The San Francisco 49ers looked like their usual selves in Week 6, but were still unable to escape without more injury concerns.
In a 36-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers ran roughshod. And they were able to do so despite star running back Jordan Mason for much of the game, thanks to a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.
Mason still rushed for 73 yards on nine carries, and could be ready in time to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. But the 49ers were already without defending Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, so the depth chart is shaky to begin with.
In the short term, it may make sense for the 49ers to add one more running back. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department predicted that they would land free-agent and former three-year 49er Jerick McKinnon as that running back.
"Jordan Mason avoided a major injury but is still considered "day-to-day" after hurting his shoulder against the Seahawks. So, especially with Christian McCaffery still on injured reserve, it might make sense for the 49ers to add another veteran running back just in case Mason has to miss time," the authors said.
"McKinnon spent three years with the club from 2018 to 2020 and those didn't go well because of injuries, but he should have familiarity with the system. Plus, the 32-year-old can catch passes out of the backfield which is something the offense is missing with McCaffery sidelined."
McKinnon, 32, was a Super Bowl champion each of the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons during his tenure in San Francisco but has otherwise had a productive career, totaling 4,638 scrimmage yards and 34 touchdowns.
While this might not be the most glamorous add for the 49ers, it could be an important one. No team is better at getting efficiency from its running backs, yet no team has more injury concerns at the position at this moment.
Signing McKinnon could be a good omen. If San Francisco wants to win a Super Bowl, why not add a player who has won each of the last two?
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