The Injury Bug Strikes Again
Although the 49ers are first in the NFC West, the injuries on both sides of the ball are adding up.
Week Six Injuries
The 49ers had a disappointing Week Six loss against the Falcons. Not only did the Niners lose, but the team’s injury list continued to grow.
Defensive end Samson Ebukam came into Week Six already feeling soreness. During last week’s contest, he suffered a knee injury and had to be evaluated twice. However, he remained in the game due to the fact the rest of the defensive line was already banged up. His situation is worth monitoring since there are already too many injuries at his position.
Cornerback Chavarius Ward suffered a groin injury right before the end of the first half. He was questionable to return but remained sidelined for the rest of the contest. After losing fellow cornerback Emmanuel Moseley for the season in Week Five, Ward missing time would leave a massive gap in the 49ers’ secondary. No other information has been released on his status but he could potentially miss Week Seven’s game.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey picked up a knee injury during the second quarter. He attempted walking off the field on his own power but then needed assistance from the training staff. McGlinchey was ruled out for the second half of the contest. Updates on his status will surface as the week goes on.
49ers OL Mike McGlinchey is limping off the field. pic.twitter.com/SBuXeXv6uG — FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 16, 2022
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles also picked up a knee injury late in the game. He was already filling in for Azeez Al-Shaair and his injury leaves the linebacker depth at a very low point. The seriousness of Flannigan-Fowles’ injury is still unknown and he will be evaluated throughout the week.
49ers Offensive Injuries
Going into the season, the team was already dealing with some big injuries. tight end George Kittle was dealing with a groin injury that forced him to miss the first two weeks of the season. Offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill was also injured going into the regular season. He had suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason that caused him to miss the first three weeks.
During the Week One game against the Bears, the Niners lost a key part of their offense. This injury was to running back, Elijah Mitchell who sprained his MCL and is not expected to return until Week Ten. Fellow running back, Tyrion-Davis Price has also found his way onto the injury report during the 49ers’ Week Two matchup. He had suffered a high-ankle sprain but returned to the field in Week Six.
Sophomore quarterback Trey Lance of course was set to take over the role as franchise QB. The 49ers and their fans never really got to see the level of talent that their quarterback possesses. Early on in the Week Two matchup, Lance suffered multiple ankle injuries that would result in season-ending surgery.
Offensive linemen Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz were both set to miss a decent amount of time. Trent Williams, who is one of the best offensive tackles in the league, suffered a high-ankle sprain during the 49ers’ Week Three loss to the Broncos. Williams has a chance to play in Week Seven although fans should not get their hopes too high. Colton McKivitz came in as Williams’ backup and ended up suffering an MCL Sprain.
49ers Defensive Injuries
For the 49ers, injuries on the defensive side of the ball have been on an almost consistent basis. Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been able to lead the top defense in the league, despite never having a fully healthy roster.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was re-signed for the 2022 season after having an injury-ridden season that only allowed him to play two games in the season before. Within training camp, Hurst suffered a bicep injury that will force him to not see the field during the 2022 season.
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He has been ruled out for Week Six but could be making his way back to the field pretty soon. Fellow defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw has been placed on the injured reserve and could at the earliest return for Week Ten. He had suffered a knee injury in Week Four.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had suffered an MCL sprain in during Week Three’s contest. He has been placed on the injured reserve list and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. After a breakout 2021 season, this was a disappointing injury for 49ers fans.
The veteran safety Jimmie Ward made his 2022 campaign debut during Week Five after recovering from a hamstring injury. His time being healthy did not last long as he had broken his hand in the first quarter. Ward underwent successful surgery last Tuesday and is expected to be able to play with a cast as long as he is cleared to play.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the fourth quarter of Week Five. Moseley was having a solid season alongside fellow cornerback Chavarius Ward. His contract expires this offseason, so 49ers fans can only hope to see the cornerback back in red and gold next season. Veteran Jason Verrett looks to make his season debut in Week Seven to replace Moseley.
Defensive end Nick Bosa suffered a groin injury in the third quarter of Week Five and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Bosa missed Week Six but still had a chance of playing. We can assume that since he was close to playing, he will return to the field for Week Seven.
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