Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Heading into the season, San Francisco 49ers fans had high hopes for a Super Bowl run. That goal remains firm inside the locker room. However, injuries have plagued the team, and they are 4-4 entering the second half of the season. This weekend's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offers a chance to build some momentum.
ESPN analyst and longtime 49ers fan Matt Miller has his doubts, though. Given the team's struggles, Miller doesn't foresee a return to the Super Bowl. In fact, he's not even convinced the 49ers will make the playoffs.
"A season decimated by injuries will end with the reigning NFC champions missing the postseason and keeping the Super Bowl hangover trend alive for the losing team," Miller predicts.
San Francisco made no significant moves at the trade deadline to bolster its lineup, opting instead for minor reinforcements by adding defensive tackle Khalil Davis and re-signing veteran safety Tashaun Gipson, who started 16 games for the 49ers last season.
These additions likely won't be game-changers. The team is relying on the return of several injured players in the coming weeks. One key offensive playmaker, running back Christian McCaffrey, could potentially make his season debut against the Buccaneers. Others, like defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, could be on the horizon.
Despite this, Miller remains skeptical about the 49ers' playoff hopes.
"Sitting at 4-4 after a bye week, the 49ers are without Brandon Aiyuk for the season and still have Christian McCaffrey on the sideline (though he could return this week)," Miller noted. "Their defense suddenly can't make key stops, either. This looks like a lost year in the Bay."
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
ESPN insider hints at Christian McCaffrey's role in 49ers return
By David Bonilla
Nov 6
The San Francisco 49ers have taken a cautious approach with star running back Christian McCaffrey's recovery from Achilles tendinitis, which has kept him sidelined all season. On Monday, McCaffrey returned to practice, raising hopes that he might suit up this weekend against...
The NFL trade deadline coincides with this year's presidential election, both set for November 5. In a Wednesday morning interview with Bay Area radio station KNBR, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch emphasized that no deals were imminent. However, with six days...
49ers mailbag: Should SF trade away some players? Will the 49ers add a wide receiver at the trade deadline? How has Ricky Pearsall looked?
By Marc Adams
Oct 30
It's the bye week for the San Francisco 49ers. After a win over the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers improved to 4-4 and now have a week to rest up and get healthy. They hope to get some injured players back, as well, which should help. Especially since some of those players are...
49ers' George Kittle nominated for FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week award
By David Bonilla
Oct 28
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has been nominated for the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week award following his standout performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
Kittle recorded six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to...
