Eli Mitchell or Trey Sermon: Who is the Top 49ers RB with Raheem Mostert Done for the Year?

Raheem Mostert's season is officially over in San Francisco.

The 49ers starting running back carried the ball just twice for 20 yards in their 41-33 road victory over the Detroit Lions before exiting the game in the first quarter. Multiple reports confirmed that Mostert had chipped cartilage in his knee, likely indicating a meniscus injury, and would be out at least several weeks.

Now, Mostert has made it official, sharing on his social media account that he will elect to have season ending knee surgery.

Oddsmakers were expecting a solid start to the season from Mostert, favoring him to be the leading back in Week 1 against the Lions. While a running back committee was likely on the horizon anyways, the question now becomes which back will be on top of the depth chart moving forward?

Will Eli Mitchell or Trey Sermon be the 49ers top running back?

Mitchell stepped into action and was outstanding on Sunday afternoon, leading the 49ers in rushing with 104 yards on 19 carries. He also scored a long, explosive touchdown from just inside the Lions' 40-yard line.

Trey Sermon was a surprise Week 1 inactive for the 49ers, but the third-round rookie back out of Ohio State will likely be suiting up when San Francisco travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles as 3.5-point road favorites. JaMycal Hasty also saw some action as well as he scored a touchdown in the Week 1 victory.

In the short term, Mitchell will likely see more carries as he reportedly outplayed Sermon in training camp. The running back out of Louisiana became the first 49ers player to rush for over 100 yards in his NFL debut, sending a message that the coaching staff can harp on throughout the season. If you practice well and perform well, you'll continue to get opportunities.

However, the long-term play still remains with Sermon, as the 49ers are highly invested in him. using a Day 2 draft pick on their potential lead back of the future. Sermon had also been the team's No. 2 running back on the depth chart leading up to Week 1 behind Mostert, likely indicating that he won't be placed aside for much longer.

Sermon is currently at +3000 odds at WynnBET for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Mitchell has not been placed on the board as of yet, as oddsmakers still expect a solid campaign from the more heavily touted rookie. If Mitchell goes for another 100 yards against the Eagles in Week 2, perhaps all bets are off but don't expect San Francisco to punt on Sermon even after a strong performance from the player that ranked behind him on the depth chart leading to the start of the year.

Could Trey Sermon be a value pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year at +3000 odds?

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