Week 7 Injury Report: 49ers Hurting But Not Injured, Broncos More Or Less Healthy
By Jerrell Richardson
There is good news and bad news for the 49ers when looking at their Week 7 injury report. The good news is that out of the 13 players listed, only three are legitimate concerns to miss this important game against the Broncos. The bad news is that not only is one of these players Patrick Willis, but several members of the San Francisco secondary are less than 100%, which is not a good thing for a team that is facing an elite passing attack.
Patrick Willis has sat out of practice all week, but his missing the game is not a surprise. In Willis’ place will be rookie Chris Borland, who got some valuable game action last week, and has at least had the ability to practice all week with the first team defense in preparation for this start.
Guard Mike Iupati suffered a concussion last Monday, and has yet to step on the practice field so his status remains uncertain. Due to the new concussion protocol, regardless of his progression, he will be a game time decision. If unable to play, James Looney will get the starting nod. Looney is no Iupati, but he's more than capable of holding down the fort for a game.
The only other 49er who could be in street clothes come Sunday is defensive back Jimmie Ward. A game without Ward is normally no biggie, but with just about every other member of the secondary, (Chris Cook, Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver) coming into the game nursing some sort of injury, depth could become an issue. Any in game injury to a member of the secondary will put San Francisco in a precarious situation.
Tramaine Brock and Anthony Davis were both limited in practice, but with the bye week just around the corner, don’t expect either on the field unless in an emergency. Although he probably won’t play, just the fact that Brock is back to practice in any capacity is a good sign. Otherwise the 49ers are healthy, and the rest of the players limited in practice will be on the field and showing no ill effects of their various injuries.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
LB Patrick Willis (toe), G Mike Iupati (concussion), DB Jimmie Ward (quadriceps).
Limited In Practice:
CB Tramaine Brock (toe), CB Chris Cook (quadriceps), CB Perrish Cox (quadriceps), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder), T Anthony Davis (knee, ankle), WR Stevie Johnson (hip), DE Tony Jerod-Eddie (shoulder), DT Ian Williams (ankle).
Full Participation In Practice:
TE Vernon Davis (back), DE Justin Smith (not injury related).
The Broncos will not only have home field advantage, but will also have a leg up injury wise. Running back Montee Ball is most likely not going to play, but this is a pass first, second and third team, and they have a more than a capable back in Ronnie Hillman who can handle a full load for one game.
Other than Ball, Denver is healthy. They have a few names on the full participation portion of their report, but every single player will dress, and no name on this list is significant anyways.
Denver Broncos
Did Not Participate In Practice:
RB Montee Ball (groin).
Full Participation In Practice:
CB Omar Bolden (groin), S David Bruton (ankle), CB Chris Harris (knee), K Brandon McManus (groin), LB Corey Nelson (hamstring), RB Juwan Thompson (knee).
For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.
Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
