49ers' Kyle Juszczyk Sprains Knee, ACL Intact After Scary Injury

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk went down with a scary knee injury during Sunday’s 24-14 victory against the Denver Broncos ^[1]. The incident occurred when Juszczyk caught a pass and was tackled at his knees by Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron, causing his right knee to hyperextend backwards.

Juszczyk, 35, remained on the ground for a period before trainers helped him off the field at Levi’s Stadium [1, 2]. While the broadcast later confirmed he was ruled out of the game with a knee injury, further details were not immediately available ^[2].

Initial fears of a torn ACL, which typically requires a year of recovery, appear to be unfounded ^[1]. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan provided an optimistic update after the game, stating that they believe Juszczyk likely suffered a knee sprain.

Shanahan added that Juszczyk's ACL and other ligaments looked intact, but a definitive update would come after further evaluation on Monday ^[1]. This news offers some relief for 49ers fans, as an ACL injury seems to be off the table.

This injury follows a recent controversy for Juszczyk, who was fined nearly $15,000 last month for an on-field celebration ^[2]. The NFL cited unsportsmanlike conduct for what appeared to be an imitation of chugging beer. Juszczyk, known by his nickname "Juice," claimed he was mimicking drinking juice and stated he rarely drinks beer. He appealed the fine, with teammate George Kittle joking that Juszczyk's new nickname was "Beer".

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce publicly supported Juszczyk, suggesting he sue the NFL for defamation and arguing that Juszczyk was chugging "juice" ^[2].

Fans await a more official update on Juszczyk's condition later today ^[1]. The story was first reported by New York Post and Us Weekly.