49ers Sign Marlon Mack to the Practice Squad; Add Depth To Running Back Position

Even on an off day, the 49ers are still making business moves.

The Red & Gold signed former Indianapolis Colts’ running back Marlon Mack to the practice squad Tuesday, giving the team much-needed depth at the position. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter Tuesday afternoon after it was reported the 49ers hosted a plethora of ballcarriers for visits earlier in the day.

With Elijah Mitchell on IR, the 49ers worked out RBs Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Nate McCrary, Abram Smith, La’Mical Perine, Godwin, Igwebuike and hosted Marlon Mack on a visit.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 13, 2022

That list includes former starting running backs Devonta Freeman, former 49er Tevin Coleman, and many others vying for a 53-man roster spot in the NFL.

Marlon Mack, 26, was signed by the Houston Texans over the offseason, appearing in preseason games before losing the starting job to rookie tailback Dameon Pierce. The veteran was released from the team shortly after. He spent his first five years in the league with the Indianapolis Colts, drafted by the team in 2017 with a fourth-round pick. Mack had his best season in 2019, reaching 1,091 rushing yards and eight TDs in fourteen games.

The veteran will likely live on the practice squad for the time being, but could be elevated for this week’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks if he learns the playbook quick enough. Pass protection has been an area of concern for Shanahan with starting RB Elijah Mitchell out for close to two months with a sprained MCL, leaving two rookies in Jordan Mason and Ty Davis-Price to hand the secondary duties behind Jeff Wilson Jr.

Now with another veteran in the backfield, Mack could serve a vital role for the Bay Area squad this season, thanks to his vision with-and-without the rock in his hands.

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