Jerick McKinnon

McKinnon signed with the Chiefs and, believe it or not, 2021 will mark the journeyman's eighth season in the league. The 29-year-old spent the past three seasons with the 49ers but missed all of 2018 and 2019 due to injury. He appeared in 16 games last season but was limited to 33% of the snaps. McKinnon struggled to 319 yards on 81 carries (3.9 YPC, 1.5 YAC) and 253 yards on 46 targets (5.5 YPT). McKinnon is unlikely to emerge into a consistent fantasy option, but he needs to be on watch lists because of the uncertain running back situation in Kansas City's high-scoring offense. Unproven Clyde Edwards-Helaire is atop the depth chart, with McKinnon set to compete with Darrel Williams for backup duties.

After missing the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to an ACL tear and a setback in his recovery, Jerick McKinnon played a full 16-game season for the 49ers last year, finishing with 572 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. He was especially productive in the passing game, with 46 targets and 33 receptions. (He was targeted on 12.4% of his snaps.) Back in 2014, McKinnon put on show at the NFL Scouting Combine, clocking a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, doing 32 reps on the bench press, and showing remarkable burst in the high jump and long jump. His athleticism and his unique college background â€" he converted from quarterback to running back at Georgia State and even played a little cornerback â€" have long intrigued fantasy managers. But injuries and inconsistency have plagued him, and now he's 29. The potency of the Kansas City offense certainly gives McKinnon some low-level appeal. If he can earn a passing-down role, McKinnon could be a worthwhile asset.