The San Francisco 49ers faced more injuries during their Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and now have a short week ahead to prepare for their next game.
As they get ready for a crucial matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers will be missing several key players for Thursday’s road game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave multiple injury updates on Monday, none of which were positive.
“It’s still early, so we don’t have final confirmation on all the injuries. Talanoa Hufanga definitely has a wrist injury, but we’ll get more details later today. Jake Moody has a high ankle sprain, though we don’t have a full update on his expected recovery. From last week, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) is unlikely to play, Jacob Cowing (shoulder) is day-to-day, Chris Conley (oblique) is also day-to-day, and Ricky Pearsall will continue rehabbing this week,” Shanahan said on October 7.
The 49ers are already missing key players like Christian McCaffrey and Javon Hargrave. Potentially losing Hufanga and their starting kicker adds to their challenges.
49ers Exploring Kicker Options
With Moody injured, the 49ers now need to find a replacement kicker. While there are many free-agent options, securing one on such short notice before a Thursday game is far from ideal.
Despite the tough situation, Shanahan hinted at a quick signing during his October 7 press conference.
“Yeah, I think we’ve got four guys coming in later today,” Shanahan said. “I don’t have their names yet. Our staff is working on it as we transition from this game to prepping for Seattle on a short week. They’re scrambling to get it done. I think we’ll have four guys coming in, but I didn’t get their names.”
The entire team is dealing with the quick turnaround, but the new kicker will face an especially tight timeline.
Shanahan Backs Jordan Mason After Loss
In the game’s final offensive play, QB Brock Purdy was hit mid-throw by a Cardinals blitzer. RB Jordan Mason was assigned to help block but wasn’t able to stop his man.
Shanahan, however, doesn’t place the blame on Mason.
“No, they had a blitz. When two guys blitz the back, that means the quarterback has to react quickly and get the ball out,” Shanahan explained.
Mason also lost a fumble, but Shanahan emphasized that the team as a whole was responsible for the offensive struggles late in the game.
“As I mentioned after the game, it wasn’t all on J.P. We all played a part. We had four possessions in the second half, three of which ended in turnovers, and one on downs. Focusing on the last turnover is the easy way out, but that’s not the whole story,” Shanahan said.
