Kyle Juszczyk Injury News & Updates

Juszczyk is dealing with a rib fracture ahead of the 49ers' bye week, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.

Juszczyk sustained the injury in the team's 26-8 win over the Browns on Sunday, and he's expected to be reevaluated after the team is idle in Week 14. The fullback will have a good shot at not missing any action moving forward as a result of the week off.

Juszczyk will have further evaluation on his ribs injury once the team returns to Santa Clara, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that initial tests revealed no broken ribs, but Juszczyk will still undergo further testing to determine the extent of his injury. The 49ers have a Week 14 bye, which could allow the 34-year-old fullback enough time to recover ahead of the team's Week 15 matchup against the Titans.

Juszczyk (ribs) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Browns, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Juszczyk exited in the fourth quarter with a rib injury. The fullback is a key part of the 49ers' rushing attack, and if he is unable to return, the role will likely be filled by a blocking tight end such as Luke Farrell or Jake Tonges

Juszczyk had one carry for a loss of one yard and three receptions on four targets for 21 yards in Thursday's 26-23 overtime win over the Rams.

Juszczyk set a new high-water mark in combined touches (four) with the 49ers operating at less than 100 percent on a short turnaround for Thursday Night Football. The slight uptick in usage for the fullback still couldn't produce a stat line worthy of consideration in standard fantasy formats. Look for Juice to get loose out of the backfield once or twice, but not much else, against the Buccaneers in Week 6.

Juszczyk does not have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Juszczyk suffered a concussion during San Francisco's Week 2 win over the Saints. He progressed to a full practice Friday, and his lack of an injury designation suggests he has cleared the league's concussion protocol. Juszczyk should be ready to suit up against Arizona in Week 3.

Juszczyk (concussion) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Juszczyk was unable to practice to open the week Wednesday, so his return to action Thursday is a step in the right direction. The fullback remains in concussion protocol, and he'll likely have to log a full practice Friday in order to have a chance to play Sunday against the Cardinals.

Juszczyk has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Saints due to a concussion, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Juszczyk was evaluated on the sidelines after taking a hit to the head in the first half of Sunday's game, and the veteran fullback has been diagnosed with a concussion. He will not be allowed to return to Sunday's game, and he'll have to pass the league's five-step concussion protocol in order to play in Week 3 against the Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 21. Juszczyk is the only fullback on the 49ers' active roster but tight ends Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges or Brayden Ellis could be deployed as a backfield blocker for the rest of Sunday's contest.

Juszczyk had two receptions on as many targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 17-13 win over Seattle.

Juszczyk was able to leak out of the backfield twice for a couple of big chunk plays to extend drives Sunday. The versatile fullback may see an extra target or two as the 49ers manage a depleted receiver room in the early portion of the schedule. Juszczyk would still need to see a significant jump in usage to warrant fantasy consideration at the endangered fullback position.

Juszczyk (Achilles) played six snaps on offense without otherwise showing up on the box score during the 49ers' 22-19 preseason win over the Raiders on Saturday.

The veteran fullback has been working through an Achilles issue over the past two weeks, but he was cleared to make his preseason debut Saturday. Juszczyk, a nine-time Pro Bowler, will continue to play a key role in the 49ers' offense as the lead blocker out of the backfield for Christian McCaffrey.

Juszczyk (Achilles) did not participate in practice Monday, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The fullback initially suffered the injured Saturday when a teammate stepped on the back of his leg, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Juszczyk is "considered day to day," according to Barrows. The veteran is the only fullback on San Francisco's roster.

Jusczyk and the 49ers agreed on a two-year, $8 million contract Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

San Francisco released Jusczyk on Monday, but the two sides came together to agree upon a quick reunion. The nine-time Pro Bowler will earn less money than last season, but the deal will allow him to remain with one of the few remaining NFL squads that still extensively use a fullback. Though his value extends beyond statistical contributions, Jusczyk was a useful contributor on offense in 2025, posting 19 catches on 31 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns while rushing five times for 26 yards and another TD.

