Week 2 Injury Report, 49ers Secondary Banged Up At the Wrong Time; Bears Offense Not Much Better
By Jerrell Richardson
While they don’t have a lot of names on their week 2 injury report, and the few 49ers listed as injured this week aren’t exactly household names, San Francisco has to have some major concerns injury wise as they prepare for the Chicago Bears. The Bears aren’t doing much better injury wise as they have several offensive players dealing with injuries, and two are perhaps their biggest threats. While a lot can change between now and Sunday and not a single player has already been ruled out, it’s clear that both teams will plan for the worst this week, and hope for the best Sunday Night in terms of who will play.
Defense Continues To Get Thinner
The 49ers are already without Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, and this week, BOTH starting cornerbacks, Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver are dealing with injuries. The good news is that the right side, Culliver, appears to be getting over his concussion. After sitting out Wednesday he was limited in practice Thursday meaning that he is on the path to recovery and baring a setback will be on the field Sunday. Brock however has not been able to practice due to a bad toe all week and his status is in doubt. If unable to go, Chris Cook will step in Brock’s shoes, (no pun intended).
If one or both cornerbacks are forced to miss the game this poises a major problem for the 49ers, none of which are minor. The first is obvious; it’s the two starters! Outside of that the team has 5 cornerbacks on the roster, meaning that they could be seriously undermanned if even just one sits out. If the team suffers any more injuries during the game, you could see a backup safety asked to play out of position, which is far from ideal. The last problem is the opponent. A healthy 49ers secondary would have their hands full with Jay Cutler throwing to his multiple targets, so a banged up and undermanned unit could be in for a long night.
Davis Out Again?
Tackle Anthony Davis missed last week’s game, and it appears that his hamstring will keep him out for the second straight week. This will keep Jonathan Martin in the lineup and needing to play well as San Francisco will certainly have a game plan that will feature a heavy dose of the run game.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate
CB Tramaine Brock (toe), T Anthony Davis (hamstring), C Marcus Martin (knee)
Limited In Practice
CB Chris Culliver (concussion, stinger)
Full Participation In Practice
DT Justin Smith (not injury related)
Chicago Offense Could Look Different
To even the playing field though are the multiple nagging injuries to the Bears wide receivers. In fact just like San Francisco, the Bears could be without their starters, yet it’s more likely that at least one will be ready to go.
Brandon Marshall has indicated that he plans to play. Both he and Jeffrey suffered injuries during the second half of the season opener, but Marshall was the only one of the two who returned. With Marshall playing after his injury, and a week to rest, it would be a surprise not to see him catching passes Sunday. Even with a bad ankle he is a playmaker, as his game has little to do with his speed.
Marshall’s counterpart though might not be as lucky and could be in street clothes this week. This is a big question mark though, as despite sitting out practice this entire week, and missing the final 32 snaps of the game a week ago, Alshon Jeffrey could still play and will be a game time decision.
Adding to the depth problems the Bears have at the wide out position is Josh Morgan who has a bad groin. Worst case scenario for Chicago is that all 3 are out. This would not put them completely behind the eight ball though as they would still have a very capable Santonio Holmes, and both a tight end and running back that are more than capable of picking up the slack.
While their passing game could be effected by injuries, the same could be said for the Bears running attack. Starting center Roberto Garza, and the man to his left Guard Matt Slauson have been unable to practice, as both are dealing with ankle injuries. This could present an interesting matchup as they have no real backups and if missing any pieces on the outside may try and run the ball more than usual. Can the 49ers, who struggled last week to stop the run be able to take advantage of a then and gimpy Bears front?
Chicago Bears
Did Not Participate
QB David Fales (right shoulder), RB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), C Roberto Garza (ankle), WR Alshon Jeffrey(hamstring), WR Brandon Marshall (ankle), G Matt Slauson (ankle), WR Josh Morgan (groin).
An Even Playing Field (Injury wise)
It’s almost fitting that the 49ers’ secondary and the Bears wide receivers are both dealing with injuries to their 2 main starters. They are also both dealing with offensive line issues and will hope that they suffer no more injuries as they will enter this game extremely thin in their respective areas.
While injuries do figure to play at least a minor role this Sunday Night, at least neither team should be able to really exploit their opponent’s weakness due to injuries of their own. Both teams know the importance of this early season matchup and expect most of the players listed on the injury report to be on the field come Sunday Night.
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.
