Undrafted rookie running back Corey Kiner is expected to get plenty of touches when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Las Vegas Raiders for Week 2 of preseason action.
And it's not necessarily because head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to see what the first-year pro out of Cincinnati can do after getting the bulk of carries in the Niners' exhibition opener against the Denver Broncos last week.
San Francisco is dealing with a litany of injuries halfway through the preseason, and nearly every position on the 90-man roster is dealing with some kind of shortage, including at running back. With All-Pro Christian McCaffrey likely being saved for regular-season action, Shanahan would prefer to turn to other options like Isaac Guerendo or drafted rookie Jordan James.
But Guerendo is dealing with a shoulder injury, and James is out with a broken finger that required surgery.
As such, Shanahan's options are limited, and Kiner is one of the remaining names to watch.
Corey Kiner can turn preseason bout vs. Raiders into a 49ers roster spot
Kiner received 10 carries and rushed for 45 yards against Denver, the lion's share of touches on the ground during that game. And while Kiner's vision and anticipation need work, there was enough promise to suggest the 5-foot-9, 209-pound tailback could contribute at a high enough level.
The 49ers have other options, yes. Veteran Patrick Taylor Jr. got the start in Week 1 of the preseason and even notched the Niners' lone touchdown in that game, while the re-sign addition of longtime reserve tailback Jeff Wilson Jr. might excite fans.
But Wilson's future prospects for remaining on the roster seem slim, while Taylor is more of a special teams ace than anything else.
With the need to keep bodies fresh behind McCaffrey, not having Kiner make the cut could end up being an irresponsible move by Shanahan and Co.
A strong outing against Vegas can eliminate any remaining doubts regarding Kiner, particularly if he'd be worthy enough to stash as an RB3 or RB4 behind the tandem of Guerendo and James, especially considering the injury concerns.
Otherwise, the Niners may risk exposing the raw-but-talented rookie to the waiver wire, and one might assume a solid showing out at Allegiant Stadium would all but guarantee another team grabs him before San Francisco could stash him on the practice squad.
It's up to Kiner at this point when the 49ers play the Raiders on Saturday.
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