The San Francisco 49ers will be without a majority of their core offensively
If one were to pitch a story on the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, it doesn’t end on a positive note. Entering a short week against the Green Bay Packers, things are only getting worse for Kyle Shanahan’s squad.
Just one day after returning from the inured reserve, running back Tevin Coleman is back on the injury report. Shanahan told reporters Tuesday that Coleman will not play in Week 9 after re-injuring his knee in the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon.
During the first quarter, Coleman took a handoff for 12-yard gain but limped to the sideline immediately after the play. He would not return for the remainder of the outing. He’d finish with three carries for a total of 20 yards. Without a second runner, JaMycal Hasty led the team, tallying 29 yards off 12 carries and scoring a touchdown.
The injuries continue to pile up for the 49ers
Earlier this week, the team announced they would be without two key components to their offense for what likely could be the remainder of the season. Tight end George Kittle is expected to miss extended time with a foot injury while quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is out with a high ankle sprain. Both left Sunday’s outing in the fourth quarter and have missed time already this year due to injury.
Nick Mullens, who’s expected to be the starter Thursday night against Green Bay, won’t be given any favors in the passing game as well. Wide receiver Debo Samuel is expected to miss the game as well after suffering a hamstring injury against the New England Patriots in Week 7. The second-year wideout currently has played in four games this season has caught 16 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown.
The team that’s short-handed at wide receiver becomes even lighter following the release of Dante Pettis. The former second-round pick was rumored to be on the trade block, but the team failed to move him before Tuesday’s deadline. Rookie Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are expected to be the top three options in the passing game.
The one positive for San Francisco is Green Bay is dealing with their own issues in the run game. Running backs AJ Dillion and Jamaal Williams will be out after Dillon tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. Fellow runner Aaron Jones could be limited or ruled out after suffering a calf injury in practice before the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Thursday night games are always ugly, but this could be one of the uglier ones in an NFC Championship rematch from last season.