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San Francisco 49ers: Four players to watch in preseason opener

By Cesar Becerra

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after the 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14 at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after the 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14 at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Joe Williams, Running Back

Joe Williams was probably the biggest draft bust that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch had during their first draft together. Shanahan traded up in the fourth round to select the Utah running back, and it did not pan out as planned.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Williams’ fit in Shanahan’s offense made a lot of sense. He’s an explosive pass-catching back that (at the time) complemented Carlos Hyde well for the run game. Williams didn’t play a regular season snap and was placed on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury.

But all indications are that the move wasn’t injury related, rather Shanahan and Lynch didn’t see Williams as a player ready to play at NFL speed. Well, this season is a different story.

The Georgia Southern products, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, are locks atop the running back depth chart and that means Williams and Raheem Mostert are battling for the third running back spot on the roster.

While Williams shares the running back qualities that Shanahan values for his style of offense, Mostert was a key contributor on special teams last season.

So, if Williams is going to make the roster, he’s going to need to prove that he has the grit on the football field that showcases his talents.

Williams should see split action with Mostert long into halftime and perhaps even into the third quarter. Jeremy McNichols and Jeff Wilson should get their opportunity during the fourth quarter.