Morris did not play this past weekend against the Houston Texans after joining his new 49ers teammates four days before kickoff. The team is without Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder) until Week 1 of the regular season.
Shanahan joined KNBR on Friday morning to discuss Morris and the running back situation.
"McKinnon and Breida, them being down and stuff has opened up a lot of reps for other guys," Shanahan said on the Murph & Mac show. "We got Jeremy (McNichols) a lot of reps last week. We're going to have Alfred start this game. He didn't get any carries last week, so I expect to see him a lot in the first half and see what he can do there.
RELATED
"All the other guys have gotten some opportunities. We'll mix them back in and spell Alfred out when he's tired in the first half. And we'll give the other guys who are up a go there in the second half.
"Joe Williams got hurt last week also, so he's not available. He may be available for next week in Week 4 but this game, starting out, is going to be Alf's game."
Morris already knew he would play against the Colts, but, as of Thursday afternoon, wasn't entirely sure when he would get into the game.
"That's up to the coaches, honestly," Morris said on 95.7 The Game. "If I start, great. If I don't, it doesn't matter to me. I will have an opportunity. I will play in this game, to my knowledge. Like I said, I'm thankful for this opportunity that I've been given so I can give myself a chance to make this team."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan responds to Browns' accusations against Jauan Jennings
Cleveland Browns players did not hold back when discussing San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings after Sunday's matchup. Two Browns defenders expressed frustration with comments they say Jennings made during the injury stoppage for defensive tackle Maliek... -
49ers could face Philip Rivers in Week 16 as Colts explore QB options
The San Francisco 49ers remain locked in on their Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, but once that game is in the books, their attention will quickly shift to their Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who are dealing with a difficult quarterback... -
49ers' John Lynch defends Jauan Jennings against criticism: 'They all wish he were on their team'
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings found himself at the center of controversy following Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. Several Browns players accused the fiery 49ers receiver of crossing the line with comments he allegedly made during an injury... -
Shelby Harris elaborates on accusations against 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris had strong words for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings following Sunday's matchup. Harris was clearly upset about something Jennings allegedly said during an injury stoppage on the field. "I see why he got punched...