Matt

Dayes

All three would be end of the roster types if they ultimately were given a contract. It’s unclear if the Seahawks will sign a free agent or promote a running back of their practice squad following Rashaad Penny’s ACL tear. It will be Chris Carson’s backfield regardless with C.J. Prosise rotating in occasionally.

Dayes will operate as the 49ers’ No. 4 running back with Raheem Mostert on injured reserve.

Dayes (5’9/205) spent the better part of two years as the Wolfpack’s starting running back, graduating with a 550-2,856-34 (5.19 YPC) rushing line and 98 career catches. Dayes rebounded from a year-ending turf toe injury as a junior for his best campaign as senior, rushing for 100-plus yards in 8-of-13 games and earning second-team All-ACC. Dayes’ tape revealed an ordinary runner lacking flash in any area, but he is a tough, smart back who held his own in the passing game. A jack of many trades but master of none, Dayes could carve out an NFL career as a Chester Taylor-type back.

Dayes was the second-to-last pick of April’s draft. He rushed three times for nine yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ preseason opener, and added three receptions for eight additional yards. Dayes was a true three-down back at NC State, but doesn’t stand out in any one area. His NFL ceiling is probably that of a role player.

The No. 252 overall pick of the 2017 draft, Dayes was active for all 16 games as a rookie, but touched the ball just nine times. The Browns have since gotten much deeper at running back. It’s unclear if Dayes is a serious practice squad candidate.