The San Francisco 49ers’ injury report was announced, with tight end George Kittle (ribs) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) missing practice for the second consecutive day.
The Niners are in a difficult situation. They can’t afford to miss their district opponent on Sunday, but things will quickly turn around as they face the Seattle Seahawks next Thursday.
So when star players like Kittle and Warner are injured, you have to be careful. It wouldn’t be surprising if both players hold out on Sunday. In a press conference, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said it’s a next-man mentality.
“I’m not saying we are, you can never completely replace Fred, but the next guy has to practice and we have to be active. We’ve had injuries. Adversity. If there is, there will be a chance. By doing so, the next player will be given a chance and can step up.
In practice, you really hone your skills. With or without Fred, we have to communicate. And everyone is actually doing it. ”
After hearing that first sentence, I interpreted it to mean Warner is close to questionable, and the 49ers are a team that just threw the ball over 40 times next Thursday against the Detroit Lions. I hope to play against him.
The full text of Thursday’s injury report is below.
Did not participate:
George Kittle (Ribs)
Fred Warner (ankle)
Chris Conley (diagonal)
Jacob Cowing (shoulder)
Demetrius Flanigan Fowles (calf)
Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
limited:
Jordan Elliott (knee)
Kevin Givens (triceps)
Talanoa Hufanga (ankle)
Dee Winters (ankle)
Isaac Yiadom (thigh)
Khalia Davis (knee), Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) and Trent Williams (rest) were full participants.
Yiadom started four games but sat out the second half against New England, but was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report. It will be interesting to see if Yiadom and Renaldo Green’s rotation holds up against a stronger offensive line this week at the Arizona Cardinals.
As for linebackers, Flannigan-Fowles has gotten the majority of the reps this year outside of Warner and Devondre Campbell. Against the Patriots, Tatum Bethune and Winters both played in the second half after Warner did not return.
If Warner is unable to play, the injury could be an opportunity for Winters to prove he’s worthy of more snaps down the road. Arizona is likely to be running a lot of three-wide receiver sets, meaning there is only room for two linebackers.
There are also options for Sorensen to roll around in a three-safety look or as an extra cornerback. Due to their depth, the 49ers have options in the secondary and don’t need to play linebacker. He can hold up in pass protection, even if they aren’t comfortable.
