Kyle Juszczyk Sparks 49ers Offense: The Secret Weapon Behind San Francisco’s Super Bowl Push

San Francisco — After a brief but concerning stint in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been cleared to suit up when the San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, September 21, 2025. The veteran exited last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints late in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet collision and did not return, sparking fears that head coach Kyle Shanahan might have to reshuffle his offense yet again. Team officials confirmed on Friday that Juszczyk has passed every stage of the league’s five-step protocol and practiced without restrictions, ditching the blue non-contact jersey that had marked his limited sessions earlier in the week. His return is a welcome boost for an offense already missing tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and right tackle Colton McKivitz (ankle), both of whom are listed as questionable. Why Juszczyk Matters • Position versatility: The 33-year-old lines up at fullback, H-back, slot and even tight end, functioning as a key motion piece in Shanahan’s pre-snap chess match. • Run-game multiplier: Since 2017, San Francisco averages 4.9 yards per carry with “Juice” on the field versus 4.1 when he’s sidelined. • Pass-pro security: Quarterback Brock Purdy owns a 109.2 passer rating on play-action snaps that originate from Juszczyk lead blocks. Fantasy football managers should also take note: Juszczyk has averaged 1.8 red-zone touches per game since Christian McCaffrey joined the team, a figure that climbs when Kittle is inactive. With Arizona ranking 28th in red-zone defense, a goal-line reception or carry is firmly in play. Contract Context The Harvard alum re-signed with San Francisco this offseason on a two-year, $8 million deal after a nerve-wracking three-day free-agency flirtation that he later described as “the worst three days of my life.” His cap hit sits at just $3.2 million this season, a bargain for a seventh-time Pro Bowler who has missed only three games in eight seasons with the club. Matchup to Watch Arizona’s new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, deploys a 4-2-5 front that dares opponents to pound the ball between the tackles. Look for San Francisco to counter with 21-personnel (two backs, one tight end) sets featuring Juszczyk and McCaffrey. When the 49ers use 21 personnel, they average 7.3 yards per play, the highest mark in the NFL through two weeks. Ticket and Viewing Info • Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium • Broadcast: FOX (national) • Cheapest seat as of Saturday morning: $122 before fees Bottom Line Juszczyk’s availability ensures that Shanahan’s playbook remains fully open in a divisional showdown with postseason ramifications even this early in the schedule. If the fullback’s track record is any indication, expect the 49ers to lean on their Swiss-army knife to set the tone, spring McCaffrey loose and keep the league’s fifth-ranked scoring offense in high gear.