Tevin

Coleman

The elevation paints an ominous picture for the game-day status of running back Elijah Mitchell, the latter of whom missed practice all three days this week leading up to the NFC Conference Championship showdown with the Eagles. That could spell a likely increase to lead back Christian McCaffrey’s expected usage, who saw more than five additional opportunities per game in contests Mitchell missed this season.

Elijah Mitchell, who had 55 yards and two touchdowns on five rushes last week, will serve as the RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey as the Niners take on a Seattle rush defense that has been among the NFL’s worst over the past two months.

Coleman will add depth to the 49ers’ 53-man roster ahead of Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with Seattle. The 49ers also promoted CB Janoris Jenkins from the practice squad to the active roster.

“He makes it tough on defenses and I think those are body blows that wear on you in the fourth quarter, so it’ll be interesting to see a full game with him,” Garoppolo said when asked about Mason’s tough running in Week 12 against the Saints. Christian McCaffrey, who dealt with some knee pain in Week 12, said he “dodged a bullet” and feels ready to go for this week’s game against Miami. We can expect CMC to lead the Niners backfield with either Mason or Tyrion Davis-Price taking over the Elijah Mitchell, who was lost for the season to a knee injury. There’s a chance Tevin Coleman, a longtime Kyle Shanahan favorite, could be activated and mix in to the backfield against the Dolphins. Garoppolo’s comments seem to indicate Mason will get first crack as the team’s No. 2 back with Mitchell sidelined.

“Never underestimate Shanahan’s fondness for veteran Tevin Coleman” is the direct quote. Coleman had a 8/23/1 rushing line and a 3/44/1 receiving line in Week 5 against the Panthers and could be elevated off the practice squad. Jordan Mason took backup snaps on Sunday in part because Coleman wasn’t elevated and Tyrion Davis-Price was a healthy scratch. It’s possible that the 49ers only bring up one of those players for Week 13 -- it’s also possible both have a role if Christian McCaffrey’s knee discomfort is more than it seems. Coleman is worth a waiver wire claim in deeper leagues.

With Christian McCaffrey on the roster, Coleman did not see a snap on offense in Week 7. The 49ers released him on Tuesday. Coleman’s knowledge of the system makes him an easy addition to San Francisco’s practice squad.

Coleman had rushed four times for three yards in Week 6 and was inactive in Week 7. He may be a candidate to come back on the 49ers practice squad, but he also might find more opportunity elsewhere, in running back rooms that haven’t added Christian McCaffrey recently.

Coleman was not targeted in the game. He played just 20% of the snaps to Jeff Wilson’s 52%. Coleman can be safely dropped in medium-depth leagues. Although, he still has some contingent value in deep leagues. Tyrion Davis-Price was active in Week 6, but logged just one snap, indicating the Coleman is still the clear No. 2 for now.

Coleman is likely to once again suit up for the Niners after going for 23 yards and a touchdown on eight rushes last week against Carolina. Much of Coleman’s touches came after the 49ers had seized a healthy lead against the down-bad Panthers. Jeff Wilson will continue running as the team’s RB1 in what should be a good matchup against a burnable Atlanta front seven. Rotoworld’s Denny Carter this week mentioned Coleman as a pick up in deeper leagues.

Coleman was signed to the practice squad a couple weeks back after the Tyrion Davis-Price injury, and he’s been elevated lately to be Jeff Wilson’s backup over rookie Jordan Mason. Coleman caught a short touchdown in the first half and then ran one in late. He’s only on the fantasy map in the deepest of leagues behind Jeff Wilson.