SANTA CLARA https://www.49ersfanshop.com/hats , Calif. (AP) —n as training camps opened and he remained home in Texas.Once the San Francisco 49ers called, Morris didn’t take long to get comfortable with his new team.With a stellar performance in Saturday’s exhibition at Indianapolis, the veteran running back appears to have earned a spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.Coach Kyle Shanahan said Morris may not even suit up for Thursday’s exhibition finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, a strong indication that the staff already views Morris as a regular-season contributor.Patience paid off for the two-time Pro Bowler.“I wasn’t panicking,” Morris said of the wait to find a job. “It wasn’t if I would be on a team, it was when. I had teams reaching out, even in OTAs, but I didn’t think it would be a good fit so I turned it down. I knew I would get an opportunity. It was just waiting for the right opportunity.”The 29-year-old Morris carried 17 times for 84 yards in Saturday’s 23-17 loss to the Colts, displaying a physical style of running that should fit well with San Francisco’s offense. Starting running back Jerick McKinnon is known more for speed and shiftiness, and the 5-foot-10, 222-pound Morris can provide a bruising change of pace.McKinnon and second-string running back Matt Breida have missed the majority of the preseason with injuries, which provided the opening for the 49ers to sign Morris on Aug. 13.McKinnon (strained calf) and Breida (separated shoulder) are expected to be available for the Sept. 9 opener at Minnesota.Shanahan, who’s familiar with Morris when both were with the Washington Redskins, liked what he saw Saturday.“It was just good to see him do it live,” Shanahan said. “I thought we blocked very well, so we gave him an opportunity to do it. . But we had a couple 3rd-and-1’s where I thought we missed a guy (blocking) in the backfield and he got hit behind the line of scrimmage but still was able to get us a yard. Those are the ones that allow you to stay on the field and keep running plays.”There isn’t a ton of intrigue left before the 49ers cut down to their final 53-man roster. One battle is at right guard between Mike Person and Josh Garnett, but when asked about Person, Shanahan said San Francisco 49ers Hoodie , “It’s his job to lose right now.”Shanahan confirmed that backup quarterback C.J. Beathard would start Thursday against the Chargers. Jimmy Garoppolo and several other starters are expected to be held out to avoid injury.When training camp began, Morris was at home in Cross Roads, Texas, a town of less than 1,500 people. He relished the extra time with his wife, Lindsey, their 3-year-old son, Josiah, and their 1-year-old daughter, Grace. At times, Morris said, he had to calm his wife’s nerves about when he might get a call from an NFL team.“I had a peace, honestly,” he said. “At times my wife was like, ‘Well, what’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘It’s OK, it’s OK.'”NOTES: Linebacker Reuben Foster (concussion) and running back Joe Williams (ribs) didn’t practice Wednesday, although Shanahan wouldn’t rule either out for Thursday. Foster would have to clear concussion protocol. . Tight end George Kittle (shoulder) returned to practice in a limited capacity. . The 49ers signed undrafted running back Ja’Quan Gardner to a three-year deal Tuesday and waived safety Chanceller James. SAN FRANCISCO (0-0) at MINNESOTA (0-0)Sunday https://www.49ersfanshop.com/Deion-Sanders-Jersey , 1 p.m. EDT, FoxOPENING LINE – Vikings by 5RECORD VS. SPREAD – San Francisco 9-7, Minnesota 12-4SERIES RECORD – 49ers lead 23-22-1LAST MEETING – 49ers beat Vikings 20-3, Sept. 14, 2015AP PRO32 RANKING – 49ers No. 15, Vikings No. 349ERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (12), RUSH (21), PASS (9)49ERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (24), RUSH (22), PASS (22)VIKINGS OFFENSE – OVERALL (11), RUSH (7), PASS (11)VIKINGS DEFENSE – OVERALL (1), RUSH (2), PASS (2)STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Vikings have won five straight games at home vs. 49ers since losing 20-17 on Dec. 13, 1992. … Kyle Shanahan, starting second season as 49ers head coach, was offensive coordinator for current Vikings QB Kirk Cousins‘ first two years in NFL with Washington. … 49ers closed 2017 with five straight wins, coinciding with QB Jimmy Garoppolo‘s takeover as starter. … Garoppolo Joe Montana Color Rush Jersey , including two victories for New England, has won all seven career NFL starts. He’s one of five QBs since 1970 AFL-NFL merger with streak that long. … 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin finished third in league last season with average of 17.2 yards per catch. … RB Jerick McKinnon, who played first four years with Vikings, tore ACL in right knee in practice last week and will miss entire season. Matt Breida, with Alfred Morris backing up, takes over as primary RB. … CB Richard Sherman makes debut with 49ers, after seven years with Seattle. … Cousins makes debut with Vikings, sixth QB in six seasons to start opener following Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder. … Cousins went 25 for 37 for 330 yards and two TDs plus rushing TD to lead Washington to 26-24 win vs. 49ers last year. … Vikings replacing primary starters at LG and RG from last year, with neck injury for Nick Easton and retirement of Joe Berger. Tom Compton and Mike Remmers are in place, with Rashod Hill taking over at RT for Remmers. … DT Sheldon Richardson, who played for Seattle last year and signed as free agent, is lone new starter on defense that led league in 2017. … Fantasy Tip: Vikings RB Dalvin Cook returns from season-ending ACL injury to left knee suffered in Week 4 of rookie year. He had 22 carries for 127 yards in season opener in 2017.___