Shanahan notices Sermon's progress in 49ers' preseason opener

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SANTA CLARA — The 49ers' run game had a slow start Friday night, but Kyle Shanahan believed it still was a step in the right direction.

Shanahan always has prioritized the run game, and since becoming the 49ers' head coach in 2017, he has had a different back lead the team in rushing yards each season.

Shanahan and general manager John Lynch spent a third-round draft pick on Trey Sermon in 2021 and hoped he'd become the franchise ball carrier, but the Ohio State product got off to a slow start in his rookie season.

In the 49ers' 28-21 preseason-opening win over the Green Bay Packers, Sermon carried the ball six times and gained 11 yards -- a 1.8-yard-per-carry average -- but the coach wasn't discouraged.

“Yeah, I was real happy with Trey,” Shanahan said. “There were things that we wanted him to improve on from last year. He's shown that in training camp every single day that he's got the opportunity to, and I thought he did the same thing last night.

“I didn't think he had any really good looks that he should have got more on, but he didn't hesitate. He hit the hole hard, and I thought he did a real good job with his opportunities.”

The 49ers closed out Friday with 32 carries for 116 yards, giving them a 3.6-yard-per-carry average. JaMycal Hasty and Ty Davis-Price lead the group with 36 yards apiece. While Shanahan admitted mistakes were made on the field, he believed the group did a “decent job” in the run game.

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The ground game also cannot be at its full potential without the starting offensive line on the field. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams sat out of the game, and right tackle Mike McGlinchey only was seen on the field for one series.

As the interior of the offensive line starts to become solidified, the run game also should become more productive. Sermon and the entire running backs group will benefit.

After the game, Sermon shared he hasn't yet reached his potential.

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“Could have done a little bit more,” Sermon said after the game. “I felt like it was an OK night. I definitely could have done better. I just feel like I have a chip on my shoulder, and that’s just my mentality.”

Sermon will have more opportunities to show he's capable of being the 49ers' lead back while Elijah Mitchell nurses a hamstring injury and Jeff Wilson Jr. is excused for a personal matter. Sermon likely will run with the 1s in team drills when practice resumes Sunday afternoon.

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