. 49ers players have suffered more than their fair share of those types of injuries this season.
The 49ers have gained over 100 total rushing yards in just one of their last five games. By the way, that one game was a 112-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams during Week 12, which happens to be the team's only victory during that stretch.
"I'm always going to look at myself," Mostert said. "I've been out for some games, and coming back against the Rams, I really didn't have too many good looks, and I didn't personally do good. I just try to improve each and every day. I think that's most of the things that we're focusing on right now, is just improve the run game because we know how effective we are, but it just takes everyone.
"Everybody has to look at themselves in the mirror and go from there, and that's what it takes. That way, we can get this rushing game going and do what we have to do, so that way we can open up the pass game and be more effective there as well."