49ers fantasy football: What is Tevin Coleman’s value when he returns?

The San Francisco 49ers running backs have been performing exceptionally well without Tevin Coleman. Considering the hot streak they have been, it might hurt the value of Tevin Coleman in fantasy football.

Running back Tevin Coleman has been on the shelf for fantasy football owners ever since his week one ankle sprain. It’s always a tough situation to be in for fantasy football when a quality player has missed some time. Not just because he’s been out of action, but because his replacement could hurt his playing time.

Fellow teammates Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have been performing exceptionally well in Coleman’s absence. Mostert has been the dual threat that Coleman was supposed to be, while Wilson has been the redzone bully back to finish drives. It’s kind of hard to see how much playing time Coleman is going to see if these running backs are performing strongly still.

The longer Coleman is the absent, the harder it’ll be for him. So what is his value when he returns from injury? His value will be little to nothing, at least at first. He’s just going to be a bench-warmer for you unless you’re barely getting by with your current running backs.

As talented of a player that Coleman is, I doubt he’ll regain his starting position if Mostert, Wilson and Matt Breida are producing well. Even his playing time will take a hit because the running back by committee attack has been successful for the 49ers’ offense. I highly advise keeping Coleman out of your starting lineup until any of the other running backs start making mistakes.

Only then would it be feasible to put Coleman in your lineup. I would even try to trade him if possible, but with such little value it’ll be a stretch for that. The crowded room of running backs just makes it tough for him. Of course, Kyle Shanahan could just outright give him his starting role back and give him a chunk of snaps.

The success of his running backs might not be enough to hold Coleman back. Remember, these two spent time together with the Atlanta Falcons, so there is familiarity. Still, I would bank on Coleman gradually being involved over time as opposed to instant production. Keep Coleman on your bench for safekeeping.