Answering the social media questions
SANTA CLARA >> The 49ers are on their first road trip, a Texas-sized journey spanning six days in Houston so they can answer more questions about their depth chart and moxie.
Not all of us had Tuesday off like the players did, so we fielded fans’ greatest concerns and tried to alleviate them here: Is it me, or does the Alfred Morris signing shine a light on what the coaching staff feels about the entire RB depth chart, not just the back end? Really like McKinnon and Breida, but I feel like he can give them all a run for their money. — Zack Van Dyck @49erfanZack
It’s just you, although Alfred Morris might be on your side, too. McKinnon is poised for a big season if his 5-foot-9 frame avoids further glitches like Sunday’s calf
strain. Coaches dig Breida’s speed and work ethic, so he’s presumably safe and could fulfill special-teams needs if demoted to a No. 3 role. Basically, if McKinnon and Breida are healthy, Morris needs to strut his veteran stuff to beat out Raheem Mostert and Joe Williams.
Cam: (1) How many miles did you run today, and what were your split times? (2) How is Richard Sherman’s hamstring, and will we see him in any pre-season games? — Jason M. @ JayMiles68
Ran a three-mile loop through downtown Pleasanton, and my hamstrings didn’t bark like they did at January’s touch-football battle
royal. As for Sherman, his hamstring looks fine, and he looks anxious to test his legs more and more, so maybe he makes a cameo in Exhibition No. 3 at Indianapolis rather than wait until Week 1 at Minnesota.
Question (comment) via our Bay Area News Group/49ers Facebook page: We want Mack. — Jairo Mendez
And Khalil Mack wants a huge jackpot, which the Leaving-For-Las-Vegas Raiders aren’t ready to pay. The 49ers just doled out a record deal to Jimmy Garoppolo, and they likely must cut a $100-million check to their own defensive stud next year, DeForest Buckner. But they have a pass-rushing need and enough equity for a deal, so they should try for Mack.
My starting Dline would be pita, Buck,Taylor and Thomas. What are the chances of that? DIETRICH Riley @RileyDIETRICH
Chances are as slim as me ordering a vegetarian pita over Tex-Mex in Houston. DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas are starters. Rookie Jullian Taylor, a pleasant surprise in camp, may have to cede his spot back to a healthy Arik Armstead. As for Pita Taumoepenu, he’s still raw, and only had a 13snap cameo in the opener.
Question via Facebook (Terence Brennen): Do u think this team is still a year or 2 away from being a legit contender ??????
A year or two? Try a month or two. The 49ers have their coach and quarterback to ride into the playoffs now and in the next few years.
Question via Facebook (Ivan SF Alonso): Who has the best (real) shot at starting RG position so far?
Jonathan Cooper is ramping up his practice reps and could nail down that job within the next two weeks. Otherwise, Mike Person is looking like this year’s version of Brandon Fusco — an under-the-radar veteran who’s seized an opportunity. Joshua Garnett’s two-week hiatus with a knee injury has him a distant third, or perhaps fourth behind Erik Magnuson.
How well is Attoachu doing? Should fans be worried when seeing Jeremiah as the 3rd strong behind Solomon Thomas? — Ser. Budzy of Loxley @kuyabudzy
Jeremiah Attoachu is not doing much, but these next two exhibitions can show how “strong” a chance he
has at climbing above third “string” past Cassius Marsh or Solomon Thomas.
@CamInman why do you beat writers never mention special teams reps? Kick returns, punt returns, punt coverage, etc? Is it happening less or is there just less interest in it? — Tony’s Health Tips @Tonyshealthtips
The 49ers have more options as returners than I can remember in almost 20 years covering them: Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, Victor Bolden, D.J. Reed, Richie James and more.
It’s as if the Jarryd Hayne Expirement never happened a couple years ago. As for gunners, top candidates are: Aaron Burbridge, Raheem Mostert, Jimmie Ward, Tavarius Moore, Kendrick Bourne, Greg Mabin, Tyvis Powell and Jeremy McNichols.
When can we expect the NFL to eliminate the preseason and play like HS and colleges do? — William Clements @wgclements
That’d be great. And unrealistic. Too much money is rolling in for a league that can probably put Frisbee dogs in team jerseys for a preseason game and garner television-ad loot.
Barbecue or Cajun? — Barfly @Barflymatt
Cajun, any time, anywhere. Barbecue is overrated, all the time, everywhere.
Why do Texans call breakfast burritos, “breakfast tacos?” — Michael Jordan @ Harbawlin
It’s part of the Great Texas Barbecue Conspiracy. I’ll investigate, right after I’m done with my Kiara Mia research for Jimmy Garoppolo.