The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday that fullback Kyle Juszczyk suffered an MCL sprain in the Monday night win over the Cleveland Browns. Juszczyk was coming off of an impressive performance where the fullback was key in the team's opening score – an 83-yard touchdown by Matt Breida. Juszczyk made a cut block against Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon to open the lane for the running back.
Juszczyk left the game late in the third quarter while blocking on a Breida carry and was soon after carted off the field. Following an MRI on Monday, Juszczyk is expected to miss approximately 4-6 weeks with the sprain. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was complimentary of the fullback following the 31-3 win over the Browns, who will be a major loss as the 49ers head to Los Angeles for their first divisional matchup of the season against the Rams.
"He just does so many different things, run game, even the pass game," Shanahan said. "He adds a different element that not many fullbacks can do in this league."
Juszczyk caught two receptions for 20 yards against the Browns and has totaled 82 scrimmage yards on seven touches so far this season. He has been a significant factor in helping open up the 49ers ground game that has put up 800 yards and six touchdowns through four contests.
