The 49ers plan to sign running back Alfred Morris, coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Monday. Morris’ deal is pending a physical. 
Morris, at the very minimum, will provide the Niners an extra body in camp as Jerick McKinnon heals up from a calf strain and Matt Brieda deals with a shoulder injury. If Morris can show some of his old form, then he could have a new home for the 2018 season.
“Alf did a great job for us for the two years I was with him,” Shanahan said of their time together in Washington, via 95.7 The Game (on Twitter). “It’s not flashy, but he runs extremely hard. He’s very reliable. You block him for zero, usually he can get at least one. He’s a hard-nosed runner you can keep handing the ball off to.”
Morris led the Redskins in rushing for four straight seasons, including his rookie season in which he topped 1,600 yards on the ground. Last year, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry as the Cowboys’ primary starter during Ezekiel Elliott‘s suspension.
The Niners are also rostering 2017 fourth-round pick Joe Williams, Raheem Mostert, and Jeremy McNichols at running back.
Good move. Was worried with with all these injuries but this is a good pick up just in case. Actually he isn’t even a bad RB and I’d be happy with him even if we weren’t dealing with these injuries.
My thoughts and feelings exactly!! Very well said, and not too much I could add to it really..
My only other thought is what this might possibly say about management’s confidence in Williams..
Either way though, unless Williams comes out guns blazing, I actually hope they keep Morris for the season..
The 49ers will need a veteran RB that can run between the tackles, if they are serious about competing thus season. McKinnon hasn’t shown that he’s trustworthy or even capable of handling those duties thus far in his career.
McKinnon can and will be an excellent 3rd down RB, but I’m just not sold as him being their primary, every down man…
Guess we will just have to wait and see, but Morris, as an insurance policy, sounds like a great move to me..He’s at least proven, unlike McKinnon nor Breida…
This hurts Mostert and Williams chances of making the roster
ah i dont think so. unless is salary is guaranteed i think this is just a precaution against mckinnon and breida need to go on the IR. mostert and williams can play special teams and so offer some more value to a roster spot where as alfred morris doesnt play special teams and so unless he is their feature back or goal line back he will be cut
Niners needed a power back and Alfred is that. Mostert is a very good special teamer but so so running back and Williams is inconsistent and unproven even though I would like him to make the team
Morris will be loved as a backup in San Francisco if he sticks. He’s always been a solid runner throughout his career.
When is AP going to sign somewhere tho?
If 31 year old LeGarrette Blount doesn’t work out for the Lions they might consider taking a chance on AP. He would certainly be motivated to perform against his former Viking team.