Tevin Coleman looking better coming off Week 4 bye

The San Francisco 49ers returned to practice on Monday after a Week 4 bye, and they’re hoping to have a key weapon back for their Week 5 Monday Night Football contest against the Cleveland Browns. Running back Tevin Coleman was not part of the team practice, but “appears to be making good progress” in side work, according to 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco.

Coleman was working with the strength and conditioning staff and making good moves as he continues his rehab from a high ankle sprain. Last week, following the team’s Week 3 win over Pittsburgh, head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media he thought Coleman could return to practice this week, according to beat writer Eric Branch.

Fantasy analysis: The 49ers host the Browns on Monday, so we won’t see the first official practice report until Thursday. A high ankle sprain can mean at least four weeks absence in many instances, so if he returns in Week 5, he’d be on the early end of that timeline. If he does return, the fantasy prospects of this backfield will take some time to sort out. Matt Breida has emerged as the starter, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, but Raheem Mostert has made a name for himself as well, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and averaging 17 yards per reception on four catches.

Coleman likely slots back into the lead role once healthy, but the 49ers clearly have huge depth at the running back position. That’s great for a football team trying to win games, but not so good for fantasy football owners and DFS players trying to figure out who to play from the group.