49ers Defensive Injuries Mount
San Francisco 49ers Place Nose Tackle C.J. West on Injured Reserve
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Key Points
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Kyle Shanahan said West had been dealing with knee discomfort since training camp, though the team was unsure whether the postgame pain represented the same issue or a new problem.
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San Francisco still has three defensive tackles on its practice squad — Kevin Givens, Sebastian Valdez and McKinnley Jackson — and defensive end Keion White could move inside in obvious passing situations.
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The 49ers’ offense has helped conceal the run-defense weakness by building early leads that force opponents such as the Rams and Dolphins to emphasize passing rather than risk running down the clock while trailing.
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If rookie running back Kaelon Black cannot play, Jordan James could receive work behind Christian McCaffrey; Black had rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries in the season opener, allowing McCaffrey to handle only 10 carries and five receptions.
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Eddy Piñeiro has made 30 of 32 field-goal attempts since joining San Francisco, including seven of nine from 50-plus yards; the team was considering two replacement kickers after he missed all three practices because of illness.
The San Francisco 49ers placed starting nose tackle C.J. West on injured reserve Thursday after a bone chip in his knee requires surgery ABC7. Coach Kyle Shanahan said West is not expected to miss the entire season, though the timing remains unclear. The move deepens San Francisco's defensive line crisis just two weeks into the season, with three key interior linemen now sidelined or limited.
West joins offensive lineman Alfred Collins, who is out for the season, and rookie James Thompson Jr., dealing with a high ankle sprain. The 49ers have only three healthy defensive tackles on the active roster Pro Football Rumors. Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling also needs knee surgery and will miss about 10 weeks, compounding an injury list that's threatening to derail San Francisco's 2-0 start.
West's Knee Problem Started in Training Camp
Kyle Shanahan revealed that C.J. West had been experiencing knee discomfort since training camp ABC30. The 49ers were unsure whether the pain after the team's game represented the same lingering issue or a brand-new injury. West's surgery will sideline him for at least four weeks, though the team remains optimistic he'll return before season's end.
49ers Scramble to Replace Interior Defensive Line Depth
San Francisco signed veteran Naquan Jones and added Viliami Fehoko Jr. to bolster the interior line. The team still has three defensive tackles on its practice squad — Kevin Givens, Sebastian Valdez and McKinnley Jackson. Defensive end Keion White could also shift inside during obvious passing situations, giving the 49ers options to navigate the injury crunch.
Run Defense Weakness Masked by Offensive Firepower
The 49ers' injuries have exposed run-defense concerns, but San Francisco's dominant offense has concealed the problem Pro Football Rumors. By building early leads against the Rams and Dolphins, the 49ers forced opponents to abandon the run and focus on passing. If the defense faces a team that controls the clock with ground attacks, the weakness could become costly.
Receiver, Running Back Injuries Cloud Week 3 Outlook
Beyond the defensive line, the 49ers face multiple questions heading into Sunday. Running back Kaelon Black is questionable with a groin injury after rushing for 65 yards on 14 carries in Week 1 Pro Football Rumors. If Black cannot play, Jordan James would see work behind Christian McCaffrey, who carried a lighter load early in the season. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson deals with a high ankle sprain, while Christian Kirk remains ineligible to return until at least Week 5. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro is questionable due to illness despite making 30 of 32 field-goal attempts this season, including seven from 50-plus yards.
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