Jeff Wilson had reason to jump for joy. Unfortunately, he couldn't.
The 49ers running back put the cherry on top of a thoroughly impressive performance against the Patriots on Sunday with his third touchdown run of the game, but as he broke the plane of the end zone, a Patriots defender rolled up his ankle, and Wilson immediately writhed in pain.
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Wilson eventually was able to walk off the field under his own power, but he was taken to the locker room on a cart, suggesting it could be a serious injury. Following the 49ers' 33-6 win, coach Kyle Shanahan said Wilson sustained a high ankle sprain.
Wilson only started the game against the Patriots because both Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are on injured reserve. Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty likely will assume even larger roles for however long Wilson is out.
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It's incredibly unfortunate timing for Wilson, as he was having the best game of his career. At the time he left the game, he had rushed for 112 yards (and the three scores) on 17 carries and caught two passes for another 8 yards.
Wilson became the first 49ers running back with three rushing TDs in a road game since Roger Craig did it in 1988.