PHOENIX – The 49ers have four explosive runners, none of whom fits the prototypical mold of a short-yardage back.
“What is a short-yardage power back? Is that just the biggest guy possible? Is it the Nigerian Nightmare?” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan asked, referring to former 255-pound Kansas City running back Christian Okoye.
“Is that the only way? It doesn’t have to always be that way. I think Frank Gore is an unbelievable short-yardage back and is he a real big guy? No, he’s a normal back. So I think our guys can be similar to that.”
The 49ers entered the free-agent signing period without placing a huge need on signing a running back, Shanahan said.