Coach Kyle Shanahan said Morris' demotion to third on the running back depth chart may not be permanent, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.
Matt Breida (ankle) was able to start in the 49ers' Week 6 loss to the Packers despite carrying a doubtful tag, but even more surprising was the fact that Raheem Mostert (12 carries for 87 yards) acted as the primary backup. That left just one snap available for Morris, who was an afterthought while both Breida and Mostert ran effectively. Given that Shanahan relayed that Mostert's usage as the No. 2 back was what the 49ers "thought was best for that game," it doesn't appear that Morris is entirely out of the mix for snaps just yet, but it's difficult to roster the veteran with much confidence at this point. Even if Morris takes on a greater role in the backfield rotation in Week 7 against the Rams, his rest-of-season outlook remains shaky given his status as an impending free agent on a 1-5 team that's incentivized to see what younger backs like Breida and Mostert can do.