The San Francisco 49ers are facing a bit of a shake-up in their backfield as backup running back Brian Robinson Jr. has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. This move leaves the Niners searching for a reliable backup to support Christian McCaffrey in the upcoming season.
While Robinson's departure might not seem earth-shattering at first glance, it does pose a challenge for the 49ers. Last season, despite a slew of injuries across the team, only McCaffrey and Robinson carried the ball during the regular season.
It wasn't until the playoff game against Seattle that rookie Jordan James saw some action, albeit in garbage time. This durability and consistency from McCaffrey and Robinson was a stark contrast to the previous season when the Niners had to dig deep into their depth chart.
Robinson's numbers weren’t eye-popping-400 rushing yards and two touchdowns-but his reliability and occasional contributions in the kick-return game were invaluable. He was the trusted option to give McCaffrey a breather, which is no small feat.
Now, with Robinson gone, the depth chart behind McCaffrey includes Jordan James, Isaac Guerendo, and Patrick Taylor Jr. The 49ers could stick with this group, but there are a few veteran free agents who might fill the void left by Robinson.
Austin Ekeler
A potential option is Austin Ekeler, known for his dual-threat capability as both a rusher and a pass catcher, much like McCaffrey. Ekeler is recovering from a torn Achilles, but if he’s healthy, he could be a valuable addition.
Ameer Abdullah
Another name to consider is Ameer Abdullah.
The 49ers briefly brought him in during the preseason last year when injuries were rampant. Abdullah spent time with the Colts, rushing for 60 yards on 14 carries.
He could provide some much-needed depth.
Raheem Mostert
There’s also the possibility of a reunion with Raheem Mostert.
After bringing back linebacker Dre Greenlaw, the Niners might be in the mood for more nostalgia. Mostert, who played as a backup for the Raiders last season, could bring experience and familiarity to the backfield.
While losing Robinson might seem manageable, the 49ers would be wise to bolster their running back depth as a precautionary measure.