The San Francisco 49ers signed Jerick McKinnon to a sizable contract this offseason, but it does offer the opportunity to go year-to-year. McKinnon will slot in as the starter, and second-year running back Matt Breida is likely to serve as the primary backup. The third running back slot is where the competition could be most intense.
The 49ers welcome back Joe Williams from injured reserve, and he will be competing primarily against Jeremy McNichols and Jeff Wilson. The 49ers signed McNichols to the practice squad at the end of training camp, and then activated him to the 53-man roster the final five weeks of the season.