After a disappointing Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the San Francisco 49ers are left searching for some answers.
While this loss won't define their season and, in the grand scheme of things, they should be fine, it was also the first game this team played after making the announcement that running back Christian McCaffrey was being placed on injured reserve.
In his place, Jordan Mason had himself another great game, rushing 20 times for 100 yards and a score. However, with McCaffrey out at least four games now, one might wonder if the 49ers should be leaning so heavily on Mason.
For now, Mason appears to be able to handle the load without a problem. However, the depth at the position is a bit alarming. With Elijah Mitchell already out, the 49ers have rookie fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo slated to back up Mason.
Through two games, Guerendo has only played a total of four offensive snaps. That's either an indictment on the rookie not necessarily being ready, a huge vote of confidence in Mason, or mabye a bit of both.
In any event, the 49ers should be on the lookout for additional running back help. It's never too early for a trade, and after just two weeks, the perfect candidate could be emerging elsewhere within the NFC.
Khalil Herbert could be an affordable trade candidate to place alongside Jordan Mason while Christian McCaffrey is out
Looking over at the Chicago Bears and their current roster, one thing has been puzzling about their running back usage.
D'Andre Swift has gotten the bulk of the carries (24) while backup Khalil Herbert has only received a total of four, himself.
Meanwhile, Travis Homer has played 25 percent of snaps for the Bears, who also have second-year pro Roschon Johnson waiting in the wing as well. With the Bears being deep at the position and Herbert seemingly phased out to begin the year, why not take a swing?
Herbert is in the final year of his contract and, over his previous three years in the league, has been incredibly efficient. Having averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry in those three seasons, Herbert is someone who can consistently run through contact and provide extra yardage after the fact.
He is also a capable receiver, having caught 45 passes during his career. At times, Herbert has looked like the best back in Chicago over his career. Yet, the 26-year-old weapon isn't being utilized this season. Aside from his Week 2 touchdown run, he's hardly seen the field. Herbert has only played 10 percent of snaps thus far.
This is an excellent opportunity for the 49ers to take advantage of new Bears offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, who appears to have an affinity for Homer over Herbert. And, it makes sense, with Homer playing for Waldron in Seattle previously.
Herbert being on the last year of his contract could make him highly affordable for the Niners, and if I'm John Lynch, I am reaching out to check on the availability of the fourth-year pro.
Should the team be able to land Herbert, they'd be in great shape if McCaffrey, God forbid, were to be out a lengthy amount of time.
