Why Tevin Coleman’s absence was beneficial for the 49ers

The temporary loss of Tevin Coleman allowed for Raheem Mostert to receive an increase in playing time. Because of that, Mostert was able to display that he can be a useful contributor on offense.

When it was revealed that running back Tevin Coleman suffered a high ankle sprain in week one, it felt like the 49ers were cursed. First it was Jerick McKinnon who could not get healthy and the very first game as a 49er Coleman goes down. The 49ers had lost a dynamic player for the next four to six weeks, so it was a bit of a blow to the team.

Coleman is the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone run scheme. His ability to be a capable receiver also fits the mold of his system since Shanahan thrives on mismatches. It’s why the 49ers went out and signed him in free agency, aside from the familiarity aspect.

As much as it seemed like a bit of a blow losing Coleman for a while, his absence has actually been beneficial for the 49ers.

First and foremost, I’m not advocating that his injury was a positive by any measure nor am I wishing for it. His absence was beneficial for the offense because it allowed Raheem Mostert to get a significant amount of playing time. In the two games Coleman has missed, Mostert saw a combined 25 carries and five targets as a receiver.

This is important because the offense of the 49ers was expected to have a three headed monster with Coleman, Breida and McKinnon. With Coleman out, Mostert is able to get opportunities he wouldn’t and prove his talent, which is undoubtedly there. Aside from his butter finger game in week three, Mostert can be a useful contributor for the offense.

He is just as versatile as Coleman and Breida. Now when Tevin Coleman comes back, which looks like will be against the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers will have three established and dangerous running backs. Just think about the different types of mismatches and screens that Shanahan has in store for defenses with this group of running backs.

The offense will be able to attack defenses extensively and can maintain drives better since they can just shuffle their backs. Entering training camp, Raheem Mostert was seen as just a special teams player. Now he is someone that can be used in spurts on the offense when Coleman returns. The San Francisco 49ers offense hasn’t found its groove through three games yet, but when they return from the bye expect them to be locked and loaded.