5 questions 49ers must answer for Week 6 vs. Rams
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: How to Make Up for Kyle Juszczyk?
While nearly everything went well for the 49ers on Monday Night Football, the team ultimately suffered a pretty big loss, as fullback Kyle Juszczyk suffered an MCL sprain late in the third quarter.
Juszczyk is expected to be out between four to six weeks, according to reports. And while he’s seeking a second opinion, there’s almost zero chance he suits up for Week 6.
The 49ers use a lot of 21-personnel (two wide receivers, two running backs and a tight end), which suggests a run. And Juszczyk’s exceptional run-blocking abilities are a key reason why the Niners are averaging 200 rush yards per game this season. As a reliable pass-catching option out of the backfield, Juszczyk is equally potent, creating mismatches few teams are equipped to handle.
Running back Jeff Wilson, who was inactive in Week 5, is an unlikely option, as he’s never played fullback before and would need to add some weight. Tight end Ross Dwelley isn’t a good blocker, while fellow TE Levine Toilolo is known more for his pass blocking than anything else.
Tight end Daniel Helm, who’s currently on the practice squad, saw some fullback reps during the preseason. So he’s an option. But San Francisco would have to make a roster move to promote Helm, and Juszczyk isn’t going on injured reserve, even for the short term.
The Niners may not want to make a roster move, anyway.
Instead, Kyle Shanahan might have to call for more 11-personnel formations, which removes the fullback and inserts a wide receiver instead.
Potentially at the cost of what’s turning into an exceptional rushing attack, though.