Week 14 Injury Report: 49ers Line Still Beat Up, Multiple Raiders Hurt
By Jerrell Richardson
As San Francisco gears up for the Raiders, they don’t have great news in regard to their big bodies. They have multiple lineman on both sides of the ball that are not 100%, but the good news is that ideally, all could play. What appears more likely though is that Anthony Davis will miss another game, which could have an effect on the offensive game plan. The Raiders also have a lineman who figures to sit this one out, which at least evens the playing field. Otherwise both teams are more or less healthy in terms of their active rosters, and almost every other player on this week’s injury report will be on the field for the NFL’s version of the Battle of the Bay Area.
Brock, McDonald and Ventrone All Out
Tramaine Brock has been injured all year, and the secondary has played exceptionally well with or without him. His hamstring continues to bother him, and he appears destined to have something nagging him this whole year, but unless an emergency occurs, the 49ers will not miss him or need him for another week. Two other players the team has no problem playing without are Vance McDonald and Bubba Ventrone. Vernon Davis can more than pick up the slack for McDonald, and Ventrone is a specials standout, but should not be needed to be a difference maker this week.
Smith Will Play, Davis (Probably) Won’t
A player the team would be concerned if he sits out is Justin Smith. The defensive end’s back has been bothering him the past few weeks and has kept him completely out of practice. But this is Justin Smith we're talking about, and he will be on the field and going non-stop as usual. The same can’t be said for Anthony Davis. He has yet to practice since suffering a concussion 3 weeks ago, and his availability remains very much in doubt. If he is unable to play, than Jonathan Martin will start his 8th game of the season. Martin has not played even close to the level of Davis, so the offense will hope that this week is one of Martin’s better days if Davis is not cleared.
The 49ers have several wide outs not 100%, and Joe Staley is getting over an illness, but none is in danger of missing this all-important road game.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice:
CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), T Anthony Davis (concussion), TE Vance McDonald (back), DE Justin Smith (back), S Bubba Ventrone (groin).
Full Participation In Practice:
WR Bruce Ellington (ankle), WR Steve Johnson (knee), WR Brandon Lloyd (quadriceps), T Joe Staley (illness).
Oakland Raiders
Did Not Participate In Practice:
S Jonathan Dowling (back), TE Brian Leonhardt (concussion), T Menelik Watson (ankle, foot).
Limited Participation In Practice:
CB Tarell Brown (foot), LB Sio Moore (hip), CB Neiko Thorpe (hand).
Full Participation In Practice:
RB Latavius Murray (concussion).
Watson A Game Time Decision
Oakland is in a similar situation with their tackle, Menelik Watson, missing this week due to an ankle and foot injury. In his place will be Khalif Barnes who, like Jonathan Martin, has not impressed while filling in. Barnes has been forced to hop around the Raiders offensive line, filling in as needed, but the bottom line is that he has played bad, and will need to clean things up for the Oakland offense to get things going.
Brown and Moore Will Play
Former 49ers’ cornerback Tarell Brown and linebacker Sio Moore were both limited in practice, but both figure to play. Moore leads the team in tackles so he would especially be missed, but all signs point to him being on the field. The same applies for Brown who will look to get some revenge against his former team.
Otherwise, Oakland is either healthy or not going to miss the players not dressed. Each team will be without a piece of their offensive line, but in all should be able to game plan as normal for this Sunday’s game.
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.
