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The San Francisco 49ers will likely begin the new NFL season down one of their premiere offensive performers from last season.
Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. is likely headed to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after he suffered a significant meniscus tear following practice on Thursday, May 20.
What makes the injury even more unfortunate are the circumstances surrounding it. San Francisco general manager John Lynch explained the details of the incident when he spoke to reporters Wednesday, May 26.
Wilson had just finished a leg workout in the weight room, the rigorous training already completed, when he hurt himself.
“He was sitting down, talking to some teammates. He got up and, as he got up and turned, felt a pop in his knee and kind of got stuck,” Lynch said. “And he could tell something was wrong.”
Wilson and 49ers Moved Immediately to Address Injury With Surgery
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GETTYRunning back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 after scoring on a 25-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 17, 2019, in Santa Clara, California.
The following day, imaging revealed a “substantial” tear to Wilson’s meniscus. After conferring with 49ers medical staff, the running back chose to undergo surgery immediately. He is expected to miss between four and six months.
“I just spoke with Jeff, and he’s a little embarrassed about how it happened, but that’s how it happened, and he’s over the devastation,” Lynch continued Wednesday. “From a team standpoint, I can tell you that we’re going to have his back. We’re excited about Jeff and his prospects for this season.”
“(We are) looking forward to have Jeff being part of our team for however much we get him next year,” Lynch added.
49ers Have Backfield Depth That May Offset Loss of Wilson
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GettyJeff Wilson #30 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 24, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Lynch told reporters Wednesday that Wilson’s injury is likely to land him on the PUP list. If he starts the season with that designation, he will be required to sit out the first six weeks of the year.
The 49ers have a strong corps of running backs that should help soften any blow to their backfield, such as Wilson’s possible absence for more than one-third of the season.
Raheem Mostert, who started 2020 as the team’s top running back, is in camp and healthy. The 49ers also added Wayne Gallman, formerly of the New York Giants, on a one-year deal following the best season of his career.
San Francisco also drafted rookie running backs Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell. JaMycal Hasty rounds out the 49ers’ depth chart at the position. The team also has two fullbacks on its roster.
“Obviously, Hasty and Gallman and Trey Sermon and Mostert, it’s still a group we feel great about,” Lynch said. “And Jeff is a big part of that equation. We just won’t have him at the beginning.”
Wilson led the team in rushing last season. He racked up 600 yards on the ground to go along with seven touchdowns, appearing in 12 regular season games.