49ers training camp: 5 under-the-radar stories to watch in 2020
No. 5: Will we finally see Jerick McKinnon in action?
With running back Matt Breida traded to the Miami Dolphins, there’s now a spot in the running back rotation for someone to step in.
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Enter Jerick McKinnon, the forgotten running back on the 49ers roster.
One of the first free agents brought onto the roster in the John Lynch/Kyle Shanahan era, McKinnon has not been able to play a down for the 49ers due to injury.
It’s a shame, as his pass-catching ability is among the best for running backs in the league. The team has lacked a true weapon out of the backfield to truly complete their running back corps.
Even if McKinnon does play for the 49ers, he won’t be the starter and it’s fair to wonder if his injuries have sapped his explosiveness.
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However, it would be interesting to see if he can be a ready replacement to plug into the running back rotation. He would instantly have his niche as a receiving threat, and the 49ers may just have an unexpected boost to their offense.