URGENT UPDATE: The San Francisco 49ers face a significant setback as edge rusher Bryce Huff is set to miss at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain, confirmed following a 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Huff sustained the injury late in the game, marking a critical blow to the 49ers’ already struggling pass rush.
Huff, who played a season-high 45 snaps against Atlanta, felt discomfort on the final two plays, as noted by head coach Kyle Shanahan during a conference call. “I was told he felt it on the last two plays,” Shanahan stated. The 49ers are already without their top edge rusher Nick Bosa, sidelined since September 14 with a torn ACL, and currently rank 25th in the NFL with just 14 sacks this season.
Huff leads the team with four sacks and six quarterback hits, making his absence even more impactful. Acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles, Huff had been a crucial addition, showcasing speed and skill off the edge, including a forced fumble against the Falcons.
Compounding the 49ers’ woes, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is also dealing with a hamstring issue, leaving only Sam Okuayinonu and rookie Mykel Williams as the healthy ends on the roster. The team is exploring trade options ahead of the upcoming deadline on November 5, and the urgency to bolster their defense has intensified. “The front office has been looking into that stuff all the time for the last few weeks,” Shanahan confirmed.
Moreover, the 49ers will also be without center Jake Brendel, who is expected to miss a similar timeframe due to his own hamstring strain sustained in the same game. Veteran Matt Hennessey stepped in effectively, but the team’s depth is being tested as they prepare for back-to-back road games against Houston on October 29 and the New York Giants on November 2.
As the 49ers navigate these injuries, they continue to monitor quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee) for their availability this week. Shanahan has not confirmed Purdy’s status for the upcoming game against Houston but expressed hope for his recovery.
In a recent statement, tight end George Kittle praised the resilience of the team, highlighting contributions from backup quarterback Mac Jones and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. “The juice he brings every single day is incredible,” Kittle noted, emphasizing the importance of teamwork amidst adversity.
With the clock ticking down to their next game, the 49ers are in dire need of reinforcements, both from within and potentially through trades. Fans will be watching closely as the team looks to recover from these injuries and maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on player statuses and potential trades ahead of the deadline.
