"What it comes down to is on Saturday night, before the game, they all go rock, paper, scissors," Jones said.
Jones, of course, was joking, but it sure seems like that's the decision-making process sometimes.
You never know who will be the team's leading rusher on any given week. It could be Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, or Matt Breida. Even Jeff Wilson Jr. has been a contributor this season.
What goes into deciding when each running back will be used? Is it a particular matchup? A certain look from the defense? Or is it just a feel? Maybe it is random, as Jones humorously hinted.
Shanahan discussed the decision-making process this week with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
"We've got an idea (heading into each game)," Shanahan said. "It's something we talk about as coaches every time we game plan, every Wednesday after practice when we get there and watch together, every Thursday, every Friday. We talk about it Saturday night when I put in the openers. We talk about which guys we like more on certain ones.
"But it's kind of splitting hairs a little bit. It's not like they're all -- a huge difference. It's not like one is just really big and slow, and one's a little fast. They're all very similar. They all can run. They all can cut real well. They're all pretty similar in the pass game."
Mostert was the team's rushing leader during the final six games of the regular season, despite officially having zero starts. It was only natural to assume he would be a significant part of the rushing attack on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. It was Coleman, however, who received the majority of the workload last weekend.
"There are some subtle differences that we do like one more than the other on certain plays," Shanahan continued, "but it's not too hard for us because it's not like if you take one out, we're putting in a slow one. They all can run. They all do similar things that fit their skill set in our scheme.
"So, it's not too difficult for us when you've got four good ones."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan explains why the 49ers abandoned the run against the Lions
The San Francisco 49ers leaned heavily on the passing game as Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions progressed. Of quarterback Brock Purdy's 24 second-half plays, 22 were pass attempts. On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the decision to shift away from... -
49ers CB Charvarius Ward welcomes son into the world
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reassured reporters this past weekend that there was no cause for concern after announcing that star cornerback Charvarius Ward would not be playing against the Detroit Lions. While Shanahan noted that the reason for Ward's absence... -
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers' 40-34 loss vs. Lions
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Monday's 40-34 Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Here is what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Opening... -
49ers' John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to hold end-of-season press conference on Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The event will allow local reporters to ask questions and gain insight into the team's plans for the offseason. The...