There was a tense moment for the San Francisco 49ers when fullback Kyle Juszczyk went down with a knee injury after a hit from Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron during Sunday’s game. Juszczyk caught a 16-yard pass from Brock Purdy and was tackled near the sideline, with Barron’s tackle causing the 10-time Pro Bowler’s knee to hyperextend. He had to be helped off the field, and shortly after, was ruled out of the game.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update after the match, saying Juszczyk’s injury “was probably a knee sprain.” Shanahan added that Juszczyk’s ACL and other major ligaments appeared intact but they would know more after further tests. “To find out for sure we’ll have to find out tomorrow,” Shanahan said.
The 49ers will wait for Monday’s medical evaluations before having a clearer picture of how long Juszczyk might be sidelined. His role this season has been significant, playing about half of the offensive snaps and contributing three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.
With Juszczyk out, tight end Brayden Willis stepped in as his replacement. Shanahan didn’t comment on how long Willis might need to fill that role but the 49ers will likely have to adjust their offense depending on Juszczyk’s recovery.
Juszczyk’s injury came as San Francisco was starting to build momentum offensively. Brock Purdy had a mixed performance against Denver but delivered some key plays that helped bolster his NFL MVP case. Juszczyk’s absence could affect the 49ers’ running game and blocking schemes, areas where the fullback’s presence is often felt.
The 49ers’ medical staff will conduct further scans to determine the full extent of Juszczyk’s injury. For now, Shanahan’s assessment that it is likely a sprain offers some relief compared to potential ligament tears.
The team’s next steps will depend on the results from those tests, which Shanahan plans to discuss with reporters on Monday. Meanwhile, San Francisco will prepare to face upcoming opponents without knowing exactly how long one of their most consistent offensive contributors might be unavailable.
According to Yahoo Sports.
