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Jerick McKinnon 2020 Outlook: Injury and Depth Chart Concerns
4 years agoAlthough Jerick McKinnon arrived in San Francisco before the 2018 season, he has yet to play a single offensive snap for the 49ers. McKinnon comes with inherent injury concerns and also faces significant competition for touches in a crowded backfield. Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are certainly ahead of McKinnon on the depth chart, and Jeff Wilson Jr. would be the favorite for goal-line carries if the team lost its two main options. When last healthy, McKinnon was an inefficient runner, averaging below four yards-per-carry in both 2016 and 2017. However, he does possess a dynamic athletic ability that shines through in his receiving work. McKinnon accumulated 51 receptions in his final season with the Vikings, and head coach Kyle Shanahan would likely utilize him more as a pass-catching weapon than a between-the-tackles runner to preserve his health. It will ultimately require a trade or injury for McKinnon to get a chance to display his receiving skills, but presumptive starting running back Raheem Mostert has recently requested to be shipped out of town due to failed contract negotiations. While the odds of a Mostert trade developing are low, such an outcome would make McKinnon interesting if he can prove his health. With an ADP of RB74 and 285 overall, McKinnon is currently nothing more than a late-round lottery ticket. Nonetheless, he could step into a valuable pass-catching role if Mostert were to have his trade wish granted.
