The San Francisco 49ers find themselves shorthanded on the defensive side of the football as the team begins preparing for its Week 15 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Five defensive players won't participate in the Niners' first of three practices this week.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead was among the 49ers' seven inactive players this past weekend against the Seattle Seahawks due to foot and knee injuries. He will not practice on Wednesday and isn't expected to be suited up against the Cardinals.
The other defensive players sidelined on Wednesday are defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (hamstring), cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (ankle, hip), and linebacker Oren Burks (knee), all of whom sustained their injuries against the Seahawks.
On the offensive side, tight end Ross Dwelley continues to miss time due to a high-ankle sprain. Offensive linemen Spencer Burford (knee) and Trent Williams (rest day) will also sit out practice.
When asked about the challenge of practicing with so many players missing, head coach Kyle Shanahan responded, "Not as bad at this time of year just because we're going half-speed anyways on Wednesdays, regardless. If this was earlier in the year, we'd probably have to go half-speed just by default."
Shanahan added that the increased practice squad sizes compared to years ago also aid in such situations.
Cornerback Darrell Luter, previously inactive due to a hamstring injury, is set to be a full participant in practice. Running back Elijah Mitchell, attempting to return from a knee injury, will be limited.
Among 49ers' offseason priorities: Fix the run defense
By David Bonilla
Apr 2
The San Francisco 49ers struggled against the run in 2024, allowing 124.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 18th in the NFL. The unit surrendered 24 rushing touchdowns. Only the Dallas Cowboys allowed more (25). Opponents averaged 4.4 yards per carry against them, tying for 12th...
49ers hold pre-draft interview with UCF CB BJ Adams
By David Bonilla
12 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers recently conducted a virtual interview with UCF cornerback BJ Adams, continuing their pre-draft evaluations. The team initially met with Adams at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the 49ers are among...
Florio: Brock Purdy may never become a top QB, so why should the 49ers pay him like one?
By David Bonilla
Apr 5
Mike Florio's hot takes frequently spark debate among NFL fans, and his latest comments about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will probably be no exception. As the 49ers enter contract extension talks with Purdy—talks expected to make him one of the NFL's...
49ers surpass Ravens for rushing records after NFL incorporates AAFC stats
By David Bonilla
Apr 5
The 2019 Baltimore Ravens rushed for an impressive 3,296 yards during the regular season, setting what was then the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single season—until now.
This week, the NFL announced it would begin incorporating statistics from the All-America...
