After two injury-plagued seasons, former 49ers running back Raheem Mostert is hoping to make a comeback. Mostert, who missed 16 games last season after suffering cartilage damage to his knee, is making a full recovery after undergoing tests this week, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The soon-to-be free agent is on track to be ready to play at the start of next season.
A former undrafted rookie, Mostert spent time with several clubs during his first few seasons before settling in San Francisco in 2016. In 2019, despite sharing a backfield with Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida, Mostert led the 49ers with 772 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He rushed for 336 yards and five touchdowns (6.3 yards per carry) during the 2019 playoffs that included his 220-yard, four-touchdown effort in the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game win over the Packers.
Mostert was one of many 49ers who found themselves on injured reserve during the 2020 season. Mostert missed half of the 2020 season before missing all but one game last season after sustaining his knee injury. The 49ers, who spent a third-round pick last year on former Ohio State running back Trey Sermon, received a solid season last year from running back Elijah Mitchell, who led the team with 963 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Mostert, who will celebrate his 30th birthday next month, is one of several accomplished running backs who are expected to test the open market on March 16. Among the other expected notable available running backs include Melvin Gordon, David Johnson, Leonard Fournette, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Sony Michel.
