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The San Francisco 49ers are shorthanded at several positions due to injury, but they still managed an impressive 36-9 victory over the New York Giants in Week 3. They are particularly depleted at running back, with Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman both out for an undetermined amount of time.
Jerick McKinnon took over the starting role in Week 3 with Jeff Wilson serving as his primary complement and JaMycal Hasty getting some work of his own in the blowout. PFF’s Ian Hartitz offered this rundown of the 49ers back usage on Sunday.
49ers Week 3 RB usage (PFF):
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 28, 2020
Jerick McKinnon: 60% snaps, 14 carries, 4 targets
Jeff Wilson: 32% snaps, 12 carries, 3 targets
JaMycal Hasty: 8% snaps, 2 carries, 1 target
The 49ers went to their bench at the position late, but it’s worth noting McKinnon had to leave with a rib injury in the fourth quarter. Kyle Shanahan mentioned the injury after the game, but McKinnon indicated on social media he’s fine.
I’m Gucci Gucci great team win ! Can’t wait til we get the whole gang back
— Jerick Mckinnon (@JetMckinnon1) September 27, 2020
Mostert is dealing with what has been described as a “mild” MCL sprain, according to Adam Schefter. An MCL sprain can cost a player anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months. If this ends up on the low end of the scale, Mostert seems unlikely to play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be something to track, but given the nature of the injury, I’d be surprised if he played.
McKinnon is the starter in this backfield, but Wilson ended up with the bigger fantasy performance. McKinnon rushed 14 times for 38 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 39 yards. Wilson rushed 12 times for 15 yards and a touchdown and also caught three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. The extra touchdown got him the higher fantasy performance, but you have to wonder if he would have gotten that action if McKinnon had not injured his ribs.
For now, McKinnon is the guy to start on your fantasy roster if he’s healthy. Keep an eye out for a Shanahan update on McKinnon Monday afternoon. We should have a better handle on McKinnon’s Week 4 status before it’s time to finalize waivers decisions. It’s worth noting, McKinnon is rostered in 65.9 percent of ESPN leagues while Wilson is rostered in 13.7 percent of ESPN leagues.