The 49ers released Juszczyk on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Juszczyk has made nine consecutive Pro Bowls as a fullback and is coming off a second-team All-Pro selection in 2024, a season in which he caught 19 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed five times for 26 yards and a third score. Juszcyzk will turn 34 years old in April and wants to continue his playing career. Releasing Juszczyk saves the Niners more than $2.9 million against the cap but leaves behind $3.57 million in dead money.

Juszczyk produced 26 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries to go along with 19 receptions for 200 yards and a pair of scores while starting all 17 games for San Francisco this season.

Juszczyk turned in another strong season from the near-extinct fullback position, providing the 49ers with elite blocking in addition to his services as an auxiliary receiving option. The 33-year-old will enter the second year of his restructured contract in 2025, presumably serving a similar role which provides great real-life value to his club despite serving little fantasy utility.

Juszczyk (illness) is absent from the 49ers' injury report ahead of Monday's matchup with the Lions.

Juszczyk popped up on the team's injury report Friday due to an illness. However, it looks like he has moved on from the issue and should be good to go Monday assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Juszczyk (illness) didn't practice Friday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran fullback popped up on San Francisco's injury report Friday as a non-participant in practice due to an illness. He likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation in Saturday's practice in order to play in Monday night's matchup against the Lions. Juszczyk could see an increased offensive role if he's able to suit up in Week 17, with Christian McCaffrey (knee), Jordan Mason (ankle) and Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) all sidelined.

Juszczyk played 27 of the 49ers' 54 snaps on offense and went without a carry or target in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Though he's seen a slight uptick in snaps over the past two games with both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) out for the season, Juszczyk hasn't benefited from a usage standpoint. The veteran fullback has managed just one touch (a three-yard reception) in those two games while rookie Isaac Guerendo has dominated the opportunities out of the backfield. For the season, Juszczyk has carried four times for 20 yards and a touchdown to go with 15 receptions for 122 yards on 23 targets over 14 games.

Juszczyk went without a carry or target while playing 25 of the 49ers' 64 offensive snaps in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers.

With tailback Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) making his season debut in Week 10, the 49ers didn't waste any touches on Juszczyk, who had carried the ball three times for 21 yards and a touchdown to go with four receptions for 16 yards on eight targets across the previous three contests. While Juszczyk should continue to have a regular role on offense every week, he'll be deployed primarily as a blocker and only occasionally as a route runner whenever he's on the field.

Juszczyk (shoulder) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session.

Juszczyk is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury he picked up during Sunday's 30-13 win over the Patriots. That didn't appear to hold him back during Wednesday's practice session, and barring any setbacks, he should be good to go for Week 5 against the Cardinals. Juszczyk has caught seven passes (on 10 targets) for 77 yards through the first four games of the regular season.

Juszczyk is considered day-to-day due to a shoulder injury, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Juszcyk presumably picked up the injury in Sunday's 30-13 victory over the Patriots. The veteran fullback caught his only target and tallied 12 yards in the contest. The 49ers will travel to Seattle on a short week for a matchup with the Seahawks on Thursday.

Juszczyk recorded three receptions for 19 yards on five targets in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the 49ers.

Though Jordan Mason has logged 20-plus carries in both of the 49ers' first two games in the absence of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), Mason hasn't assumed McCaffrey's high-volume role in the passing game, logging just two targets. Mason's lack of involvement on passing downs has paved the way for Juszczyk to see more looks as a check-down target for quarterback Brock Purdy, with the fullback's five targets Sunday representing his most in a game since the 2021 season. Juszczyk still isn't seeing enough volume as a pass catcher to put himself on the fantasy radar, however, and he has yet to see any use as a ballcarrier through two weeks.

Juszczyk had two receptions (three targets) for 40 yards in Monday's Week 1 win over the Jets.

