Overview
- Juszczyk suffered a violent hyperextension on a 16-yard catch late in the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ Week 4 win over the Broncos on Sunday and was helped off the field before being ruled out for the game.
- An MRI on Monday revealed a knee sprain and bone bruise and medical staff now project he will miss about two to three weeks of action rather than suffer a torn ACL.
- Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the short-term timeline and said the diagnosis reduces the likelihood the team will place Juszczyk on injured reserve, which would carry a longer absence.
- San Francisco plans to replace Juszczyk’s blocking, motion and short-yardage duties by rotating tight ends George Kittle, Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis in backfield and slot roles.
- Juszczyk’s absence complicates game plans for upcoming matchups against Seattle, Washington and Atlanta and comes as the 49ers also manage injuries to Marques Sigle and Upton Stout while monitoring Mykel Williams’ possible activation.