The 49ers have a decision to make at running back, and it likely does not involve LeSean McCoy or any other veteran who might become available.
Will the 49ers keep a fourth halfback to go along with Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert? As long as those players are healthy, they will suit up for every game this season. Coleman and Breida will be the primary backs, with Mostert able to fill in while being one of the top special-teams players in the league.
Running back Jerick McKinnon experienced a disappointing setback this week, and is likely to require an additional procedure on his right knee. The 49ers are contemplating placing him on season-ending injured reserve.
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Second-year player Jeff Wilson is on the bubble. He is somebody the 49ers want to keep around, but coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch must determine whether it makes more sense to keep him on the 53-man roster or devote more depth to another position.
If the 49ers waive Wilson, they would almost assuredly want to bring him back to the practice squad. But would another team claim him?
That's the risk the 49ers would take if they did not award Wilson a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
[RELATED: Former 49ers RB Gore, 36, outlasts McCoy with the Bills]
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Wilson, 23, averaged 4.0 yards on 66 carries late last season. He would almost certainly be more attractive to the 49ers as an insurance policy than a player, such as McCoy, whom the Buffalo Bills released on Saturday.
McCoy, 31, has played 10 NFL seasons and averaged just 3.2 yards per rushing attempt last season.