The 49ers will be without two key players on Sunday against the Seahawks due to the injury bug, which is biting a little harder this late in the season.
Though he was dealing with a foot injury, veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead told reporters he would be out there and playing before the 49ers’ highly anticipated Week 13 road game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Indeed, Armstead engaged in play. However, he did leave the game during the second half and never came back.
Armstead’s chances of playing are far worse now than they were a week ago, as the Niners prepare to play the 6-6 Seattle Seahawks at home for the second time in three weeks.
In fact, head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters on Friday that Armstead would not play against the Hawks on Sunday after the player missed the first three days of practice.
Poor me.
It’s concerning because Armstead missed nearly all of 2022 due to foot problems; hopefully, the two injuries are unrelated.
Ray-Ray McCloud is out for the second straight week.
Unlike Armstead, Ray-Ray McCloud, a wide receiver and return specialist, was sidelined by a rib injury and did not play in last Sunday’s game in Philadelphia.
San Francisco tried alternating return responsibilities between wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Ronnie Bell in his place.
Reporters were also informed by Shanahan that McCloud, who was limited on Wednesday but did not practice the next two days, would not be available for play on Sunday.
49ers injury report that is still pending for the Seahawks game
Not only are Armstead and McCloud the only 49ers players out of Sunday’s game, but Shanahan also told the media that backup tight end Ross Dwelley would miss a few weeks due to a high-ankle sprain.
Here is the complete injury report from the Niners ahead of Sunday, along with a list of notable players who are questionable:
DT Arik Armstead (knee, foot): NOT IN
Ross Dwelley, a tight end, is out.
Ray-Ray McCloud (WR): out of bounds
OL Spencer Burford: Uncertain RB Elijah Mitchell: Uncertain CB Darrell Luter Jr. (hamstring): It’s uncertain because Burford has been hurt recently and missed practice this week. As a result, Jon Feliciano, a reserve interior lineman, will probably start.
In contrast, Mitchell saw very little of the field on Sunday in relief of Christian McCaffrey, the starting running back. If McCaffrey were to miss any games, Jordan Mason, a second-year player, would likely see more touches.
Kalia Davis and Javon Kinlaw, the backup tackles, will cover for Armstead in his absence.
On Sunday, December 10 at 4:05 p.m. ET, the Niners and Hawks will play from Santa Clara, California’s Levi’s Stadium.