The San Francisco 49ers received some bad news coming out of the team's big win over the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. An MRI revealed that their Pro Bowl fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, suffered an MCL sprain and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
The news certainly could have been worse, but Juszczyk is a significant component in the 49ers' No. 1 ranked rushing offense, which is averaging 200 rushing yards per game this season. The 49ers don't even have another fullback on the active roster.
RELATED 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk out 4 to 6 weeks with MCL sprain
The team has a short week ahead of it as the coaches and players prepare for their first divisional matchup of the season, a game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Going about a month or more is a tall order for a team that just lost one of its key blockers.
The 49ers may be estimating about four to six weeks of recovery time, but Juszczyk is more optimistic about when he might be able to get back onto the field. The fullback is seeking a second opinion, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, and hopes to beat the team's timetable.
#49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk will get a second opinion from Dr. John Kelley on his sprained MCL, source said. The team says he's expected to be out about 4-6 weeks, but my understanding is there's some hope Juszczyk might be able to beat that timetable.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2019
Juszczyk isn't just a threat as a blocker. The fullback had two catches for 20 yards against the Browns and has racked up six receptions for 76 yards through four games this year. His 83.9 overall grade this season from Pro Football Focus is the highest of his career.