49ers: Weakened Offense for the Matchup Against the Rams
The San Francisco 49ers’ offense will present itself with significant absences in their next encounter against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The situation is complicated for the team. On Wednesday, the Niners confirmed the absence of quarterback Brock Purdy due to a toe injury. Added to the list of absences are receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs and ankle), Ricky Pearsall (right knee), and Jordan Watkins (calf). These absences add to the already known ones, including tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Despite the foot discomfort, Purdy had expressed optimism about his possible participation on Tuesday, but acknowledged the difficulty due to the short recovery time between Sunday’s game against the Jaguars and Thursday’s match.Given Purdy’s absence, Mac Jones is set for his third start in the first five games. Jones led the Niners to victory in weeks 2 and 3 against the Saints and Cardinals, respectively, but suffered a knee sprain after the game against Arizona. This week, Jones is fully recovered and is not listed on the injury report. The quarterback Mac Jones faces a Rams defense that, in his own words, is the best in the NFL. The only healthy receivers on the 49ers’ active roster for Thursday are Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Niners are also likely to promote Russell Gage Jr. or Malik Turner from the practice squad, which would leave only one spot available for a receiver. Pearsall and Jennings were already dealing with injuries before the game against Jacksonville, but they suffered new injuries during the game. Pearsall injured his right knee and Jennings took a hard hit to the ribs. In the attack, the 49ers will likely line up Robinson and Bourne as wide receivers, with Luke Farrell and/or Jake Tonges as tight ends against a Rams defense that ranks ninth in the NFL in yards allowed per game (284.5), fifth in expected defensive points added (13.78), and tied for second in sacks (14).With such a short turnaround for the Thursday night game, it’s more difficult. There aren’t as many days to recover and feel better.
Brock Purdy
In other injury news, the 49ers also ruled out defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) and declared defensive tackle CJ West (thumb) as questionable. After Thursday’s game, the Niners will have a few extra days off before traveling to face Tampa Bay in Week 6.There are always 11 players on the screen, and they have a great defensive line. They play many different schemes. They do a lot of things, but they do them well. So it’s going to be a challenge. I’ve been impressed. I can’t wait to face them.
Mac Jones
