Who Should I Start? Jeff Wilson Jr. or Alexander Mattison

Sunday, August 10, 8:52 PM

The San Francisco 49ers are signing free-agent running back Jeff Wilson Jr., according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 29-year-old had a recent workout with the team and is now returning to San Francisco, where he began his career under head coach Kyle Shanahan and played from 2018-22. The 49ers traded Wilson to the Dolphins during the 2022 campaign after acquiring Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. Wilson combined for a career-high 860 rushing yards and scored six touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving) between San Francisco and Miami that year, but his role in the Dolphins' offense diminished from 2023-24. Wilson totaled a meager 16 carries for 57 yards in nine games last season, and he spent several months on the open market as a result. Now that he's reuniting with the 49ers, Wilson will provide healthy depth at RB for a team lacking it behind McCaffrey. Backups Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) are dealing with injuries that will keep them out for a couple of weeks apiece. Meanwhile, recent free-agent pickup Ameer Abdullah (rib) had to leave the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos early on Saturday after suffering a rib injury.

Tuesday, August 12, 9:32 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison (neck) was officially placed on injured reserve on Monday. Mattison injured his neck during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday and later went for surgery. It was announced on Monday that he would miss the remainder of the year, with the team placing him on IR just as a procedural move to clear roster space. Mattison's absence will open up reps for second-year running back Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II behind starter De'Von Achane.