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Week 3 Injury Report: 49ers At Cardinals, Both Teams Should Be Worried

By Jerrell Richardson

The Cardinals want to stay undefeated, and the 49ers can’t afford to fall below .500, so it’s a shame that this week’s game between the two NFC West teams will be affected due to injuries. The 49ers were already without a few key pieces in their last game, and the news has only gotten worse this week. While things are looking up for the Cardinals as several players continue to be upgraded injury wise, they have seen several players limited in practice this week, and when considering who, it's major reason for concern for the home team.

New Faces on 49ers Report

The only positive takeaway from the 49ers injury report is that after a disappointing loss this past Sunday Night, only two new players have been unable to practice this week. The bad news is that both of these players are important parts of the offense. Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald both play tight end and all signs point to both of them sitting out.

Carrier Ready To Step Up

In their place will be Derek Carrier, who stood out a week ago and appears to have the talent to pick up the slack. However, there is a reason Carrier is the third string tight end, and there are few players with the skill set of Vernon Davis. So while the team is confident in Carrier, there is no getting around the fact that both the running and passing game will be without one of their most talented weapons.

Backups Need To Step Up

Again, San Francisco will have to plan to play without their starting cornerback Tramaine Brock and starting tackle Anthony Davis. The absence of these players certainly played a role in their Week 2 setback, so the team will need Jonathan Martin and Perrish Cox to step up. Both have played well at times, but neither has been consistent and the team needs a better performance from both, specifically Martin.

Big Names Listed

If a football player is a full participant in practice, then it’s not usually worth mentioning them, but just the fact that the names Carlos Hyde and Colin Kaepernick have popped up is something to keep an eye on in the next few weeks.

San Francisco 49ers

Did Not Participate In Practice

CB Tramaine Brock (toe)
T Anthony Davis (hamstring)
TE Vernon Davis (ankle, knee)
C Marcus Martin
TE Vance McDonald (knee)

Full Participation In Practice

RB Carlos Hyde (calf)
QB Colin Kaepernick (back)
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
T Joe Staley (knee).

Cardinals Defensive Woes

Defensively, the Cardinals were dealt some bad news when they learned that their leading pass rusher, John Abraham, failed the concussion test this past Tuesday. While he can still be cleared, all signs point to him not playing. Abraham figured to play a big role in containing and rattling Kaepernick.

Not helping Arizona’s effort to stop the 49er offense is that starting defensive tackle Frostee Rucker has also been unable to practice due to a calf injury. Unlike Abraham though, he figures to at least give it a go after missing last week.

Too Many Question Marks Could Spell Trouble

Several Arizona players are questionable including starting tight end Rob Housler, running back Andre Ellington, linebacker Larry Foote and quarterback Carson Palmer, and another reason for the undefeated home team to be worried. Ellington and Palmer are two major pieces for the offense, and Larry Foote leads the team in tackles, so Arizona will be dealing with some injuries, as well as a 49er team desperate for a win.

Arizona Cardinals

Did Not Participate In Practice

LB John Abraham (concussion)
TE Rob Housler (hip)
LB Alex Okafor (thigh)
DT Frostee Rucker (calf)
P Dave Zastudil (left groin)

Limited In Practice

RB Andre Ellington (foot)
LB Larry Foote (shoulder)
QB Carson Palmer (right shoulder)

Full Participation In Practice

LB Kevin Minter (quadriceps)
C Lyle Sendlein (ankle).

For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.

Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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