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The 49ers backfield may get some much-needed reinforcements in time for a crucial Week 12 game against the Rams in Los Angeles. San Francisco on Tuesday announced running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. would both have their practice windows opened.
Mostert and Wilson will both remain on Injured Reserve with high ankle sprains, but the opening of their 21-day practice window allows them to get on the field for practice before the team officially reinstates them to the active roster. The 49ers have three weeks to make their decision on whether to activate the RBs or place them on season-ending IR, but they’ll be eligible return as early as Sunday vs. the Rams. However, San Francisco wouldn’t have designated them for return if they weren’t supremely confident both Mostert and Wilson would be ready within that 21-day window.
Injuries have slammed the 49ers backfield since the second week of the year. Mostert, Wilson, Tevin Coleman and JaMycal Hasty have all dealt with injuries that’ve caused them to miss time. Hasty in Week 10 suffered a season-ending broken collarbone, leaving Jerick McKinnon and undrafted second-year player Austin Walter as the only healthy backs on the roster.
The team has been eyeing a post-Bye week return for Mostert since he hurt his ankle in Week 6. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that timeline following the team’s Week 10 loss to the Saints. He also said Wilson was more likely to come back in Week 13 when the 49ers host the Buffalo Bills.
Getting Mostert back vs. the Rams should be a huge boost for a struggling 49ers rushing attack. They’ve missed the home-run plays with Mostert’s speed out of the lineup. He’s racked up 303 rushing yards in four games, which still leads the team despite the fact he’s missed six contests.
The 49ers and Rams kick off at 1:05pm Pacific Time on Sunday from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.