Jerick Mckinnon may not be healthy for Week 1.
The 27-year-old running back continues to deal with knee soreness and has been shut down for two weeks, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday.
Mckinnon will undergo a platelet rich plasma injection and could start the season on injured reserve, Shanahan said.
“It’s all an option,” Shanahan said about Mckinnon going on IR (via 95.7 The Game). “I hope that doesn’t happen. I know he doesn’t. But, that’s an option with anybody. Those are tough decisions you have to make."
Kyle Shanahan says Jerick McKinnon is dealing with knee soreness after two days of practice & won’t practice for awhile. Shanahan details if McKinnon could be an IR designated to return candidate. #49ers pic.twitter.com/2QNDVl90vq
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 8, 2019
Mckinnon signed a four-year, $30 million contract with San Francisco in March 2018 but did not appear in a game last season after he tore his ACL in early September. The 49ers activated Mckinnon from the PUP list earlier this week.
“I feel our goal is (for Mckinnon to play in) Week 1, with everything that is going on, that’s not just because we’re hoping Week 1, that’s because the doctors feel that’s a realistic goal,” Shanahan said. “That (the IR) is pretty far from my mind right now. But, anytime guys are in this situation, that’s always the tough thing about the 53 (man roster).
“We have more guys here than the 53 people and sometimes it’s tough, you get rid of people to keep someone, well, when are they going to be available. That’s just an issue you have with rosters.”
Mckinnon began his career with the Vikings, where he rushed for 1,918 yards and seven touchdowns in 58 games over four seasons.
“It’s been a long process,” Mckinnon told reporters earlier this week (via NBC Sports Bay Area). “I told myself, just feel it out, make sure everything is smooth, focus on the details, work on trust, cutting off that knee. Everything will come, so trying to not get ahead of myself. It really hits you when you have something you love taken away from you. So, every little thing was exciting for me.”
The 49ers also have running backs Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman on their roster.