49ers Injury List: Who’s Hurt & When Will They Be Back?

Through the first six weeks of the season, the San Francisco 49ers have stacked up a laundry list of injuries that loom heavily over the team’s 3-3 record.

Last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons was the perfect example. Multiple players were missing on the defensive side of the ball, leading to three touchdowns scored in the first half. That’s the first time all season that the Red & Gold has allowed a touchdown in the first half, and they gave up two of them to a pedestrian Falcons team.

The point is, the 49ers are hurt badly and will need some time to get their league-leading defense back out on the field. Help seems to be on the way though as defensive end Nick Bosa (groin) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) have a chance to return this week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“A lot better than last week,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday regarding both players’ status. “I’m really hoping for it and I think there’s a decent chance.”

With a glimmer of optimism in mind, let’s take a look at all of the non-season-ending injuries the 49ers have right now.

Overall today's injury news is good for 49ers. Seems to be a legit chance they return Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, Charvarius Ward, Mike McGlinchey and several others for their showdown vs Chiefs.

Talanoa Hufanga also, pending concussion protocol. Armstead is the one arrow down

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 17, 2022

LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Knee)

San Francisco’s third linebacker in the starting trio, Al-Shaair suffered an MCL sprain during Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred in the second quarter, with the team ruling him out for the remainder of the contest at halftime.

Since then, the linebacker has been placed on injured reserve as the situation almost mimics that of teammate Elijah Mitchell, also dealing with a knee sprain.

“[It’s] very similar to what Elijah did,” Shanahan previously said. “I know we gave Elijah — our guess was around eight weeks.”

An eight-week timeline for puts Al-Shaair’s return to the field around the Week 11 mark, with a possible return after the team’s bye (Week 9).

DT Arik Armstead (Foot, Ankle)

The Sacramento native has been dealing with lower leg injuries for the last two months of the season.

First popping up on the injury report after practice with a foot issue, Armstead was forced to miss the Week 3 Denver game with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The injury seemed to clear up heading into Week 4, as he suited up for the Red & Gold against the Los Angeles Rams.

His return didn’t last long.

Laboring most of the way, Armstead was ruled out in the fourth quarter with a new foot injury, this time affecting his right foot and ankle. Not even making the east coast trip to West Virginia last week, the defensive lineman is unlikely to suit up until after the team’s Week 9 bye.

“I’d be very surprised if he’s back this week, but hopefully he’ll have a chance. Maybe L.A., if not, hopefully then we’ll have Bye Week, which gives him another week and hopefully we’ll get him back by then, but we’re still not sure right now,” Shanahan said.

DE Nick Bosa (Groin)

One of the shorter-term injuries, Bosa landed on the injury list after suffering a groin strain in Week 5 at Carolina. The star pass-rusher was ruled out in the third quarter and needed most of the week leading to Week 6 to recover. He did make an appearance on the operative field last Friday but was ultimately ruled out for the Atlanta game.

Now with another week of rest and recovery, the 24-year-old should get through practice this week and suit for Week 7 back at Levi’s stadium.

S Talanoa Hufanga (Concussion)

Occurring early in Week 6’s loss to Atlanta, Hufanga was in-and-out of the team with concussion concerns in the first quarter. He eventually passed both the in-game and postgame tests, allowing him to return to the gridiron Sunday.

The next day, however, he showed symptoms in the final examination, landing him in the concussion protocol this week.

“I think it was real early in the game because we took him into the tent early. I know that he passed it then, he passed one after the game, but then there’s always a third one the day after a game and he came in with some symptoms today, so that’s why he is in it,” Shanahan added.

His status for Week 7 is unclear at this time.

DT Javon Kinlaw (Knee)

The oft-injured defensive tackle for the 49ers is back on the injury report, dealing with knee irritation in his surgically-repaired joints.

Kinlaw, 23, had surgery last year after tearing his ACL midway through the 2021 season. The 49ers were aware of some complications in his recovery, but a one to two weeks absence has taken a turn for the worse, unfortunately. Now on the injured reserve, the DT will miss at least six weeks of football before the team can activate him this season.

“Yeah, it’s a huge loss for us right now. Same with [DT] Javon [Kinlaw] and not having him in there either,” Shanahan said.

Kinlaw himself stated that fluid build-up has led to the problem lingering. All the team can do now is wait it out, hoping that the former first-round pick can come back in the second half of the season.

RT Mike McGlinchey (Calf)

Another injury ruled day-to-day, McGlinchey got rolled up on in Atlanta, causing him to miss the second half of Week 6. The offensive tackle was seen in visible pain through the second quarter, laboring to just get out and block for his teammates.

Thankfully, the injury looked worse than it was.

Announced as a calf contusion by Shanahan Monday, McGlinchey should be okay to play against the Chiefs Sunday afternoon.

“We have a much better chance this week with Mike,” Shanahan said.

CB Charvarius Ward (Groin)

Another 49ers injury that avoided disaster, Charvarious “Mooney” Ward suffered a groin strain Sunday in Atlanta, missing all of the second half.

Kyle Shanahan gave The Faithful a huge sigh of relief Monday when it was revealed as a minor issue, seen as day-to-day heading into Week 7. Obviously, practice will play a role in his ability to go the weekend, but expect Ward to be back on the field come kickoff Sunday afternoon.

We’ll be back on our feet Niner Faithful. Love Y’all #NinerGang

— Charvarius Ward (@itslilmooney) October 17, 2022

S Jimmie Ward (Hand)

One of the more unfortunate injuries for the 49ers has been secondary captain Jimmie Ward.

Coming back from a hamstring injury in Week 5, Ward suffered a broken left hand on the opening kickoff of the game. He stayed in for one defensive snap before being removed and ruled out for the day. The safety had surgery to correct the issue last week and could be on track to play with a soft cast over his hand in the coming weeks.

“It might be a little too optimistic for this week,” Shanahan stated Monday. “I just was told this a little bit ago that it’s going well and that he’ll be able to eventually play with the cast, whether that’s this week, next week– I hope it’s this week, but it’s too early for me to know for sure.”

LT Trent Williams (Ankle)

The biggest blow of all, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

Arguably the best offensive lineman in the game, Williams has been on the shelf since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 3 at Denver. Initially having the cart brought out, the left tackle hobbled to the locker room under his own power.

San Francisco wasn’t initially sure whether to place him on the injured reserve or not. A few weeks later, that gamble seemed to pay off. Williams has been spotted going through pre-game workouts with trainers before the last two contests, signaling his return is on the horizon.

Follow @AmilianoFragoso

Newsletter