Injuries threaten 49ers’ playoff aspirations as they face Green Bay without key stars

The San Francisco 49ers are entering a critical Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers with their roster severely depleted by injuries. The latest injury report has confirmed the worst-case scenario for the Niners, with both quarterback Brock Purdy and defensive end Nick Bosa ruled out for the game. These two key players, who have been central to San Francisco’s success in recent seasons, will not be on the field as the team looks to bounce back from a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.

Key Injuries Disrupt Niners’ Playoff Push

The 2024 season has already seen its fair share of injuries for the 49ers, but the latest updates could have significant consequences for their Super Bowl aspirations. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that quarterback Brock Purdy, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 11 loss to Seattle, will miss Sunday’s game against the Packers. Purdy’s absence means backup quarterback Brandon Allen will take the reins, despite having not started a regular-season game since 2021.

As if that wasn’t concerning enough, defensive leader Nick Bosa will also miss the game due to a hip and oblique injury sustained in the second half of the Seattle loss. Bosa’s absence during crucial moments in that game allowed the Seahawks to mount a late-game surge, and his absence against Green Bay could give the Packers an opening to exploit a weakened Niners defense.

The Extent of the Injury Crisis

The injuries don’t stop with Purdy and Bosa. The 49ers will also be without several other key players for the upcoming clash with the Packers:

• LB Tatum Bethune (Knee) – OUT
• DT Kevin Givens (Groin) – OUT

• CB Charvarius Ward (Personal) – OUT
• WR Jacob Cowing (Concussion) – OUT
• LT Trent Williams (Ankle) – Questionable
• OL Jon Feliciano (Knee) – Questionable

While the injury list is long, there is a silver lining for the Niners. Tight end George Kittle, who missed Week 11 with a hamstring injury, is expected to return and provide a much-needed boost to the offense.

Rookie Cornerback to Step In

With Charvarius Ward dealing with personal matters following a family tragedy, rookie Renardo Green is likely to fill in as the starting cornerback. Green, who has shown promise this season, will need to step up in Ward’s absence to help contain Green Bay’s high-powered offense.

The Road Ahead

As the 49ers head into a pivotal game against the 7-3 Green Bay Packers, the absence of Purdy and Bosa casts a long shadow over their prospects. While they still have talent in key positions, particularly with the return of Kittle, the team’s depth will be tested like never before. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, the Niners’ resilience will be put to the test on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Despite the mounting injury woes, the 49ers will need to rely on their remaining stars, including a hopefully rejuvenated offense led by Allen and Kittle, as they look to stay competitive in the NFC playoff race. However, without their two biggest stars, the odds are stacked against them in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.