Tevin Coleman practiced for the second straight day as the San Francisco 49ers running back works his way back from a high-ankle sprain. He's not a lock to play on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to get at least three practices in before he decides on that.
The 49ers have one more practice scheduled for Saturday at noon.
In the meantime, the 49ers have been using three productive backs in Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson, Jr. Combined, the trio has helped San Francisco on its way to being the No. 2 rushing offense in the NFL while averaging 175 yards per game. Only the Baltimore Ravens have averaged more with a crazy 205.8 yards per game. Of course, much of that has come from quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has 238 rushing yards alone this season.
Despite the production coming out of San Francisco's running backs so far, Kyle Juszczyk is excited to get Coleman back in the lineup. The 49ers fullback joined the "Here's the Catch" podcast over at The Athletic and explained what Coleman brings to the offense.
"I think it's going to be awesome to have Tevin out there," Juszczyk said. "Tevin, he's just a complete running back. He's a guy that has a ton of speed. What I always like to say to describe him is he hits home runs. He finishes in the end zone so often. But at the same time, he's very physical and has great receiving skills.
"I really feel like he's a complete back, and it's going to be really good to add him to an offense that we already feel is off to a good start."
Very physical and has great receiving skills? Juszczyk could have very easily been describing himself there. The fullback earned a 91.8 grade from Pro Football Focus during the Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the highest single-game grade of his career.
Juszczyk isn't just a good blocker, he is a solid target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, too. He had three catches for 51 yards against the Steelers and even had an opportunity to catch the football and block on the same play (sorry, Minkah Fitzpatrick).
Tackle Kyle Juszczyk at your own risk 😤@JuiceCheck44 pic.twitter.com/BGqsbuz09b
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 22, 2019
"I always grew up as a receiver," Juszczyk said. "I've always been a pass-catcher my entire life, and it wasn't until I got to the NFL that I moved to fullback, and it was more of a blocking duty. So I'd say my background is in pass-catching, and I had to kind of adopt that blocking mentality.
"I definitely get fulfillment from both. I absolutely loved blocking for Jeff Wilson on these past four touchdowns that he scored on the goal line these last couple of weeks. I love the fact that I can help lead our guys to 170 rushing yards a game.
"But at the same time, I like to do some things on my own, as well, and go out there and show off some receiving skills."
