San Francisco 49ers’ starting running back Jerick McKinnon tore his right ACL Saturday during the final play of a team practice. It was confirmed he will miss the 2018 season just eight days before it kicks off.
According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, McKinnon “cut on air,” before going down awkwardly. There were reportedly no players near him the moment it happened, all indicating a non-contact injury.
McKinnon underwent an MRI shortly after the injury.
The other running backs currently on the roster are Alfred Morris, Matt Breida, and Raheem Mostert. With McKinnon out, Morris looks to become the starter.
The 49ers have the option of bringing a running back in to fill McKinnon’s spot. Joe Williams, Jeremy McNichols, and Jeff Wilson are all options familiar with the team and playbook. They can also explore picking up a player that was cut from another team.
McKinnon, 26, signed a four-year, $30 million contract with San Francisco this offseason.
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