Juszczyk made his mark early in the 2024 campaign when he almost scored on a 34-yard reception in Monday's win. The utility fullback finished tied for third in yardage in a contest that was dominated by San Francisco's run game (38 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns). Juice will bust out the occasional big play to stand out in the box score, but he doesn't receive enough usage on offense to warrant a RB or FLEX spot in most formats.

Juszczyk and the 49ers have agreed to a restructured contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Juszczyk's reworked deal will free up about $1.75 million in cap space for the 49ers, who are looking to retool in the offseason after losing in the Super Bowl. The versatile fullback signed a five-year, $27 million contract with San Francisco back in March of 2021.

Juszczyk had one carry for three yards and caught two of three targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 34-31 win over Detroit in the NFC Championship Game.

Juszcyzk made a rare splash in the box score, with his 23-yard reception helping to spark a stagnant offense that trailed by 14 points to the Lions in the first quarter. The versatile fullback finished the contest playing 61 percent of the snaps on offense with three combined touches, a stark uptick from the zero touches and 41 percent share he handled against Green Bay in the divisional round the week prior. Juszczyk could have a play or two drawn up for him in the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII matchup against the Chiefs on Feb. 11, but his fantasy limitations at the fullback position kills any potential appeal.

Juszczyk (illness) will play in Sunday's game against the Rams, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Juszczyk's status was up in the air due to an illness, but he will ultimately play through it. Look for him to take on his usual responsibilities at fullback assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Juszczyk (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Juszczyk was added to Saturday's injury report after picking up an illness. With San Francisco locked into the top seed in the NFC, the team could elect to sit the 11-year fullback out of Harvard. Juszczyk has five rushes for six yards in addition to 14 catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games this season.

Juszczyk didn't draw a target while playing 22 of the 49ers' 59 snaps on offense in Sunday's 42-19 win over the Eagles.

Though he's never been an overly prominent part of the passing game since joining the 49ers ahead of the 2017 season, Juszczyk has nonetheless seen his involvement as a receiver take a hit in his seventh season in San Francisco. After clearing 200 receiving yards in each of the previous six campaigns, Juszczyk is well behind that pace thus far in 2023, having recorded eight receptions for 65 yards and two scores through 14 games. The 32-year-old is unlikely to see his playing time take a substantial hit while his role in the passing attack declines, as he's still valued for his skills as a pass protector and as a lead blocker in front of Christian McCaffrey.

Juszczyk had two receptions on three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-3 win over the Jaguars.

Juszczyk hit pay dirt for the second time this season when he broke loose across the middle and took a well-placed pass from Brock Purdy to the house. The 22-yard reception also represented a new season high for the versatile fullback. Juice has now scored 21 total touchdowns over his impressive career, but the lack of a fullback position in fantasy lineups eliminates any potential for value.

Juszczyk reeled in his lone target for a nine-yard reception in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Browns.

Juszczyk went without a target or carry in the 49ers' first two games, but he's since see his touches tick up a bit over the last four contests. After recording four catches in the 49ers' 42-10 drubbing of the Cowboys in Week 5, the fullback took a step back in terms involvement Sunday but still tied for his longest gain of the season. Even with halfback Christian McCaffrey (oblique/ribs) potentially at risk of missing Monday's game at Minnesota, Juszczyk isn't expected to be a major beneficiary. Juszczyk will continue to bring most of his value to the San Francisco offense as a blocker rather than as a runner or receiver.

Juszczyk finished the 2022 regular season with 26 rushing yards and a touchdown and 200 receiving yards and another score across 16 games.

Juszczyk's production for the 49ers in 2022 earned the fullback his seventh-straight trip to the Pro Bowl. The 31-year-old did see a small dip in usage, logging 12 fewer touches compared to last year. This had less to do with a decline in Juice's offensive skills, and more to do with the 49ers having a plethora of offensive weapons this season. Juszczyk is under contract with San Francisco through 2025, providing immense value to his team with minimal value to fantasy managers.

