49ers running back Tevin Coleman ruled out of the team’s season opener at halftime with an ankle injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday in a conference call that Coleman suffered a high ankle sprain and may miss multiple games.
The injury happened on the first play of the game according to Shanahan. He tried playing through it, but the nature of the injury didn’t allow him to continue past halftime.
A high ankle sprain makes Coleman’s numbers even more impressive. He amassed 56 yards on eight touches.
Coleman won’t play in Week 2 against the Bengals, and it’s hard to imagine he suits up in Week 3 against the Steelers, although Shanahan said the running back will be week-to-week after that. The 49ers have their bye week in Week 4 which may help accelerate Coleman’s return to action with only a couple games missed.
Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert shouldered the load in Coleman’s absence, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them promote second-year running back Jeff Wilson Jr. from the practice squad until Coleman returns.
