49ers Injury Report: Willis Still A Question Mark, No Other Real Injuries
By Jerrell Richardson
There is no silver lining to Patrick Willis being a game time decision for this Sunday’s matchup against the Saints. The defense has played admirably in his absence, but it’s a unit that is obviously not the same without him. Rookie Chris Borland had a standout game a week ago, but it was also a blown coverage in the middle of the field that resulted in the Rams only touchdown in that same game.
The toe that was described as not serious is taking longer than expected for Willis to recover from, and it could not come at a worst time. The 49ers are in the midst of a two game losing streak, and facing an offense that is as dangerous as they come. If his toe holds him out, then the defense will face the high octane Saints offense with the rookie Borland controlling the middle of the field. Even if Willis is able to go, the fact that he will be a game time decision is still a concern as he is clearly not 100%. This will make the middle of the field an area to keep an eye on whether or not Willis suits up.
Skuta Hurt Too
Dan Skuta is the only other San Francisco player dealing with a real injury, and his ankle could force him to miss this game as well. If both he and Willis must sit, then the 49ers will be seriously thin at the linebacker position. Filling in for Willis will be Michal Wilhoite and Chris Borland who will do their best to fill the huge void. Aaron Lynch, who has been impressive when on the field this season will step in for Skuta, so while the 49ers would prefer to have Skuta, they can survive a game without him.
Everyone Else Is OK
Tramaine Brock continues to play through his toe injury and is getting healthier every week so his name is not a concern, nor is Frank Gore. The team’s workhorse has a sore hip, but has only been limited in practice and will play Sunday. The only other players listed are Brandon Lloyd, Quinton Dial, and Ian Williams, none of whose injuries are serious enough to jeopardize their availability Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
LB Dan Skuta (ankle), LB Patrick Willis (toe).
Limited In Practice:
CB Tramaine Brock (toe), DT Quinton Dial (eye), RB Frank Gore (hip), WR Brandon Lloyd (hamstring), DT Ian Williams (shin).
Saints Running Game Undermanned
New Orleans might be thin at the running back position at kickoff, but will have their main back, and are more of a threat to pass the ball anyways. The Saints two backup running backs, Rhiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas have both been forced to sit out of practice and both could be in street clothes Sunday, but Mark Ingram will be on the field. The only issue for the Saints running game is that Ingram will eventually need a blow, and they still have two active backs on the roster. If he is the only real trustworthy option though the home team could be in trouble late in the game if they need to try and run out the clock.
No Impactful Injuries
Two other starters, Zach Strief and David Hawthorne have been unable to practice this week, and figure to not play this weekend. The Saints have the ability to replace either though and won’t see any ill effects if their starting right tackle or left inside linebacker are to hurt to play.
Like the 49ers, the rest of the Saints players listed are not really injured and will be ready to go for this game that means so much for both sides.
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate In Practice:
RB Khiry Robinson (arm), RB Pierre Thomas (ribs/shoulder), LB David Hawthorne (hand), T Zach Strief (chest), WR Robert Meachem (ankle).
Limited In Practice:
C Jonathan Goodwin (knee/ankle), RB Mark Ingram (shoulder), WR Kenny Stills (thigh),
Full Participation In Practice:
TE Jimmy Graham (shoulder).
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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.
