Golden Nuggets: Jerick McKinnon is back at practice

Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 edition of the Golden Nuggets, a daily compilation of San Francisco 49ers links from the Internet

By Billy Kerr@bkerr725 Aug 7, 2019, 2:00am PDT

The 49ers were finally able to welcome back Jerick McKinnon from the torn ACL he suffered last training camp. Jerick was one of the 49ers’ key free agent signings last offseason, but he suffered his injury before he could play a down in the regular season. He was activated from the PUP list on Tuesday and he was able to participate in some individual drills. It will be some time before he is a full go, but the 49ers could soon have their full roster of running backs competing and he could be ready to play Week 1.

Jerick was supposed to be an important pickup for the 49ers last offseason. With Kyle Shanahan’s ability to work with running backs, Jerick’s abilities were going to be used to their full capabilities by Kyle’s offense. Unfortunately the team was not able to see that in action last season. Jerick now joins a loaded backfield and has to compete with last season’s starter Matt Breida, last seaon’s backup Raheem Mostert, and Tevin Coleman. Breida had a good season as the starter. He rushed for over 800 yards in 14 games and showed that he could be productive. Raheem Mostert is a key special teams player and that gives him a leg up in any battle for a roster spot. Tevin Coleman spent 2 years with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta. He enjoyed one of his best seasons under Kyle in 2016 when he scored 11 touchdowns and the 49ers hope that reuniting him with Kyle will produce another great season.

Having a lot of competition in the backfield is a good thing for the 49ers. Jerick will get his chances to prove his worth in this offense and will be pushed to produce. He was brought in to be an important part of the offense and his injury may have hindered those plans. If he is able to get on the field and show that he still has the ability to make defenders miss with his speed and elusiveness in the open field, he could still be a vital part. But his injury, the money in the contract he signed a year ago, and the added competition he faces could have a significant effect on his 49ers’ career.

49ers links

Richard Sherman’s assessment of the defense (Patra)

Are the 49ers a playoff team? (Biderman)

Jerick McKinnon is back (Inman)

Jerick activated (Smith)

Easing Jerick back in to practice (Wagoner)

“Letters to 87” book launch (Maiocco)

Jimmy G’s potential (Maiocco)

Jimmy will take part in the 2nd and 3rd preseason games (Madson)

Dwight Clark Day (49ers staff)

Jerick does some work on individual drills (Branch)

Kyle’s plans for Jimmy’s preseason (Inman)