Yes, Coleman is credited with 11 starts this season, including the final nine games of the year, while Mostert is credited with none. That's because Coleman, more often than not, is on the field for the first offensive snap of each game.
None of that matters to head coach Kyle Shanahan, who sees both running backs as valuable components of the NFL's No. 2 ranked rushing attack.
"Tevin beings a lot to our game," Shanahan told reporters on Thursday. "I know he hasn't had the same yards per carry as Raheem has done. I don't really care much who the starter is. All those guys play.
"Raheem's got the bulk of it (in the latter part of the season), so usually, in my opinion, the guy who gets the bulk of the carries is usually the guy we call the starter because we're treating him as the starter. If he's not out there the first play, I know no one else calls him the starter because that's what matters, I guess, to be called the starter.
"Tevin started out that way this year. I think he handles it very well. I think Raheem's very comfortable in his situation when he comes in, and doesn't have a problem with it."
Mostert leads the 49ers with 772 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns this season while averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. He also has 14 receptions for 180 yards with two receiving scores.
Coleman has gained 544 yards on the ground with six rushing touchdowns, and has caught 21 passes for 180 yards and one trip to the end zone. His rushing total actually ranked third on the team behind Matt Breida, who has gained 623 rushing yards this season.
"There's a different element to all of them," Shanahan continued. "I do like having Tevin out there because the way he hits holes, he brings a little different physicality to the game. But I like what all our backs do."
The bottom line is the 49ers have a lot of talented running backs, and that could carry the team far in the playoffs. Starter? Backups? It doesn't matter to Shanahan.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers have a pass rush problem, and the solution isn't what you think
Much has been made—and was made weekly during the season—of the 49ers' lack of a pass rush. The team was last in the league in sacks and last in pressure rate. Since the defense had almost double the sacks in 2024 (20 vs. 37) with a healthy Nick Bosa, it stands to reason... -
49ers add receiver, running back in 3-round NFL mock draft
Alec Elijah of Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) released a three-round 2026 NFL mock draft projecting the San Francisco 49ers to address multiple roster needs—though notably not the offensive or defensive lines, two areas widely viewed as priorities. Still, Elijah has... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan excited about Jordan James heading into 2026 season
Jordan James saw limited action for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 season, playing just three offensive snaps—all coming in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts. He added 14 offensive snaps in the playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, including his first career... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan sounds off on Ricky Pearsall injury concerns
There was significant excitement surrounding Ricky Pearsall's potential entering the season. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver showed encouraging chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy, leading many to believe Pearsall could emerge as a breakout performer in 2025. That...