Injury Report: Short Weeks Always Tough, But 49ers Ready For Seahawks
By Sam McPherson
Make no mistake about it; no matter what the injury report says, the San Francisco 49ers will be ready for the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football at Levi's Stadium. Having lost five of their last six games to their NFC West rivals up north, the 49ers want this game badly and every player on the San Francisco roster will be ready to sacrifice their body for a victory tomorrow evening.
However, because of the short week of practice, some 49ers players did take some extra time off on Monday in preparation for this showdown of last-place teams in the NFC West. Knowing full well that the loser of this matchup is going to be miles away from playoff contention, the San Francisco roster as whole wants to be as healthy as possible come kickoff at Levi's.
That's why a star wide receiver, Anquan Boldin, and three members of the offensive line, Alex Boone, Erik Pears and Joe Staley, sat out workouts just one day after Sunday's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. They are all veterans and know what it takes to play in the NFL on a weekly basis, even if that "week" is ridiculously short. All four players were limited in Tuesday's practice, and they were expected to be full participants on Wednesday as they ramp up for game time on Thursday night.
A few major concerns, however, do exist for the 49ers as they prepare for the physicality sure to ensue against the down-but-not-out Seahawks. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is nursing a shoulder injury and while you can be sure Bowman will play if at all possible, he was limited in workouts both Monday and Tuesday. Also, running back Carlos Hyde (foot) didn't participate fully in practice on Monday or Tuesday either. He is a key aspect of the 49ers offense game plan and San Francisco will have a hard time moving the ball against Seattle's defense if Hyde isn't 100 percent.
Finally, safety Eric Reid has a chest injury which has caused him to be right there with Bowman and Hyde this week in workouts, limited. Reid is a key figure if the Seahawks offense is able to spring either running back Marshawn Lynch or tight end Jimmy Graham past the front seven of the defense. The good news is that linebacker Ahmad Brooks is probable after being a full participant in practice on Tuesday. He missed the Week 5 game against the New York Giants for personal reasons, but he was back for the win against the Ravens on Sunday. Brooks will be needed against Seattle too If the 49ers want to get back-to-back wins under their belt.
Other injured 49ers who should be ready for the game without any concerns include running back Reggie Bush (calf), tight end Vernon Davis (knee), wide receiver Bruce Ellington (calf), tight end Vance McDonald (chest) and guard Brandon Thomas (ankle). All five offensive players were full participants in workouts on Tuesday.
Probable:
Ahmad Brooks, Linebacker (shoulder)
Reggie Bush, Running Back (calf)
Vernon Davis, Tight End (knee)
Bruce Ellington, Wide Receiver (calf)
Vance McDonald, Tight End (chest)
Brandon Thomas, Offensive Guard (ankle)
Questionable:
Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver (hamstring)
Alex Boone, Offensive Guard (shoulder)
NaVorro Bowman, Linebacker (shoulder)
Carlos Hyde, Running Back (foot)
Erik Pears, Offensive Tackle (back)
Eric Reid, Safety (chest)
Joe Staley, Offensive Tackle (knee)
Sam McPherson is a freelance writer covering baseball, football, basketball, golf, hockey and fantasy sports for CBS, AXS and Examiner. He also is an Ironman triathlete and certified triathlon coach.
