The San Francisco 49ers appear to have lost a starting running back for the next few weeks after learning that Raheem Mostert suffered a high ankle sprain in the team’s 24-16 over the Rams on Sunday.
Mostert, the 49ers’ leading rusher this season, is probably heading to the injured reserve list for the next three games, at minimum, leaving the Niners and coach Kyle Shanahan without one of their key offensive pieces.
The veteran running back appeared to suffer the injury in the second quarter of the game. He attempted to play in the third quarter, but exited the game and did not return after only one carry.
Jerick McKinnon and rookie JaMycal Hasty shouldered the load at the position during the rest of the game, combining to rush for 15 carries and 55 yards.
If Mostert heads to the injury reserve list, he will miss the Niners’ games at New England, at Seattle, and vs. Green Bay, at minimum. It will be a difficult loss for the Niners to replace, as Mostert’s consistency on the ground has been a crucial element of their success over the past two seasons.
Mostert will now look to recover and speed up his rehabilitation process so that he can return to the field as quickly as possible.
