San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL during practice on Saturday, posted the following to the Niner Faithful on Twitter.
I just want to thank everybody for the encouraging messages , calls, love and support. Im so grateful to have so many loving people in my life . This is a blessing in disguise I will be back stronger than ever in 2019!!!
— Jerick Mckinnon (@JetMckinnon1) September 2, 2018
An MRI on Saturday revealed the severity of the injury, and McKinnon will undergo surgery on his right knee. This season's workload will likely fall on backup running backs Matt Breida and Alfred Morris.
The 49ers signed McKinnon in March to a four-year deal worth up to $30 million. The versatile running back was to serve as the featured back within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
The 49ers kick off the regular season on the road when they face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9.