The biggest injury that hit the 49ers in the NFC championship came when running back Tevin Coleman landed awkwardly on his right arm following a second-quarter run. He was carted off with what head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed was a dislocated shoulder. There’s some uncertainty about the extent of the damage, but Shanahan didn’t rule out the running back for Super Bowl LIV on February 2.
“I mean, we’ve got to wait until we get the stuff back, so I don’t want to speculate too much, but usually a week to rest it and it usually gets back in,” Shanahan said. “I expect him to have a chance to play. Can’t hold me to that. We’ll find out more after the imaging, but expect him to have a good chance to play.”
Coleman’s absence paved the way for Raheem Mostert to log a career-high 29 carries, and a franchise record 220 yards. His four touchdowns made him the first player in NFL history with 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a playoff game.
While Coleman’s injury opened the door for a big day from Mostert, his presence in the lineup is still key for a 49ers rushing attack that thrives on its versatility and depth.
If Coleman can’t go in the Super Bowl, it likely means undrafted running back Jeff Wilson Jr. would be active, with Matt Breida also in the rotation. Breida logged only two snaps in the NFC championship.
This will be something worth monitoring in the lead up to the game the first Sunday in February, but the week off before the game should give Coleman a good chance to be active come game time. A fully stocked backfield is a significant advantage in the team’s quest for a sixth Super Bowl win.
