Week 13 Injury Report: 49ers Not 100% Up Front, Otherwise Both Teams Healthy
By Jerrell Richardson
Most NFL games are won at the point of attack. This especially rings true for this Thursday’s game between the 49ers and Seahawks. Both teams’ offense centers around the run, and whichever team wins the battle in the trenches figures to have a leg up on the scoreboard. Knowing this, it’s not a good sign that San Francisco has 4 lineman on this week’s injury report, amongst others. Seattle on the other hand is relatively healthy, although it’s at least worth noting that their most important offensive weapon is not 100% and they will be without their starting center.
Smith Sits Due to An Injury
Justin Smith has missed his fair share of practices this year, but until this week it had nothing to do with an injury. His prior time off was due to his veteran body simply needing time to rest in between games. This week though his back has been acting up, and has kept him off the practice field. He has played through far worst though, and will be on the field for a game of this magnitude.
3 Players Ruled Out
There are 3 49ers who will not play, but only Anthony Davis will affect the team. The offensive tackle has missed the past two games, unable to get over his concussion and the team will use Jonathan Martin in his place. Martin has had to step in several times this season and has played well, but will need to step up his play for the formidable Seahawks defense. Depth wise the team is fine, but it raises the level of concern since this is usually an injury cleared up in a week, and might be more serious than originally thought.
Glenn Dorsey and Derek Carrier have also been ruled out, but Dorsey has not played this season, and Carrier is the team’s 3rd string tight end, so neither will be sorely missed Thursday. Vance McDonald is listed as questionable so the team might have just Vernon Davis available, but this is not too big of a concern at a position that has a minimal role other than blocking in this offense. The rest of the 49ers listed as injured will be on the field and ready to go.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), TE Derek Carrier (foot), T Anthony Davis (concussion), DT Glenn Dorsey (forearm).
Limited In Practice:
WR Bruce Ellington (ankle), TE Vance McDonald (back), Ray McDonald (knee), DE Justin Smith (back).
Full Participation In Practice:
RB Frank Gore (knee), WR Brandon Lloyd (quadriceps), RB Bruce Miller (shoulder), S Eric Reid (ankle), S Raymond Ventrone (groin).
Seattle Seahawks
Did Not Participate In Practice:
TE Cooper Helfet (ankle), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder), Max Unger (knee, ankle).
Limited In Practice:
CB Jeremy Lane (glute).
Full Participation In Practice:
RB Marshawn Lynch (back), WR Jermaine Kearse (ankle), CB Marcus Burley (hamstring), G James Carpenter (ankle), DE Demarcus Dobbs (knee).
Seattle Running Game Not Quite Full Strength
The only real significant Seattle player who will be unable to play is Max Unger. The center hurt both his knee and ankle a few weeks back and has not recovered. The Seahawks have both played, and won without him and with two backups available are not exactly worried, although they would obviously prefer their opening day starter. Other then Unger Seattle is as healthy as they could except to be after playing just 5 days ago. Marshawn Lynch was limited earlier in week with a bad back, but don’t expect to see any ill effects in his play come game time.
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.
