Juszczyk could miss a couple of weeks; MRI still pending

Kyle Juszczyk could miss a couple of weeks after initial tests indicated that he hyperextended his knee, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday. The 49ers fullback was still scheduled for an MRI to confirm the early assessment, leaving both the diagnosis and the length of his absence subject to further evaluation.

Juszczyk was injured early in the fourth quarter of San Francisco's 24-14 win over Denver. Brock Purdy found him for a 16-yard gain before Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron hit him near the knee and midsection. Medical personnel helped him to the sideline, and the 49ers ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said afterward that the early examination pointed toward a knee sprain and that Juszczyk's ACL appeared intact. ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that account along with the planned Monday testing. Shanahan's initial assessment and Schefter's Monday report are encouraging relative to a longer absence, but neither supplies a confirmed return date.

Juszczyk finished Sunday with two catches for 28 yards. His role also creates a personnel problem beyond those receiving totals: Niners Wire reported that tight end Brayden Willis stepped in as his replacement. The 49ers have yet to announce how they would divide that work if Juszczyk misses games.

San Francisco's official recap described an offense that scored three touchdowns after halftime to move to 4-0. The team rushed for 140 yards, with Christian McCaffrey contributing 52 yards and a touchdown. Deebo Samuel Sr. added 44 yards on three carries, and George Kittle's 56-yard touchdown catch helped finish the game.

That varied attack now prepares for a trip to Seattle in Week 5 while awaiting more information on one of its regular contributors. For fantasy and roster managers, Willis's relief appearance establishes an available replacement option, without establishing a larger receiving workload. An MRI update, the team's practice reports and any announced personnel plan will determine the next steps for Juszczyk and the offense.