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Alfred Morris will start in San Francisco’s preseason matchup at Indianapolis Saturday afternoon, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told KNBR Friday morning.
Of the four preseason games, the third most closely resembles a regular season contest, with the starters expected to play the entire first half. That includes Morris, whom the 49ers signed last week.
“I expect to see him a lot in the first half and see what he can do,” Shanahan said.
Morris did not play in last Saturday’s 16-13 loss at Houston. With Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, the team’s indisputable top two backs, sidelined with injuries until Week 1, Jeremy McNichols got the bulk of the work with the first team, while Joe Williams and rookie Jeff Wilson got their chances in the second half. Williams suffered a fractured rib. Shanahan told KNBR he “may be available next week in Week 4,” contrary to the initial diagnosis that projected he would be out until at least Week 1.
The No. 3 running back spot has been one of the hotly contested battles throughout camp. What’s tricky is the value of special-teams, which is where Raheem Mostert holds the clear advantage. The 49ers, however, could keep four running backs on the roster, which Shanahan affirmed earlier this week.
Morris’ physical, rugged running style contrasts the dynamic, shiftiness of McKinnon and Breida. But Morris enjoyed the two best seasons of his career in Washington with Shanahan as its offensive coordinator.
During his rookie season in 2012, he compiled 1,613 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, both of which finished second in the league behind Adrian Peterson. Morris’ rushing total was the third-most productive rookie season for any running back in NFL history. The following season, Morris compiled 1,275 yards and seven touchdowns.
Morris spent the past two seasons in a backup role with the Dallas Cowboys, where he averaged 92 rushes for 395 yards during those two years. He did, however, average 4.8 yards per game last season, the most since his rookie year. His best performance was a 27-carry, 127-yard day in Week 14.
Saturday provides a massive opportunity for Morris, who is working on abbreviated time to make a push for the 53-man roster.
Listen to the full podcast with Shanahan below.