San Francisco could have brought back Richard Sherman, another defensive leader, but opted against it. His offseason troubles may have contributed to that decision.
Then the 49ers lost Raheem Mostert for the season after the running back suffered a knee injury in Week 1. Sunday will be tight end George Kittle's third consecutive missed game. He is slated to return in Week 9.
One 49ers defender believes losses like that have contributed to the team's struggles this season and the four-game losing streak.
"Yeah, I think we're missing Kittle out there with his vocal leadership, and Raheem was a really good vocal leader," defensive end Nick Bosa said today. "Trent, another vocal guy."
Left tackle Trent Williams missed the game last Sunday against the Colts due to an ankle injury.
"So yeah, it does help to have some guys that are more vocal and will get on other guys about certain things," Bosa continued. "But we've got to work with what we've got, and we definitely have enough leaders out there that we should be able to do our job on offense and defense."
San Francisco hopes to end its losing streak this weekend against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Oddsmakers currently have the 49ers favored by four points.
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