Jerick McKinnon has not played for the San Francisco 49ers in terms of regular season football. The last time the back took a significant snap was Jan. 21, 2018, in a playoff game as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
After signing in San Francisco, an ACL tear wipes out the 2018 campaign before it begins, and a setback for the knee injury puts him on the IR for the entire 2019 season.
Despite missing McKinnon the past two years, 49ers teammates believe the running back looks better than ever in his return.
“Jet has looked phenomenal,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk told reporters at a video conference Tuesday, via 49ers Web Zone. “You would just never guess, go outside and look at the way he exercises, how smooth he is, how he does not advise himself second, how fast he answers questions in meetings, all that kind of thing, you would think this man has not been on the field for two years.
“He just makes things so natural, so smooth, that I think this year can only be positive things. I think he’s going to have a really good year.”
With the changes in the backfield of the 49ers, which included trading with Matt Breida to Miami, McKinnon was able to play a major role. The once-double threat in Minnesota fits Kyle Shanahan’s scheme well, which is why the Niners signed a $ 30 million deal two years ago to get McKinnon.
However, two years is a long time to miss. Without a whole offseason or preseason for McKinnon to get his feet wet, we’ll have to wait until week 1 to see what he looks like. Until then, the glowing reviews from teammates give an optimistic view.
McKinnon is expected to share backfield duties with Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman. It’s a pretty good trio for the Niners to deploy, with anyone putting in the skill to carry the charge as needed. In Shanahan’s hot-hand approach to the backfield, McKinnon could play a role if he’s as healthy as teammates suggest – and if he stays healthy all year.
