San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players fighting for their futures in 2018
Joe Williams
This might be a bit of a stretch considering this is going to be Joe Williams’ second year, but it’s not too far from the truth. He missed all of the 2017 season because of an ankle injury that placed him on the IR. Even before that injury, the former Ute didn’t do much to show his promise as a formidable option in the backfield.
His 2017 preseason statistics were inconsistent and showed that he still needs more developing before being trusted.
- Preseason Week 1: seven carries, 60 yards, 8.6 yards per carry, one fumble
- Preseason Week 2: one carry, one yard
- Preseason Week 3: seven carries, 16 yards, 2.3 yards per carry
- Preseason Week 4: 10 carries, 53 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, two fumbles
Don’t forget that the team signed Jerick McKinnon, and that Matt Breida is coming off of a solid rookie year in 2017. Both of these guys are everything that Shanahan looks for in a running back as far as complete players in the backfield.
They each have shown their worth and success in the league. As for Williams, he’s in an uphill battle to prove himself against these two.