With several quality running backs on the roster, the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan must get creative in how they use their talents. With Tevin Coleman and Jerik McKinnon slated to be the top two runners, Matt Breida is getting used in different ways by the 49ers.

ESPN's 49ers beat writer Nick Wagoner attended 49ers training camp and got a sense of Breida's utilization under the current coaching staff. He said, via Twitter:

Some strong reps today from RB Matt Breida, who continues to get used all over the place. He caught a touchdown pass in the flat in red zone drills and broke some big runs on the ground. Breida is also starting to get some looks at kick returner.

It should be no surprise that Shanahan has gotten creative with how he uses his running backs. He's done it throughout his career, running a Gary Kubiak-Mike Shanahan “West Coast” style of scheme. Breida's skill set hinges on being a slippery tackle. It fits well in roles beyond taking a handoff.

Under Shanahan, the 5-foot-9 Breida has rarely seen touches restricted to running. In two seasons with the 49ers, Breida has had 67 targets thrown his way. He caught 48 for a total of 441 yards and two touchdowns. In 2018 alone, he caught 27 for 261 yards and two scores.

Breida has also tested his chops as a returner in the past. The explosive back fielded five kicks in 2017 for a total of 83 yards. Considering that Shanahan's offense prides itself on versatility, adding more to Breida's plate is a predictable and natural result.