Fullback Juszcyzk out4to6 weeks
The 49ers announced that Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk will be sidelined four to six weeks with a sprained MCL he sustained in their 313 win over the Browns on Monday. Next man up? Well, in this case, the NFL cliché doesn’t quite apply.
Juszczyk, 28, is the only fullback on the roster and his unique ability to excel as a blocker and pass catcher is why they made him the highestpaid player at his position by signing him to a fouryear, $21 million deal in 2017.
Juszczyk, a Pro Bowl selection the past three seasons, has been an instrumental part of the 49ers’ rushing attack, which is ranked first in the NFL (200 yards per game). On Monday, the 49ers rushed for 275 yards, their most since 2014, and Juszczyk helped set the tone by delivering a clearing block on defensive end Olivier Vernon on Matt Breida’s 83yard touchdown run on their first offensive play.
Without Juszczyk, the 49ers could use fewer formations with two backs and have a tight end serve as a de facto fullback when they do have two players in the backfield. The 49ers’ roster includes three tight ends, George Kittle, Ross Dwelley and Levine Toilolo. They also have tight end Daniel Helm, an undrafted rookie, on their practice squad.
The 49ers have played their past two games without Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, who could be out for at least another month with a broken fibula he sustained in Week 2. The 49ers have lost a starter to injury in each game in their 40 start: Running back Tevin Coleman returned Monday after missing two games with an ankle sprain he sustained in the season opener and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is out with a sprained foot he suffered in Week 3.
If Juszczyk misses the next six games, he would return when the 49ers host the Packers on Nov. 24.