Kyle Juszczyk: 49ers’ ‘OW’ quiet in first two games

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The OW is AWOL.

After two games, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has two catches, one carry and has played 33 percent of the offensive snaps.

In Sunday’s 12-9 loss to the Seahawks, he didn’t touch the ball and wasn’t targeted with a pass in 17 snaps.

This, of course, isn’t unusual for a fullback, but it is surprising for this fullback. The 49ers made Juszczyk the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position in March and explained why he was worth the big bucks.

“We said, ‘Let’s not think of him as a fullback. He’s an OW,’” general manager John Lynch said. “So, if you see OW, that stands for offensive weapon. We saw an offensive weapon. (We’re) thrilled to be able to use (him) in a number of different capacities.”

In his final two seasons with the Ravens, Juszczyk was used extensively in the passing game, collecting 78 receptions on 105 targets (he has just eight career carries). Last year, he averaged 28.9 snaps per game, appearing on 40.7 of the offensive plays, according to Pro Football Focus.

On Sunday, Juszczyk had an excellent kick-out block on cornerback Jeremy Lane to spring Carlos Hyde for a 61-yard run. He was obviously a reason the 49ers had 159 rushing yards and the sixth-best, single-game yards-per-carry average (8.4) in franchise history.

Still, that’s the role of a traditional FB.

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers drops the ball as he is hit by Shaq Green-Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers drops the ball as he is hit by Shaq Green-Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw, Getty Images Photo: Ezra Shaw, Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Kyle Juszczyk: 49ers’ ‘OW’ quiet in first two games 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

It’s early and Juszczyk’s pass-catching ability very well could become more prominent in an offense that’s seeking its first touchdown.

At this point, however, it’s worth noting the 49ers aren’t getting what they said they paid for.

Twitter: @Eric_Branch