Kyle Shanahan discusses role for newest 49ers running back

The San Francisco 49ers closed out the preseason last night with a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The only running backs to play were Jeff Wilson, Jr., Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Isaac Guerendo. The only healthy running backs who did not suit up were Christian McCaffrey and newcomer Brian Robinson, who was traded to the 49ers (from Washington) on Friday. Robinson reportedly has passed his physical, but the 49ers have yet to officially announce the deal.

Saturday night, during his post-game session with the media, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan touched on what Robinson's role will be with the team.


"We brought him here to be our two back. Always been a big fan of Brian," Shanahan said. "Loved him coming out of college. He's done really well going against him, and we were pumped that he was available and we were pumped that we were able to get him."

It may not come as a huge surprise to many that Shanahan sees Robinson as his RB2, the top backup to McCaffrey. But some, including a few 49ers reporters, believed Guerendo would be the backup running back, and that Robinson would be RB3, with a chance to become the top backup if there was an injury.

But it seemed obvious to others that Robinson is a more natural fit as Shanahan's RB2. He has much more experience and is a hard, talented runner, especially in short-yardage situations. And the former Washington Commander is better equipped to handle the job than the oft-injured Guerendo.

Robinson may not be as explosive as Guerendo, but he is a better pure running back. And Robinson should be a good option to take some of the load off McCaffrey. Last season, Robinson rushed for a career-high 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. In his three-year career, he has rushed for 2,329 yards, with 15 rushing touchdowns, while also adding 65 receptions for 587 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.

The 49ers are expected to make the trade official on Sunday.

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