The San Francisco 49ers have one of the league's stronger running back groups. The rich got richer today, as Jerick McKinnon was just activated from the PUP list.

While many may not see McKinnon as a huge part of the team's backfield, he has the potential to make a significant impact. Before missing all of 2018 with an ACL tear, the former Minnesota Viking was a legitimate dual-threat back. In 2017, he tallied 570 yards on the ground to go along with 421 yards through the air. But if McKinnon is used correctly, those numbers can skyrocket.

McKinnon is playing in coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, which produced two great running backs during his play-calling days with the Atlanta Falcons. Shanahan was able to utilize Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in 2016. Both running backs played really well, just in different roles. Freeman had over 1,000 yards on the ground and another 462 in the air. Coleman was the change of pace man and had 520 yards rushing and 421 yards receiving.

Shanahan has the personnel to replicate this success in the Bay Area. While he doesn't have a huge, bruising running back, he has a lot of guys who can fill that role capably. The Niners signed Tevin Coleman in free agency, and Matt Breida played some great football filling in for McKinnon last year.

If those two take the role of the thunder, McKinnon could play the lightning. If anyone could make this combination a nightmare for opposing defenses, Kyle Shanahan can. Expect Jerick McKinnon to have a strong season in 2019.