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Injury Report: Injuries Continue To Hurt 49ers Lineup And Depth Late In Season

By Sam McPherson

Despite the recent, albeit modest, success the San Francisco 49ers have had on the field, it's been a long season that is going to end without a playoff spot. The team continues to suffer injuries that impact its ability to put the best talent available on the field, and as the 49ers head to Cleveland for a Sunday matchup against the Browns, the status quo is intact for San Francisco.

Four key players are questionable for the game this weekend after they missed workouts entirely on Thursday. Linebacker Aaron Lynch (concussion), tight end Vance McDonald (concussion), wide receiver Torrey Smith (back/toe) and linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle). It just doesn't seem fair that one team could suffer so many injuries to its roster in one season.

Lynch and Wilhoite are both questionable, and both are key components of the 49ers defense in support of LB NaVorro Bowman. As the team's leader in sacks with 6.5 this season, Lynch is the primary pass-rushing threat on this defense. Meanwhile, Wilhoite is the team's second-leading tackler after Bowman and was Top 10 in the NFL overall before last week's game in Chicago.

Lynch suffered a concussion against the Bears and Wilhoite hurt his ankle earlier in the Chicago game and was unable to return. The Browns may be the worst team in the NFL record-wise, but they still have talent on offense that can exploit the absences of Lynch and Wilhoite. Therefore, this is not good news for the 49ers if they want to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Good news on defense comes in the form of Bowman (shoulder/finger) and safety Jaquiski Tartt (ankle), both of whom are probable for Sunday. Bowman took his usual Wednesday off from practice, and he was a full participant on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tartt took part in both workouts fully and is ready to go on Sunday as well.

Offensively, McDonald and Smith have been huge in recent weeks. Against Seattle and Arizona combined in Weeks 11 and 12, McDonald had 10 catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns as he became a favorite target of new starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers have burned through tight ends in 2015 and if McDonald can't go on Sunday, San Francisco will be down to its fourth-string TE from Opening Day.

Meanwhile, Smith has been nursing some injuries all season. Smith was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but he aggravated his two injuries and sat out Thursday. Depending on his recovery, Smith may not see the field on Sunday. His ability to stretch defenses helps the running game and the short-passing game. Without him, the 49ers offense could go back to its 14-points-a-game drudgery.

Some good news is that WR Anquan Boldin, the team's leading receiver three years running, is probable with his hamstring challenges. Thus, Gabbert will have at least one reliable target to throw to against the Cleveland defense on Sunday.

San Francisco has suffered many injuries this year, and the 49ers have limped along the best they could have under those circumstances. It's just a shame to see the team still struggling with so many injuries as December gets colder and colder. It certainly hasn't been San Francisco's year in any regard.

Probable:
Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver (hamstring)
NaVorro Bowman, Linebacker (shoulder, finger)
Jaquiski Tartt, Safety (ankle)

Questionable:
Aaron Lynch, Linebacker (concussion)
Vance McDonald, Tight End (concussion)
Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver (back/toe)
Michael Wilhoite, Linebacker (ankle)

Sam McPherson is a freelance writer covering baseball, football, basketball, golf, hockey and fantasy sports for CBS, AXS and Examiner. He also is an Ironman triathlete and certified triathlon coach.

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