Might NFL trade deadline tap into 49ers’ surplus of running backs?
SANTA CLARA — Four hours before today’s NFL trade deadline, coach Kyle Shanahan said he does not think the 49ers will export anyone from their surplus of running backs.
He did not rule that out, of course, because the 49ers’ brass is always in discussions with teams.
“We do have a lot of running backs, which I don’t think is ever a problem, especially how we’ve had all these guys get hurt throughout this year,” Shanahan said Tuesday morning on KNBR 680-AM.
The 49ers (4-4) are meeting today before getting the next five days off for their bye week. The trade deadline is 1 p.m., and the 49ers aren’t expected to top their Oct. 20 move that brought in Christian McCaffrey, who keyed Sunday’s 31-14 win at Los Angeles by producing touchdowns via pass, catch and run.
Also with McCaffrey in the 49ers’ running back unit are Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson Jr., Ty Davis-Price and Jordan Mason. Mitchell has been out since the season opener with a sprained knee, and although a post-bye return was projected, there’s no guarantee he’ll suit up Nov. 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“It’d be nice to get Elijah back after the bye, which I know there’s a chance; if it isn’t after the bye, it’d be very quickly after that game,” Shanahan said. “Then finally getting Ty (Davis-Price) healthy these last two weeks, then Christian came on board.
“We do have a number of guys, but by no means are we trying to just get rid of one.”
The one rumored to have stirred interest is Wilson, who’s in his contract year and has served as the 49ers’ starter since Mitchell’s injury.
“I mean, we love Jeff Wilson, and I would hate to lose him,” Shanahan said. “You always listen to stuff if you think it could help your team, and if it’s a great situation for him, but that stuff rarely happens.
“Look at some of these people available in this league and they still don’t get traded. We’ll see if anything happens today but I don’t think it will.”
Shanahan did not rule out the 49ers’ interest in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a free agent who is recovering from last season’s anterior cruciate ligament tear.
“You don’t have to worry about a trade deadline with him, because he’s out there and available,” Shanahan said. “I’ve always been a fan of Odell, like I feel most people are. He’s that good of a player. But I definitely am very happy with our receiver group right now and love the guys that we have.”