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Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert injury status update
Breida and Mostert are both ACTIVE for Week 9 Thursday Night Football. Breida is the stronger fantasy play behind Tevin Coleman.
Both Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert suffered injuries in Week 8 against the Panthers. Breida picked up an ankle injury and Mostert a knee injury. The good news for the 49ers is that coach Kyle Shanahan says he expects both to be available for the game, but both will receive evaluations Thursday morning.
Usually, when a coach says he “expects” someone to play, they end up playing. And Breida has played through multiple injuries in the past, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he does again on Thursday.
Fantasy football analysis, San Francisco RBs Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert
If coach Shanahan is correct in his assessment, Breida would again back up Tevin Coleman and have fantasy value in a run-heavy scheme and likely positive game script. There is always a chance of an in-game re-aggravation to his ankle injury, but if he plays the whole game, he is worth a fantasy start. The 49ers have been consistent in giving two running backs the bulk of the touches since Coleman returned from his ankle injury four weeks ago. If Breida is healthy, Mostert and Jeff Wilson would again have sparing usage.
If Breida can’t go, Mostert becomes a useful fantasy play, much like Breida. The 49ers run the ball on average 38 times a game, and as 10-point favorites, that should happen again this week. Coleman has topped out at 22 rushing attempts in a game this season, which is a good number but still leaves room for others to work behind a strong offensive line in a good matchup.
And finally, if both Mostert and Breida were to sit, Jeff Wilson would get a big enough bump to have some flex appeal as well. After Coleman’s four-touchdown game last week, he’ll be riding high and healthy, so he should see his max opportunities, but that would also mean the backup running back will be in the range of 10-14 touches and could see mop-up duty. Don’t be afraid to play the 49ers No. 2 back this week.