A couple of weeks ago, with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida nursing injuries, Alfred Morris came out of free agency and turned in a strong rushing performance against the Colts: 17 carries, 84 yards. Impressive enough that we thought he'd probably start for his old boss Kyle Shanahan. That looks even more likely tonight, with McKinnon now out for the season.
McKinnon, only just returned from the earlier calf injury, tore his ACL in practice and is headed for IR. The days of happily getting Morris in the 13th and 14th rounds of drafts -- days like yesterday -- are sadly gone. He'll be drafted as a starter in most leagues now, because he's probably going to start.
The 49ers also have Breida, and he'll likely be involved as at least part of the backfield. He's not a great receiver, but it would take a lot of work to offer less in that area than Morris, who has 20 receptions in his last 44 career games. If either one of these backs is on the field in obvious passing situations, it would be Breida. (San Francisco might also sign someone else; perhaps they'll bring back Jeremy McNichols, but more likely they'll be scouring the waiver wire for other cuts.)
Regardless, Morris, who's very comfortable in Shanahan's offense, remains the favorite to be the lead back, accounting for the vast majority of rushing yards and touchdowns. Updated rankings were recently sent to subscribers, so you can see where Morris lands.
--Andy Richardson