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Fooch's Update: Chris Biderman tweeted this out:
Source confirms it's a fracture to Bruce Miller's scapula. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) December 16, 2013
The San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it appears they suffered a tough loss. Fullback Bruce Miller suffered an injury, and a day later, it sounds like he could be out for an extended period of time. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said it appeared to be a scapula injury (shoulder-blade), and it did not look good. He seemed to indicate he wouldn't be available for the playoffs, but he would not provide any official timetable.
Harbaugh said the team was flying in Owen Marecic for a physical and would consider adding him to the roster. Harbaugh also said the team could look to Anthony Dixon for some work, and could also get creative. I imagine "creative" means using Demarcus Dobbs or other defensive linemen in the extra fullback blocking role. Dixon got the work in place of Miller when he went down, and you know he's chomping at the bit for the opportunity.
This is a tough loss for the 49ers. Bruce Miller had always been a strong blocker, but he became an integral part of the 49ers passing game this season. He had replaced much of the work Delanie Walker did, and still ranks third on the team in receptions and yards. He was a key cog in terms of dump-offs for Colin Kaepernick, and the 49ers will need to figure out ways to best replace his role in the offense.