Juszczyk recorded two receptions for seven yards on two targets in Sunday's 35-7 win over the Buccaneers.

The fullback took on a season-high 68 percent share in the victory and drew multiple targets for the third game in a row. With the 49ers set to play without jack-of-all-trades wideout Deebo Samuel for at least the next two games, Juszczyk could indirectly absorb some of Samuel's vacated snaps and touches. Tight end George Kittle and wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are still more likely than Juszczyk to be consistent producers in the passing game in Samuel's absence.

Juszczyk recorded two receptions for two yards while playing 30 of the 49ers' 70 snaps on offense in Sunday's 13-0 win over the Saints.

Though he wasn't able to do much with his pair of catches, Juszczyk was at least able to end a two-game drought without a target. The 31-year-old continues to enjoy fairly steady usage relative to most fullbacks around the league, but he doesn't get enough touches on a weekly basis to attract much interest even in deeper fantasy formats.

Juszczyk (finger) logged a full practice session Wednesday.

Juszczyk suffered a finger injury Week 7 against the Chiefs and was forced to sit out a Week 8 win over the Rams. However, the 49ers' Week 9 bye gave the fullback time to get healthy, and he appears on track to return to action against the Chargers on Sunday night.

Juszczyk (finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, Juszczyk won't play Sunday after undergoing surgery to repair a broken finger on his right hand earlier in the week. While the fullback isn't a prolific producer, his blocking prowess will certainly be missed during a divisional showdown against Los Angeles.

Juszczyk underwent surgery on his broken right finger Monday and probably won't play against the Rams this coming Sunday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Juszczyk broke his finger in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, but he still managed to return and finish out the remainder of this contest. The 31-year-old fullback has caught 11 of his 15 targets for 153 yards and recorded three rushes for 10 yards and a touchdown this season, though his biggest impact has come as a blocker in the 49ers' running game. Juszczyk's participation in practice Wednesday should shed more light on his availability against the Rams on Sunday.

Juszczyk suffered a broken right ring finger in Sunday's 44-23 loss to the Chiefs, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Juszczyk briefly exited the contest in the third quarter but returned to record two receptions for 17 yards in the fourth quarter. The fullback will have surgery to insert a pin in his finger this week but plans on playing with a splint in Week 8 against the Rams. His status is worth monitoring moving forward, but he appears likely to play through the injury.

Juszczyk hauled in two targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 37-15 win over the Panthers.

The fullback played more than 50 percent of the 49ers' offensive snaps for the fourth straight game and set a new season high with the two receptions. Though he touches the ball more than most fullbacks around the NFL, Juszczyk's role is still too small for him to make a significant imprint on the box score on a game-by-game basis. He's best viewed as little more than a punt-play option on a showdown slate for a DFS contest rather than someone worth considering in weekly lineups in redraft leagues.

Juszczyk recorded one yard and a touchdown on two carries and failed to haul in his lone target in Sunday's 27-7 win over the Seahawks.

With top back Elijah Mitchell (knee) out of the lineup Week 2, Juszczyk only saw a small uptick in offensive usage, playing 50 percent of the snaps against the Seahawks after checking in at 37 percent in the Week 1 loss to the Bears. No. 2 back Tyrion Davis-Price (ankle) suffered an injury Sunday that will likely sideline him for several weeks, but Juszczyk is unlikely to be a major beneficiary, as the 49ers are instead expected to promote Marlon Mack from the practice squad to have him or undrafted rookie Jordan Mason settle in as the primary backup to Jeff Wilson while Mitchell resides on IR. The 30-year-old fullback is instead expected to continue in his usual role as a lead blocker and occasional short-area target in the passing game.

The 49ers have picked up Juszczyk's option for the 2023 through 2025 seasons, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Juszczyk has been with the 49ers for the past five years, and he'll remain with the club for at least four more seasons. The 30-year-old appeared in all 17 games last year and rushed eight times for 22 yards and a touchdown while securing 30 of 38 targets for 296 yards and a score.

