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JaMycal Hasty a fantasy stash candidate amid 49ers injuries

By Nicholas McGee

AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 10: Running back JaMycal Hasty #6 of the Baylor Bears rushes for yards in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 28-14 over the Baylor Bears. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 10: Running back JaMycal Hasty #6 of the Baylor Bears rushes for yards in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 28-14 over the Baylor Bears. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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49ers running back JaMycal Hasty is a player worth watching in fantasy football

The San Francisco 49ers have been struck by a rash of injuries across their roster and a loss of depth at running back may present an opportunity for undrafted free agent rookie JaMycal Hasty to shine in the backfield.

San Francisco will be without Raheem Mostert in Week 3 against the New York Giants because of an MCL sprain suffered in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets that also saw Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas tear their ACLs and starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sprain his ankle.

A longer-term problem at running back is a knee injury to Tevin Coleman, who is set to be sidelined for four weeks and is likely headed to injured reserve.

While the absence of Mostert will be particularly stinging for San Francisco, the misfortune the Niners have endured means opportunity knocks for Hasty, who was designated as the 49ers’ protected practice squad player this week and appears set to be promoted to the active roster to make his NFL debut on Sunday.

What JaMycal Hasty brings to the 49ers

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Hasty displayed explosiveness and elusiveness as a runner and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in his time at Baylor and drew rave reviews from his 49er teammates for his performances in training camp.

Linebacker Fred Warner, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, said of Hasty on Wednesday:

"“Hasty, he was one of the guys that everybody was talking about during training camp because he’s got that twitch to him. His cuts are very decisive when he’s running the football. He’s not afraid to pass-block, all those things that go unnoticed.”"

With the impressive Jerick McKinnon only two games into his comeback from two years out and Jeff Wilson not somebody the 49ers typically rely on outside of red-zone work, Hasty could receive a decent share of the workload in his NFL debut.

And, given that Mostert could potentially join Coleman in being out multiple weeks, Hasty may have the chance to stake his claim for a more permanent role in the backfield.

Hasty a potential stash candidate

While he should not be in anyone’s fantasy lineup this week, Hasty’s potential to be a consistent factor for the Niners in the coming weeks makes him an intriguing stash in dynasty and keeper leagues and in deeper redraft leagues, particularly those that use PPR scoring.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan has never been afraid to go with the hot hand in the backfield and Hasty has the upside to earn that status. Between Mostert, Matt Breida and, to a lesser extent, Wilson, San Francisco has had several success stories with UDFA running backs.

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Hasty possesses the talent to be another and fantasy owners looking for extra depth at the position should keep a close eye on his involvement and impact against the Giants.