Tevin Coleman Fantasy Outlook: What value does he have in Week 8 and beyond?

San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman could see his fantasy value jump if he can make his return this week against the Seattle Seahawks. For anyone that drafted Coleman in fantasy or picked him up recently, this is welcome news, almost as much as it is for Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the 49ers coaching staff. In Week 2 at MetLife Stadium, Coleman suffered the injury in what was a fairly calamitous game for the 49ers. Raheem Mostert also sprained his MCL, while on defense Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas both tore their ACLs. Additionally, Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a high ankle sprain in this game as well. Now with Coleman set to return, after being activated off the IR on Saturday, can he lead the 49ers backfield and your fantasy football team?

Update: It has been announced that Tevin Coleman will play this week after being activated off of IR. While it is unclear what his workload will be, he will be a part of the 49ers backfield.

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Tevin Coleman’s been off to a rough start in 2020

Tevin Coleman’s rough fantasy season has been entirely due to circumstances beyond his control. The California wildfires that started in August (and are still ongoing) had a severe effect on the air quality index for the 49ers home opener in Week 1. Coleman’s sickle cell trait made him particularly susceptible to poor air quality and forced him to miss practices in August due to this.

While he did suit up for the season opener, Coleman did so with the coaching staff looking to limit his exposure and worked as the third man in the rotation behind Raheem Mostert and Jerick McKinnon. A return to full activity, in a great matchup, was marred by inefficiency, as Coleman managed only 12 yards on 14 carries against the New York Jets in Week 2 before suffering his injury.

The San Francisco 49ers backfield

The most effective back on the roster, Raheem Mostert, has had his share of injuries this year. He was recently placed on the injured reserve after a high ankle sprain suffered against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. Before Coleman came back into the picture as a potential option in Week 8, the big story this week was Jerick McKinnon and his lack of use. In Week 7 against the New England Patriots, McKinnon saw just 12 snaps and only three carries. Earlier this week, there were reports that the rest was intentional because McKinnon had tired legs.

Meanwhile, Jeff Wilson Jr. put on a show against New England, rushing 17 times for 112 yards and three scores. However, after his third trip to the endzone, Wilson needed to be carted off the field with what would turn out to be a high left ankle sprain. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve, keeping him out of action through Week 10 at a minimum. Undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty stepped in for the remainder of the game and put up 57 yards on nine carries, looking powerful, and entering Week 8 as a top add on the waiver wire.

Tevin Coleman’s fantasy outlook

If Tevin Coleman can return and look effective, he could become the lead back in the coming weeks, meaning fantasy players could strike gold as the 49ers run game is one of the best in the league. Still, the Seattle Seahawks defense presents more of a challenge in the run game. The Seahawks are currently allowing the 13th fewest rushing yards per game and are right in the middle of the league, allowing the 16th most points to opposing running backs in PPR leagues.

Since Coleman has been designated to return from injured reserve, the comments from coaches and 49ers GM John Lynch have been positive, with Lynch saying he is “hopeful” Coleman can return to action this week. The 49ers went one step further on Sunday evening when they activated Coleman from the IR, suggesting he is set to return this week. San Francisco will likely put him in a timeshare with Hasty to get him caught up to NFL action ahead of games against the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints before their Week 10 bye.

With Mostert out through at least the next three games, Coleman has the chance to establish himself atop the depth chart once again. Kyle Shanahan’s creative run designs and the ability to get production from many players are well known. Tevin Coleman’s fantasy relevance is somewhat unknown this week, given the uncertainty around his form and the number of touches he will see. It is worth noting that at least one 49ers RB has scored 14 or more fantasy points in all but one week this season.