The San Francisco 49ers emerged from Monday night's win over the Cleveland Browns relatively healthy, with one exception. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk suffered a leg injury with just over three minutes left in the third quarter and the Niners up 28-3. He was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power but was later carted to the locker room.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game that Juszczyk suffered a knee sprain and would be evaluated on Tuesday. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Tuesday that initial diagnosis was an MCL injury for the fullback, but the 49ers were awaiting the MRI results to determine the severity.
.@TomPelissero: Initial diagnosis is that Kyle Juszczyk suffered an MCL injury vs. Browns. #49ers awaiting MRI results.
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) October 8, 2019
Shortly after Pelissero's report, the 49ers announced that Juszczyk will miss approximately four to six weeks due to an MCL sprain.
#49ers announce FB Kyle Juszczyk has an MCL sprain and will be out approximately 4-6 weeks.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) October 8, 2019
Juszczyk had two catches for 20 yards against the Browns and has racked up six receptions for 76 yards through four games this season. 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.
The 49ers do not have another fullback on the active roster.
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Where Juszczyk is valuable is in the run game as a lead blocker. San Francisco currently ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards, averaging exactly 200 yards per game and 5.2 yards per attempt. Matt Breida leads the team in rushing with 340 yards on 52 attempts with a rushing touchdown.
The 49ers have a short week ahead of them as they prepare to play the Los Angeles Rams in Southern California on Sunday.