49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Jerick McKinnon
By Peter Panacy
![MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/12281824955801c21b923ac6317afa945cf633a73cf3680c67a1c58b4425030b.jpg)
Why Jerick McKinnon Regresses
Sure, Jerick McKinnon is entering the prime of his career. But at 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, he may not have the body type to be placed in a featured role.
On one hand, the relatively low level of workload during his time in Minnesota should have kept him relatively fresh. Yet that’s always going to prompt questions about whether or not he can handle regular ball-carrying duties.
Game | Game | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Age | Tm | Pos | No. | G | GS | Rush | Yds | TD | Lng | Y/A | Y/G | A/G | Fmb |
2014 | 22 | MIN | rb | 31 | 11 | 6 | 113 | 538 | 0 | 55 | 4.8 | 48.9 | 10.3 | 0 |
2015 | 23 | MIN | 31 | 16 | 0 | 52 | 271 | 2 | 68 | 5.2 | 16.9 | 3.3 | 0 | |
2016 | 24 | MIN | rb | 21 | 15 | 7 | 159 | 539 | 2 | 36 | 3.4 | 35.9 | 10.6 | 0 |
2017 | 25 | MIN | rb | 21 | 16 | 1 | 150 | 570 | 3 | 58 | 3.8 | 35.6 | 9.4 | 3 |
Care | Care | 58 | 14 | 474 | 1918 | 7 | 68 | 4.0 | 33.1 | 8.2 | 3 |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2018.
Those concerns, particularly when stacked up against his contract, make a point. McKinnon is getting paid like a featured back. Yet he hasn’t proven his ability to do so.
A slight trend from last season, three fumbles on his biggest year to date might be of concern. Prior to 2017, McKinnon’s hands were considered reliable. An increased workload could mean this trend continues, which would be a significant mark against him.
Especially with backup runners Matt Breida and Joe Williams vying for touches this offseason.
The good news here, though, is Kyle Shanahan prefers to operate a dual-back system. This should help keep McKinnon fresh and prevent him from getting worn down late in games or at the end of the regular season.