The San Francisco 49ers are expected to be without fullback Kyle Juszczyk for the next two to three weeks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Juszczyk suffered a hyperextended knee and bone bruise in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos.
That means the 49ers could be without their fullback until the bye week, and San Francisco will have to find ways to replace his production in a crucial Week 5 NFC West showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tackle Trent Williams made it clear that replacing Juszczyk will be a challenge.
"I would say next man up, but we've only got one fullback," Williams said with a smile after the game, "so let's see how that goes."
Tight end Brayden Willis lined up in the backfield six times against the Broncos, and that could be the plan again as the 49ers look for ways to fill Juszczyk's role.
During a conference call Monday, Shanahan was asked whether Willis could see more snaps in the backfield at Lumen Field this weekend.
"Yeah, [TE] Luke [Farrell] and Brayden—and [TE George] Kittle," Shanahan said. "I mean, they're all pretty interchangeable, but it'll definitely give Brayden some more [opportunities].
"[TE Jake] Tonges would do that for us last year, the last couple of years, and lost him week one, and Brayden's been ready for this role."
With Juszczyk sidelined, the 49ers could lean more heavily on Willis, Farrell, and Kittle to handle the responsibilities normally assigned to their veteran fullback. Their versatility could be especially valuable against the Seahawks as San Francisco tries to remain undefeated and maintain its lead in the NFC West.
More info on: Luke Farrell, Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Jake Tonges, Trent Williams, Brayden Willis
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