The 49ers on Tuesday announced the release of running back Tevin Coleman. There was no corresponding move to fill his roster spot.
It’s not a huge surprise to see Coleman let go. His days on the club were numbered following the acquisition of RB Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers. McCaffrey went to the top of the depth chart, moving Jeff Wilson Jr. to No. 2, which left special teams roles open for the other active RBs on game days. Coleman doesn’t contribute on any special teams units so his release was a logical step for San Francisco.
Coleman suited up in four games for the 49ers, but he didn’t play a snap Sunday against Kansas City. In his four games he had 12 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown – all in Week 5 vs. the Panthers.
There’s a good chance he returns to their practice squad since RB Marlon Mack left San Francisco’s practice squad to join the Broncos’ active roster.
How they fill his roster spot will be interesting. The team has to make a decision on cornerback Jason Verrett by Wednesday. They’ll either add him to the active roster off the PUP list or leave him deactivated for the entire season. There’s no word on other returns from IR, but a player like Elijah Mitchell could conceivably have his practice window opened this week.
