Breida wasn’t expected to be long for the 49ers after signing with them earlier this month. His signing came following an injury to Isaac Guerendo, and the Niners are already deep at running back with Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason sitting atop the depth chart. In addition to Breida, the 49ers also released RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn and waived P Pressley Harvin, OL Lewis Kidd, and WR Jontre Kirklin.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo picked up a hamstring injury on the first day of camp and presumed top backup Elijah Mitchel did not practice on Monday, both of which could have combined to force the 49ers’ hand in bringing in a familiar veteran face. Whether or not Breida’s presence is anything more than camp depth remains to be seen, but the two sides reunite for the first time since 2019.

Breida was out-carried by rookie Eric Gray for the first time this year. Breida remained the start in Saquon Barkley’s absence, but the Giants clearly looked to Gray to help give their lifeless offense a spark. He rushed for a measly 25 yards on his 12 attempts. Neither New York running back will project for usable fantasy numbers in Week 6 against the Bills if Barkley remains sidelined.

Breida routinely served as Daniel Jones’ outlet on a night the New York quarterback was sacked 10 times. The relentless pressure generated from the Seattle front was more of a testament to the poor pass protection of the Giants than it was any exotic blitz scheme dialed up by defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt. Either way, Breida’s run as the starter in New York likely comes to an end with lead back Saquon Barkley expected back in the lineup for a Week 5 meeting with the Dolphins in Miami.