49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk To Miss Time

An MRI revealed that Juszczyk suffered a bone bruise and a sprain that will sidelined him for two to three games. The 49ers have a Week 8 bye this year, so it is possible the veteran fullback does not return to the field until Week 9.

Juszczyk, 35, occupies a key role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as a versatile blocker who can line up at multiple spots in the backfield or along the line of scrimmage. He has appeared in 64 straight games in San Francisco with Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition in each of the last three seasons. This will be his first time missed due to injury since 2022 and his first multi-game absence since 2019.

The 49ers do not have a true backup for Jusczyk on their roster. Fullbacks are a dying breed in the modern NFL; many teams do not carry one, much less two. Tight end Brayden Willis lined up in the backfield for a handful of snaps in Week 4 after Juszczyk’s injury and will likely take on some of his duties moving forward.

San Francisco will also be without Nick Bosa in Week 5, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. He suffered a calf injury in practice in Week 3 and missed the team’s last two games. The 49ers have weathered his absence, but their pass rush remains the weak link of their defense. Only three defensive lineman have combined for four sacks to start the year with none from Bosa (and just one quarterback hit) in his two appearances.