Juszczyk finished the 2021 regular season with 22 rushing yards, 296 receiving yards and two combined touchdowns across 17 games.

Juszczyk turned in another All-Pro level season as one of the most versatile fullbacks in the league. As usual, that production did not translate into fantasy value, as his current role on offense doesn't generate enough touches. Juice is under contract until 2025, so he will be paving paths for Elijah Mitchell and Co. in 2022.

Juszczyk hauled in three of five targets for 45 yards in Thursday's 20-17 loss to the Titans.

Juszczyk set new season highs in yards and targets as he continued to flash his versatility from the fullback position. The 30-year-old could have had a career day when he lined up wide and ran a crisp crossing route with Brandon Aiyuk that sprung Juice free. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Jimmy Garoppolo airmailed his wide-open man, leaving a 40-yard touchdown on the table. Juszczyk is a unique talent that has playmaking skills at an endangered position, but he doesn't receive enough consistent volume to breakthrough as a fantasy option.

Juszczyk converted his lone rushing attempt into a six-yard touchdown and caught his lone target for six more yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over Atlanta.

Juszczyk is known for making his yearly statistical contributions in the passing game (25-242-1 in 2021), but he is being highlighted for his rushing in this one. The 30-year-old had a fullback dive drawn up for him to convert a third-and-short, but he barreled through the Falcons' defense and finished the job off himself. Juice will likely pop up in the running back waiver wire pool if you sort by points scored last week, but fantasy managers should remember that a lack of a fullback position in standard formats holds back any potential value despite being the best at his position in the league.

Juszczyk recorded two receptions for 21 yards on three targets in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Seahawks.

Juszczyk has held a consistent tertiary role in the 49ers' passing attack throughout the season, drawing at least one target in all but one of his 12 appearances on the campaign. With 23 receptions for 231 yards on the campaign, Juszczyk has alreadya surpassed his output in both categories from a full 16-game slate in 2020, though he's scored five fewer touchdowns.

Juszczyk rushed five times for 14 yards and had four receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Packers.

The 49ers only utilized starting running back Trey Sermon on offense, opting to increase Juszczyk's role instead of using the slew of relative newcomers behind Sermon on the depth chart. Juice generally only receives a couple of touches per game, but this increased role could continue if previous starting replacement, Elijah Mitchell (shoulder), is unable to suit up against Seattle next Sunday.

Juszczyk excited Sunday's contest against the Eagles with cramps, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Juszczyk caught two passes for 15 yards and rushed one time for two yards. The 30-year-old experienced cramps on the 49ers' final offensive possession and had to leave the field. The issue doesn't appear to be serious.

Juszczyk secured his lone target for seven yards during Sunday's 41-33 win over the Lions.

Juszczyk did not log a single carry in the contest. The 30-year-old veteran played on 36 percent of the team's offensive snaps and was only targeted once. Even with Raheem Mostert set to miss the rest of the season, Juszczyk is not a trustworthy fantasy option based on his sporadic usage in San Francisco's offense. Fantasy managers should get a clearer picture of the team's backfield when the 49ers visit the Eagles in Week 2.

Juszczyk signed a five-year, $27 million contract to remain with the 49ers on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Widely regarded as the best fullback in the league, Juszczyk will be paid like it. Keeping the versatile weapon in the fold was a priority for the 49ers given how important Juszczyk is as a blocker, pass-catcher and short-yardage runner, and the two sides were finally able to hammer out a deal just before the free agency period opened up.

Juszczyk finished the 2020 season with career highs in rushing yards (64) and touchdowns (two) while contributing his usual production as a receiver (19 receptions for 202 yards and four scores) across 16 games.

