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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) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 12: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the football upfield against Marcus Hardison #21 of the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Vikings defeated the Bengals 17-16. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 12: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the football upfield against Marcus Hardison #21 of the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Vikings defeated the Bengals 17-16. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

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.

Jerick McKinnon Rushing Table
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.