49ers Face Rams with Significant Offensive Absences
The San Francisco 49ers will face an even greater challenge on offense this Thursday night when they face the Los Angeles Rams. The team confirmed the absence of several key players for the match. Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle), Ricky Pearsall (right knee), and Jordan Watkins (calf) will be unable to participate. In addition to these absences, there are the already known absences of tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Purdy had shown optimism about his possible participation, despite the discomfort in his toe that began on Sunday. However, the short time between Sunday’s game and Thursday’s made his recovery difficult.In the absence of Purdy, Mac Jones prepares for his third start in the first five games. Jones led the 49ers to victory in weeks 2 and 3 against the Saints and the Cardinals, respectively. Despite a knee injury he suffered in the game against Arizona, Jones is fully recovered this week.With such a tight schedule due to the Thursday night game, it’s more difficult. You don’t have as many days to recover and feel better.
Brock Purdy
Jones will face a Rams defense that he himself called the best in the NFL. The 49ers’ only healthy receivers for Thursday are Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The 49ers are also likely to bring up Russell Gage Jr. or Malik Turner from the practice squad. Pearsall and Jennings were already dealing with injuries before the game against Jacksonville. Pearsall was suffering from left knee discomfort and Jennings had shoulder and ankle issues. Both worsened their injuries against the Jaguars, with Pearsall falling on his right knee and Jennings taking a hard hit to the ribs while attempting a 2-point conversion. The 49ers will likely line up Robinson and Bourne as receivers, with Luke Farrell and/or Jake Tonges as tight ends. They will face a Rams defense that ranks ninth in the NFL in yards allowed per game (284.5), fifth in expected defensive points (13.78), and tied for second in sacks (14).I feel better day by day. In the end, you just have to ask yourself if you can protect yourself in the game, and I feel good to play. Obviously, every week players deal with things, and it’s a daily battle, so you just get through it.
Mac Jones
In other injury news, the 49ers also ruled out defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle CJ West (thumb) is questionable. After Thursday’s game, the 49ers will have a few days off and then travel to face Tampa Bay in Week 6.There are always 11 guys on the screen, and they have a great defensive line. They play a lot of 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 with them. I can’t wait to go against them.
Mac Jones
