Could serve as Week 12 backup

Dayes has a chance to serve as Matt Breida's backup at running back for Sunday's Week 12 tilt against the Buccaneers with veteran Alfred Morris (coach's decision) inactive.

Analysis: The 2017 seventh-round pick has only logged one offensive snap this season, which came in Week 10 against the Giants. Dayes also saw limited action during his rookie campaign, carrying five times for 13 yards and bringing in four of five targets for another 29. The second-year back logged double-digit touchdowns in each of his last two college seasons at North Carolina State, and at a stout 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, he could see some goal-line work.

Promoted to active roster

Dayes was promoted to the 49ers' active roster Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Dayes was elevated just ahead of Monday's tilt against the Giants. He'll figure to take the spot of Raheem Mostert (forearm), who was moved to IR last week. Look for Dayes to operate as the No. 3 option at running back behind Matt Breida and Alfred Morris.

Latches on with 49ers

Dayes signed with the 49ers' practice squad Tuesday.

Analysis: The 2017 seventh-round pick by the Browns was waived by the team Sept. 2. Dayes appeared in all 16 games for the Browns last season and had five carries for 13 yards while adding four receptions for 29 yards. He was also active on both sides of the ball on special teams, registering 18 kickoff returns for 437 yards (24.3 average) and eight tackles.

Totals 111 yards in preseason finale

Dayes rushed eight times for 77 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's preseason finale against the Lions. He also secured both of his targets for 34 yards.

Analysis: The highlight of his night came on a 42-yard scamper in which Dayes carved through the Lions defense and eluded multiple defenders on his way to the end zone. While the second-year runner hadn't done much of anything in Cleveland's previous three preseason games, Thursday's performance could be enough to convince the coaching staff to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster entering Week 1.

Dayes -- who was mostly used on special teams -- rushed five times for 13 yards in 2017.

Analysis: The rookie out of NC State made the Browns roster out of training camp as the team's third-string running back, but was mainly limited to special teams duty, which included serving as the kickoff returner. Dayes returned 18 kicks for 437 yards, with his longest return going for 71 yards. Isaiah Crowell is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and isn't expected to return. His departure may open up more opportunities for Dayes, though his likelihood of making any kind of…read more

Dayes (knee) is active Week 17 against the Steelers.

Analysis: Dayes missed the first practice of the week, but returned on a limited basis and will suit up for the regular season finale. His role primarily is on special teams as a kick returner, as Dayes has received just one carry since Week 4 and has carried the ball just five times this season.