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Week 16 Injury Report: 49ers And Chargers Both Far From Healthy

By Jerrell Richardson

When it rains it pours. Not only is the 49ers season essentially over, but the injuries that have effected them all year have hit an all-time high. The only silver lining is that they don’t need to go out and win a game without several key players on both sides of the ball with the playoffs already out of the question.

On the other sideline, the San Diego Chargers are not much better. While they have far less players listed on this week’s report, they still have some big names that will not play, and their quarterback is battling a bad back. San Diego desperately needs to win this game, though, and will need to rely on the next man up to help earn them a win and keep their postseason dreams alive.

San Francisco 49ers

Did Not Participate In Practice:

LB Chris Borland (ankle), CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), LB Ahmad Brooks (thumb), WR Michael Crabtree (knee), RB Frank Gore (concussion), RB Carlos Hyde (ankle), WR Steve Johnson (knee), DE Justin Smith (back), LB Michael Wilhoite (hip).

Limited In Practice:

CB Perrish Cox (ankle), Chris Culliver (knee), T Anthony Davis (concussion), DT Quinton Dial (knee), DE Tony Jerod-Eddie (foot), S Bubba Ventrone (groin).

Full Participation In Practice:

C Marcus Martin (knee), LS Kyle Nelson (back).

San Diego Chargers

Did Not Participate In Practice:

WR Keenan Allen (collarbone, ankle), TE Ladarius Green (ankle, concussion), DT Corey Liuget (ankle), RB Ryan Matthews (ankle), QB Phillip Rivers (chest, back), P Mike Scifres (shoulder).

Limited In Practice:

DT Ryan Carrethers (elbow).

49ers' Big Names Who Are Really Injured

The 49ers have multiple playmakers in danger of missing this Saturday’s game, and a major depth problem across the board. Tackling machine Chris Borland has been more or less ruled out for the rest of the year, and fellow backup linebacker, Michael Wilhoite suffered a hip injury in last week’s lost to the Seahawks. If Wilhoite is unable to play, it will leave the team at the 5th and 6th option at the position. The team signed Desmond Bishop this week and depending on Wilhoite, the team may be forced to throw Desmond into the fray, despite him being with the team less than a week.

Offensively, San Francisco could be even more challenged. Both Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde have missed practice this week and their availability will remain a question mark. Gore is getting over a concussion and will have to pass the standard tests, and that’s only if he thinks he is progressing towards playing. Tackle Anthony Davis missed several games this season due to a concussion, so it’s no guarantee that Gore will be cleared. Hyde’s ankle will also be a game time decision, and his decision to play will be based a bit on Gore, and though the team has the bodies in Alfonso Smith and the recently signed Phillip Tanner, neither is a real threat at the position, and will leave the team with no real running options if they are the only two playing.

Big Names Who Would Play If It Mattered

If still in contention, the 49ers injury report would look far different. But the reality is that they have nothing to play for other than themselves, so those who might tough it out in a more meaningful game will be tempted to sit this one out. This will include Ahmad Brooks, Michael Crabtree, Justin Smith and Anthony Davis. All these players are veterans and the risk versus reward does not seem equal. Especially for Anthony Davis and Justin Smith. However, the team is so banged up that some of these players might be forced to play just to make sure the 49ers have enough bodies to field a team.

Even More Defensive Injuries

The San Francisco secondary is hurting as well. Tramaine Brock has been hurt all year, Chris Culliver missed last week’s game and now Perrish Cox has a bum ankle. While Culliver and Cox could both play, they are far from 100%. The other 49er injuries are on their defensive front, but this is the one area that the team could actually afford to miss some bodies, but would still prefer if both Quinton Dial and Tony Jerod-Eddie dress.

Chargers Offense Undermanned

When the San Diego Chargers take the field Saturday, their offense will look nothing like the one they had hoped would carry them this season. Their top receiver, Keenan Allen suffered a broken collarbone and ankle this past Sunday and is expected to miss the game, and the same applies for Ryan Matthews. The Chargers top running back has tried to get over a severe sprain suffered December 7th and has yet to return to the practice field.

A player who will play though, despite a bad back, is Phillip Rivers. The good news is that Rivers is as tough as they come and is not even thinking of missing this all important game, but the bad news is that he will have limited help on offense, and if he takes a big hit will have his toughness questioned. If that happens, then San Diego would turn to Kellen Clemens to lead them to a victory. Otherwise, the Chargers have no real injury concerns.

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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