49ers RB Jerick McKinnon Suffers Setback To Surgically Repaired Knee

49ers GM John Lynch said on KNBR Wednesday that it appears as though RB Jerick McKinnon suffered another setback related to his surgically repaired knee.

Lynch said that “yesterday was not encouraging” in terms of McKinnon’s return to practice, per Eric Branch.

Meanwhile, Tom Pelissero reports that McKinnon had what one source described to him as a “flare-up” yesterday in his surgically repaired knee and San Francisco is now gathering more information before deciding the next steps.

Matt Barrows notes that this is actually the third flare-up for McKinnon in his right knee.

It’s possible McKinnon could open the season on injured reserve as a result of his ongoing knee issues. 

McKinnon, 27, is a former third-round pick of the Vikings back in 2014. He played out the final year of his four-year, $2,765,000 contract with the Minnesota Vikings before signing on with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

McKinnon landed a four-year, $30 million contract that included $15.7 million guaranteed from the 49ers but sustained a torn ACL prior to the start of the 2018 season and subsequently missed the entire year. 

In 2017, McKinnon appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings and rushed for 570 yards on 150 carries (3.8 YPC) to go along with 51 receptions for 421 yards receiving and five total touchdowns. He also contributed 312 kick return yards. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 8 running back out of 58 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding McKinnon as the news is available.