Juszczyk is an elite blocker and receiver out of the backfield, but he finally added the most-common offensive tool for a fullback -- short-yardage runs -- to his Swiss Army knife profile of tools. Even with the new high-water mark of six total touchdowns, the All-Pro continues to be hampered by the lack of a fullback position in standard fantasy formats. Unless the next generation of creative offensive minds have a gameplan surrounded around featuring the fullback, then Juice will continue to be an afterthought in fantasy circles despite bringing great value to his real-life squad. The 49ers will have a difficult decision to make regarding Juszczyk this offseason, as his four-year contract will expire heading into 2021 free agency period.

Juszczyk recorded two receptions on three targets for 10 yards and two touchdown in Week 16 against the Cardinals. He added one rush for three yards.

Juszczyk made the most of his limited touches, hauling in touchdown receptions of nine and one-yard. Though his volume remains insignificant, Juszczyk has found the end zone four times in his last four games. He'll look to take one more trip to the end zone in Week 17 against Seattle to close the campaign.

Juszcyk rushed twice for four yards and caught one of two targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Juszcyk now has 61 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and a 16-188-2 line through the air. In turn, he's been named to a fifth straight Pro Bowl.

Juszczyk rushed one time for three yards and caught two of three targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-15 loss to Washington.

Juszczyk extended his touchdown streak to two games and now has four combined scores on the year (two rushing and two receiving). The versatile fullback remains the top receiving threat at his position with 15 receptions for 163 yards through 13 contests, but he has also been used more as a rusher with new career highs in carries (13), rushing yards (57) and rushing touchdowns (two). Juice still doesn't provide enough volume to become fantasy relevant when forced into the category of running back.

Juszczyk had two carries for five yards and caught a six-yard touchdown during Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Bills.

The 29-year-old played a season-low 14 offensive snaps but was still able to find the end zone for his first receiving touchdown of the season. Juszczyk has 12 carries for 54 yards and 13 receptions for 148 yards with three total touchdowns this season.

Juszczyk registered eight yards on a pair of carries, adding two receptions for 24 yards during Sunday's 23-20 win against the Rams. He also fumbled once, but the ball rolled out of bounds.

The fullback's greatest contribution came in crunch time, as his two-yard carry on a 4th-and-1 with 35 seconds to go in the fourth quarter helped move San Francisco into range for a walk-off 42-yard field goal from Robbie Gould. His pass-catching contributions are of note as well, as Juszczyk's 24 receiving yards marked his greatest output since posting a 41-yard catch Week 1 against Arizona. He has two touchdowns on the season, as the 49ers prepare to host the Bills out of a temporary home in Arizona.

Juszczyk had four carries for 18 yards and one touchdown and caught one of two targets for 18 yards during Sunday's 33-6 win over the Patriots.

The 29-year-old entered Week 7 with only three carries for 18 yards all season, but he was more involved in the run game versus New England. Juszczyk could continue to see more involvment with Tevin Coleman (knee) Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Jeff Wilson (ankle) sidelined, but he's unlikely to enter fantasy relevance. Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty should handle most of the backfield touches for the 49ers.

Juszczyk rushed twice for 11 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 43-17 loss to Miami.

It was surprisingly Juszczyk's first rushing touchdown with the 49ers since joining the team back in 2017. The versatile fullback generally does his damage in the passing game, but he has been limited to just five receptions so far through five contests. As per usual, Juice will carry more real-life value over fantasy heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Rams.

Juszczyk caught his lone target for seven yards in Sunday's 36-9 win over the Giants.

It has been a quiet couple of weeks for Juszczyk (three receptions for 13 yards) following his big 41-yard reception back in Week 1. The versatile fullback provides so much for the 49ers that doesn't show up on the stat sheet, and while he will occassionally have a big play drawn up for him, there isn't enough consistency here to warrant fantasy consideration.

Juszczyk ran the ball once for seven yards and caught a pass for 41 yards in Sunday's 24-20 loss to Arizona.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan drew up a play for his fullback, and Juszczyk rewarded the decision by getting open in the secondary for a huge gain. The 29-year-old caught the Cardinals off guard, but those familiar with the versatile back's game are aware of his ability rip off the occasional big play (23 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns last season). Juice is a priceless asset for the 49ers, but as an endangered fullback, he doesn't receive enough touches to warrant fantasy consideration in standard formats.

