Three’s company: Wilson’s promotion gives 49ers trio of RBs
CINCINNATI — When Jeffrey Wilson Jr. got called up from the 49ers practice squad late last season, he immediately impressed with a bruising style and an average of 4 yards per carry.
The same might be needed from him now that he got elevated from the practice squad Saturday, giving the 49ers three running backs for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tight end Kaden Smith, a sixth-round pick from Stanford, was waived in a corresponding roster move.
Tevin Coleman, who started last Sunday’s season-opening win at Tampa Bay, is sidelined likely the next two games because of a high-ankle sprain. He’s been ruled out against the Bengals.
Matt Breida figures to draw the starting role, which he held 13 games last season. Raheem Mostert and Wilson can relieve Breida. Wilson (6-foot, 194 pounds) made two starts while playing in the final six games last season as an undrafted rookie from North Texas; he’s since changed from No. 41 to 30.
In the 31-17 win over the Bucs, Breida had 15 carries for just 37 yards (2.5 ypc) and Mostert had nine carries for 40 yards (4.4 ypc).
The Bengals allowed 72 yards on 25 carries in their 21-20, season-opening loss at Seattle.