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Jerick McKinnon on right track to return, contribute

Jerick McKinnon stood out in the first practice 49ers media was allowed to attend. The running back made a handful of notable plays according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, and appears to be on track to be healthy and participating more than he did last training camp before going down with another knee injury.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan had high praise for McKinnon after Saturday’s session. He noted that McKinnon’s knee finally healed right after two surgeries on a torn ACL, and that he’s in a spot to contribute this season.

“It’s still the first day, the first step, but you can tell it healed right,” Shanahan said via NBC Sports Bay Area. “And you can tell Jet’s put that work in, and you feel all that he’s gone through the past two years. I feel he’s finally in position where he has a chance to have that comeback now.”

McKinnon initially signed with the 49ers prior to the 2018 season and suffered a torn ACL a week before the regular season was set to begin. His return in last year’s camp was quickly derailed due to complications with his surgically repaired knee.

He went on Injured Reserve and was initially cleared to return to activity in December. The additional time off with offseason workouts cancelled due to the pandemic gave McKinnon time to heal and get extra work in to prepare.

Early returns are positive, which is a good sign for the 49ers’ backfield. McKinnon offers explosive playmaking ability as a runner and pass catcher. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo noted earlier in the offseason that he likes working with McKinnon because of his savvy route-running ability. A true receiving back was missing in the 49ers’ backfield last season, and McKinnon could give them that wrinkle he was supposed to give them when he signed in 2018.