Santa Clara – The 49ers have been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, and the situation continues to worsen. Despite these setbacks, the team remains hopeful about their chances of making the playoffs.
Sunday’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills underscored that the Niners are no longer the dominant force that reached the Super Bowl last year. Quarterback Brock Purdy has struggled throughout the season, hampered by the absence of key offensive players. Adding to their woes, star running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a season-ending PCL injury and is set to undergo surgery later this month.
“No, I haven’t got a chance to talk to him,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “I know he has been getting his MRIs and everything, so I’ll connect with him here this afternoon. I just feel for him. It was a real frustrating year for him. He worked his butt off to get back to this point. I know he’s as crushed as anyone, but he’ll get through this. He’s a hell of a player, hell of a person, and an unbelievable 49er, and he’ll be back stronger than ever next year to help us.”
Earlier this year, Christian McCaffrey consulted a specialist in Germany after being placed on IR due to Achilles tendinitis and calf tightness. Perhaps he returned to action too soon, driven by his competitive spirit and desire to be there for his team.
Now, it’s the classic NFL motto: “Next man up!” Running back Isaac Guerendo will step in to fill the void.
“Yeah, we have Guerendo,” Shanahan said. “He’ll be up. We’ve got [RB] Patrick [Taylor Jr.] here who is on our practice squad, who will definitely be bumped up now, who was on our roster earlier in the year before Christian came back. And we’ll most likely have to look for another.”
Additional injuries from yesterday’s game include defensive lineman Kevin Givens, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle, and running back Jordan Mason, who sustained a high-ankle sprain. Both players are set to be placed on IR.
During today’s press conference, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates on other players expected to return from injuries.
“[OL Aaron] Banks is still in the protocol, [DL Jordan] Elliott is still in the protocol, [LB Demetrius] Flannigan-Fowles with his knee, he will be day-to-day this week, [DB Deommodore Lenoir] Dmo with his knee, we’re expecting to get back and practice on Wednesday, Nick [Bosa], same thing, we’ll have to evaluate him, and Trent are kind of in the same boat, we’re going to have to evaluate as the week goes. And then IR guys, [LB Dre] Greenlaw will continue to practice and [S Talanoa Hufanga] Huf, we plan on opening up his practice window here on Wednesday.”
The Niners remain hopeful, thanks to the tightly contested NFC West division standings. The Seattle Seahawks lead the division with a 7-5 record, while the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams are tied at 6-6. The 49ers currently sit in last place with a 5-7 record.
With upcoming matchups against the Cardinals and Rams, the Niners have an opportunity to turn things around. Winning those games could position them to finish strong in the division.
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