Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers
Another injury-riddled team has been the San Francisco 49ers. In their Week 2 victory over the New York Jets, they suffered a tremendous amount of injuries on both sides of the ball. One being to Raheem Mostert, who started off that game with a 70+ yard rushing touchdown. He later went on to injury his knee in that game, which has caused him to miss the last two games.
The 49ers are hopeful that Mostert will come back this week as he is beginning to practice on a limited basis. But, if he does not, they are in good hands with backup Jerick McKinnon. McKinnon has been great in place of Mostert thus far. In the game that Mostert suffered the injury and the two weeks when he didn’t play, McKinnon recored a touchdown in each of those games.
The 49ers will be going up against one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, Miami Dolphins. They are also a top 10 favorable matchup for running backs in fantasy. If Mostert plays, he will be probably be on a snap count. Regardless, I expect McKinnon to make a lot of plays out the backfield as a pass catcher and go four straight games with a touchdown.
Last week against Philadelphia, McKinnon recorded 7 catches for 43 yards. He is a dual threat back, who is going to be have a big game if he does indeed start. I urge fantasy football owners around that if you have McKinnon on your team, you may want to start him as HB2 or at the flex position.
