49ers sign Tukuafu to help replace FB Bruce Miller
San Francisco 49ers’ fullback Bruce Miller is out for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, per multiple reports.
Miller broke his left scapula when he was hit by Tampa Bay defensive back Keith Tandy after a reception last Sunday and was subsequently placed on injured reserve due to the injury.
To replace Miller, the 49ers have turned to a familiar face. Will Tukuafu, who spent the past three seasons with San Francisco, has been re-signed to help fill the gap, per a Sacramento Bee report.
Tukuafu, 29, has been listed as both a defensive lineman and fullback in the past for San Francisco, but this time his duties will be solely on the offensive side of the ball, per the report.
The 29-year-old out of Oregon is listed at 6-4 and nearly 300 pounds, so he undoubtedly will be a load for defenses.
Per the report from the Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows:
"Miller not only was Frank Gore’s lead blocker, he has been the team’s third-leading receiver. Tukuafu has surprisingly good hands for a man who weighs close to 300 pounds. But he is unlikely to fill Miller’s role by himself. Instead, look for the 49ers to take a by-committee approach to the position with Tukuafu,Anthony Dixon and Derek Carrier all filling in in various ways. Tukuafu presumably would specialize in short-yardage situations. [Sacramento Bee]"