5 injured SF 49ers whose post-bye week returns help most
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers Running Back Jeff Wilson Jr.
Over the last three weeks, the SF 49ers have managed 156 total rush yards. Not per game, total.
A major reason behind this has been the injury attrition the Niners have suffered at running back. Raheem Mostert (knee), Tevin Coleman (knee), Jeff Wilson Jr. (ankle) and JaMycal Hasty (collarbone) all have missed or will miss substantial time this season. And the proverbial “last man standing,” Jerick McKinnon, averaged a mere 1.8 yards per rush in Week 10 against the Saints.
The last time San Francisco’s ground game was truly prolific was in Week 7 against the New England Patriots when Wilson rushed for an astounding 112 yards and three touchdowns before exiting with his injury.
Since then, the SF 49ers’ rush attack has been dreadful.
Like K’Waun Williams, Wilson might not be back right after the bye. But the hope is for Week 13, perhaps, which allows Kyle Shanahan to alter up his ground attack and utilize Wilson’s underrated pass-catching efforts.
It’s crazy to think Wilson is such a crucial player for San Francisco to get back considering he was on the roster bubble during training camp.