49ers And Redskins Both Relatively Healthy Heading Into Monday Night
By Jerrell Richardson
The difference when first looking at the list of injured players for 49ers and Redskins Monday Night Game is night and day. San Francisco has 10 different players listed on this week's report and every single one is crucial to the team's success. The Redskins on the other hand have 6 players listed, most of whom are not exactly household names. A closer look though shows that each side is really not that injured, despite the 16 total players named, and the only players that are in real danger of sitting this one out are the 49ers Mike Iupati and Tarell Brown, and the Redskins Stephen Bowen.
Most of the 49ers players are not new to the injury report. Ray McDonald, Justin Smith and Frank Gore have been listed as injured just about every week this season, but are only being limited or sitting out practices to save their veteran legs for the post season. All three continue to play and are as close to 100% as they are going to get.
Mario Manningham and Dan Skuta were both limited in practice, but like the veterans have already played while dealing with their various ailments and will not suffer a letdown in their play as a result of Manningham's knee or Skuta's foot. While the fact that Colin Kaepernick's back as landed him on the injury report is not great news, the fact that he has been a full participant is, and indicates that the teams signal caller will be ready to go for this important game.
The same can't be said for Tarell Brown and Mike Iupati though. Both starters are banged up and appear as though they won't recover in time for Monday. Missing two key players could have an outcome on the game, but San Francisco has plenty of depth and skill at each position, especially at the cornerback position and can rely on veteran Adam Snyder if Iupati is unable to go. To be without any starter is never good, let alone two, but to have reliable players to step in is hopeful.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
*Tarell Brown (Cornerback): Knee
*Garrett Celek (Tight End): Hamstring
*Mike Iupati (Guard): Knee
*Ray McDonald (Defensive Tackle): Biceps
Limited In Practice:
*Justin Smith (Defensive Tackle): Shoulder
*Mario Manningham (Wide Receiver): Knee
*Dan Skuta (Linebacker): Foot
Full Participation In Practice:
*Quinton Dial (Defensive Tackle): Ankle
*Frank Gore (Running Back): Ankle
*Colin Kaepernick (Quarterback): Back
Redskins Missing No Big Names
The biggest name Washington could be without is Stephen Bowen. The starting defensive end is not an integral part of the defense and while he is obviously the best option the team has at the position, his absence will not spell disaster for the Redskins. Tight End Jordan Reed is at the very bottom of the teams tight end depth chart and won't really be missed, while Darrel Young is the team's only fullback so it could limit their run formations. Washington still has a lethal running game with Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III though and won't be hampered offensively if Young doesn't play.
The rest of the Redskins on this report, are cornerbacks Josh Wilson and E.J. Biggers who were both full participants in practice and Jose Gumbs who didn't figure to have his named called in any capacity on Monday anyways.
Washington Redskins
Did Not Participate In Practice:
*Stephen Bowen (Defensive End): Knee
*Jordan Reed (Tight End): Concussion
*Darrell Young (Running Back): Hamstring
Limited In Practice:
*Jose Gumbs (Safety): Ankle
Full Participation In Practice:
*Josh Wilson (Cornerback): Toe
*E.J. Biggers (Cornerback): Knee
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.
