Former Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers back in the 2018 offseason. However, a couple of injuries have kept him on the sidelines. Now in healthy condition, McKinnon is looking to make his long-awaited return to the field for the 49ers come Week 1.
The seven-year veteran shared his feelings heading into the upcoming season:
“I feel good,” McKinnon said on Monday. “The last two camps, I didn't make it through, so to make it through this one, it definitely feels good. The whole way through has been a smooth process.
“Not nerves. More anxious,” he explained. “Like you said, it's been a long time coming, so I'm just ready to get this thing started. I've been putting myself in the game situations and that game-type pressure on myself since day one, since we came out here, so I'm not nervous, or I don't have any butterflies or any of that type (of) stuff going into Week 1. It's just more anxious.”
Prior to coming to the Bay Area, McKinnon was a Viking for four seasons, primarily playing behind long-time veteran Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook. On March 14, 2018, McKinnon signed a four-year, $30 million contract to play for the 49ers.
Days before the regular season began, he tore his ACL during a team workout which prematurely ended his 2018 campaign. He also missed the following season when he suffered a setback from his knee surgery during training camp and was placed on season-ending injured reserve for the remainder of the 2019 proceedings.
Having already recovered from his injuries, the Georgia Southern product is eager to strut his wares and become a key contributor for the 49ers. He will make his first appearance for the team on September 13 as they host the visiting Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium.
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