Juszczyk (hamstring) returned to team activities Monday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

"Juice" was one of many 49ers to suffer mild hamstring strains earlier in camp, and like a few of his comrades, he was able to return to action Monday, putting him in line to suit up against the Cardinals in Week 1. The Swiss-army knife will make the occasionally flashy play out of the backfield, but his main priority will be to help pave lanes for this fast rushing attack instilled by head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Coach Kyle Shanahan called Juszczyk "week-to-week" due to a strained hamstring, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

And the injuries just keep coming for the defending NFC champions. Juszczyk may be the most versatile fullback in the league and has posted at least 200 yards receiving in five consecutive campaigns, so his status will be one to watch as Week 1 approaches.

The 49ers picked up Jusczyk's 2020 option Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The Niners could've saved $5.45 million against the salary cap next year by letting Juszcyk go, but the fullback's versatility will keep him around for another year. The 28-year-old rushed three times for seven yards and caught 20 of 24 targets for 239 yards and a score over 12 games in 2019, and he added a touchdown reception in the Super Bowl as well.

Juszczyk hauled in all three of his targets for 39 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 31-20 Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.

In addition to his contributions as a receiver, Juszczyk performed to his usual exceptional level as a blocker on offense. The versatile fullback's touchdown came via hauling in a 15-yard pass midway through the second quarter. Though he isn't a candidate to inch onto the fantasy radar, Juszczyk's continued presence in San Francisco will remain key for the team's plans on offense. He'll enter the final year of his contract in 2020.

Juszczyk (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Monday's prime-time contest against the Seahawks, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Juszczyk's status is surprisingly critical, as the 49ers are expected to be without their star tight end, George Kittle (knee/ankle) heading into the pivotal contest. The All-Pro fullback was mentioned by head coach Kyle Shanahan as a potential fill in for Kittle, suggesting the respective player's roles aren't much different than the other, although Juszczyk's running back designation won't necessarily help fantasy owners hoping to replace the productive tight end.

Juszczyk (knee) was participating in Tuesday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Juszczyk's level of participation remains unclear since the 49ers won't have an official injury report until Thursday, but it's nonetheless a good sign about his potential return. The 28-year-old was given a 4-to-6 week recovery timeline after suffering MCL sprain Oct. 7, so he appears to be right on track with his recovery.

Juszczyk (knee) began running again Wednesday and said he may be able to return in "another week or two," Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Juszcyk was given a 4-to-6 week timeline after suffering the MCL sprain Oct. 7, so a return in two weeks would put him directly on track with that timeline. The 28-year-old has yet to resume practicing and is unlikely to return prior to the Nov. 11 game against the Seahawks, since the 49ers play on Thursday next week.

The 49ers announced Tuesday that Juszczyk (knee) will likely be sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

After exiting Monday's 31-3 win over the Browns, Juszczyk was sent in for an MRI on Tuesday that confirmed the versatile fullback had sprained the MCL in his left knee. The loss of the 28-year-old for at least the next four games will deprive Jimmy Garoppolo of one of his favorite dump-off targets, while also leaving a potent San Francisco ground attack without a lead blocker. The 49ers could sign another fullback to compensate for Juszczyk's absence or have backup tight end Levine Toilolo -- a blocking specialist -- line up out of the backfield more frequently.

Juszczyk (knee) is believed to have suffered a sprained left MCL in Monday's 31-3 win over the Browns, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The 49ers will send Juszczyk in for an MRI later Tuesday before offering further clarity on his injury, but if the initial diagnosis proves accurate, he'll have a tough time making it back for the team's Week 6 matchup with the Rams. Juszczyk has only tallied 82 total yards on seven touches through four games, but his skills as a lead blocker have helped spark the 49ers' productive ground game this season.