NFL
Jerick McKinnon Tears ACL In Training
Jerick McKinnon has torn his ACL at practice today. McKinnon went down during practice while making a cut. Kyle Shanahan reported during his conference call:
“He made a cut on air. It was the last play of practice. He made a cut on air, no one was around him. He just went down. It looked awkward.”
“Today was the first day we allowed him to practice with the guys. On the day of the game he was out there running routes, doing stuff with the other guys not dressing with the quarterbacks, and things like that. He’s been running routes and doing things but today was his first day back in live drills, or 11-on-11 drills.”
McKinnon only recently returned to practice following a calf muscle strain received during Week 2 of preseason training. It was expected he would be healthy in time for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Coaching staff were initially hopeful that McKinnon’s injury was not serious. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport has since revealed, however, that it is a torn ACL, per a source aware of the situation. The result is that McKinnon will, unfortunately, miss the remainder of the season while he undergoes surgery, rehab, and recovery.
#49ers big free agent pickup and starting RB Jerick McKinnon suffered a torn ACL today, source said. His season is over.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2018
It was anticipated that Jerick Mckinnon would be the player to bring some flair to the Niners back field. Shanahan had high hopes for the 26-year-old due to his excellent rushing and pass catch game — something the 49ers have lacked in a running back for some time. McKinnon signed with the 49ers during the offseason for a four-year contract worth up to $36.9 million, with $14.3 million guaranteed.
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #49ers had such high hopes for RB Jerick McKinnon, but his season ends before it began. He has torn his ACL. pic.twitter.com/sCsRqe89NH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2018
Alfred Morris Now Likely Starter
With McKinnon now sidelined, newly-signed veteran running back Alfred Morris will likely start for the 49ers. Morris impressed during his preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, carving up the defense and making some explosive plays. Morris is also acquainted with Shanahan’s scheme, playing under him during his time with the Washington Redskins. Alfred Morris does not have McKinnon’s pass catch ability or speed, but he’s a solid back and should perform well with the Niners.
In some good news, Matt Breida is back to 100 percent and expected to play against the Vikings this coming week.
