49ers Injury Report: Anthony Davis Status Uncertain, Same Applies For Several Redskins
By Jerrell Richardson
It’s week 12 so it’s no surprise that the 49ers are dealing with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball, but there is little to be concerned about injury-wise as the team prepares for the Washington Redskins. The only real doubt for th4 49ers is if Anthony Davis will be able to play. The rest of the San Francisco players listed as injured are all players the team has the depth to get by without, and none that are a surprise. The Redskins, on the other hand, could see up to four starters sit out, which could leave them seriously undermanned.
San Francisco Secondary Hurting But Still Ok
With the announcement earlier this week that rookie defensive back Jimmie Ward is done for the season, the fact that cornerback Tramaine Brock has been battling injuries all season is magnified. Brock has been unable to practice this week, and all signs point to him sitting out another game. He has missed more games than he has played though this season, and the secondary has been one of the best in the league without him. So other than a lack of depth, Brock missing another game is far from a concern.
Davis Game Time Decision
Tackle Anthony Davis suffered a concussion at the end of the game last week, and as the standard NFL protocol will have several tests to pass, the last right before game time to determine if he can play. His status remains very much in doubt though and the team has prepared this week for Jonathan Martin to fill in if needed.
Major Injuries, Minor Impact
Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and wide receiver Bruce Ellington aren’t expected to play, but this is just as much due to the team not needing them as the players being injured. The team is waiting for Dorsey to be completely ready before putting him on the field, and Ellington has not stood out in his return duties. Both are very much injured, but neither not playing will affect the final outcome.
The same applies for Vance McDonald and Dan Skuta. While the tight end and linebacker are both valuable pieces, San Francisco is trying to get Vernon Davis as much involved as possible, and with the play of Aaron Lynch and the return of Aldon Smith, the pass rushing Dan Skuta sitting out is not bad at all. Especially when considering the issues reported to occur last week when Ahmad Brooks took himself out of the game due to a lack of playing time.
Borland Is FIne
San Francisco’s leading tackler, Chris Borland has been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, but he was a full participant in practice all week, and his injury is simply something to only keep an eye on moving forward.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), T Anthony Davis (concussion), DT Glenn Dorsey (forearm), WR Bruce Ellington (ankle).
Limited In Practice:
TE Vance McDonald (hip), LB Dan Skuta (ankle).
Full Participation In Practice:
LB Chris Borland (shoulder), WR Brandon Lloyd (quadriceps).
Washington Redskins
Did Not Participate In Practice:
DE Chris Baker (chest), TE Jordan Reed (hamstring), T Trent Williams (knee, ankle).
Limited Participation In Practice:
G Shawn Lauvao (concussion).
Full Participation In Practice:
LB Trent Murphy (knee).
Good and Bad News
The good news for Washington is that they only have five players total on their injury report. The bad news is that three have been unable to participate in any type of practice this week, and the four who are realistically in danger of missing the game are starters.
Of the four Redskins starters who may be too injured to play, none stands out, but all are important. Offensively guard Shawn Lauvao is getting over a concussion, tackle Trent Williams has a knee and ankle injury and tight end Jordan Reed has a bad hamstring. If Washington has to play without a starting member of their offensive line they will leave their stationary quarterback Robert Griffin III in harm’s way, and if Reed can’t go, then it takes away a key member of the passing attack.
In all likelihood Lauvao will play, but the rest will probably be in street clothes. Even if Reed, Williams or Baker all play, they are far from 100% an
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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.