The San Francisco 49ers are facing a significant challenge as injuries continue to pile up within the team. One major concern is the status of quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been limited with a right shoulder injury that kept him out last week. Additionally, there is growing uncertainty surrounding left tackle Trent Williams, who was reported seen using a knee scooter in the locker room and experiencing pain while walking.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was hoping for a better start to the NFL work week during Wednesday’s practice. However, Purdy failed to fully recover from the shoulder injury suffered in Week 11, which led to Brandon Allen starting in Green Bay. Unfortunately, the 49ers suffered a disappointing 38-10 loss with Allen committing three turnovers.
The team’s concerns don’t end there. Defensive end Nick Bosa also missed Wednesday’s practice due to hip and oblique issues. This leaves the 49ers with limited options as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills without three Pro Bowlers once again.
Despite these challenges, Shanahan remains focused and determined. When asked about players having Thanksgiving off, he responded with determination, saying they start early and try to get players home by 5 p.m. However, he often finds himself staying longer to continue working on game strategies.
Injuries have plagued the 49ers all season and have been a constant problem since September, when running back Christian McCaffrey unexpectedly missed the game with an Achilles tendon injury in the season opener. The wide receiver position has also been affected by injuries, with Brandon Aiyuk ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.
Star linebacker Fred Warner is also dealing with his own injury struggles. He revealed he fractured a bone in his ankle last September but continued to play despite the pain. Warner recognizes the challenge but remains determined to perform at a high level and help his team win.
While injuries have undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance, Shanahan remains focused on improving their game. He believes the 49ers haven’t played well the last two weeks and emphasizes the need to improve their running game, especially with snow expected for their next game against the Bills.
Shanahan backs McCaffrey, dismissing any questions about his performance since returning from injured reserve. Despite a slightly lower per-run average than in previous years, Shanahan praises McCaffrey’s efforts and says expecting perfection immediately after a long absence would be unfair to any player.
In an effort to bolster their roster, the 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw suffered an Achilles injury during last year’s Super Bowl and is working to return, though his exact return date remains uncertain.
As the 49ers navigate through this tough stretch of injuries, there’s no doubt they face an uphill battle. The team will have to overcome adversity and find ways to adapt to remain competitive in an ever-changing NFL landscape.
