The San Francisco 49ers had been clinging to a silver lining during their injury-filled start to the season: None of the front-line players who’d been missing over the first three weeks had been ruled out for the season.
That likely changed on Monday when an MRI revealed that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave had a partially torn triceps that would require surgery. Kyle Shanahan acknowledged there was a slight possibility that Hargrave could return if the 49ers made the postseason.
“When you get surgery, it’s usually a few months at least,” Shanahan said. “So if there’s a chance (of a return) it would have to be late in the playoffs.”
Hargrave suffered the injury during Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams where he had his first sack of the season and five pressures. He was the team’s big free-agent addition in 2023 when the 49ers signed him to a four-year deal worth $84 million.
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“I thought he had his best game yesterday,” Shanahan said. “I thought he was a huge factor. He really affected the quarterback in that game and it’s a big loss. He’s one of our better players. He was definitely going in the right direction and was gonna have a big year.”
The 49ers can bring up T.Y. McGill or rookie Evan Anderson from the practice squad. Kalia Davis also is due to come off injured reserve in the coming weeks. They also have the option of moving defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos or practice squad defensive end Sam Okuayinonu inside on obvious passing downs, something they haven’t done much at the start of the season.
The defending NFC champions played Sunday without running back Christian McCaffrey (on injured reserve with a calf/Achilles injury), wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring). Now, in addition to Hargrave, quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with back soreness and is considered day-to-day.
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Shanahan said an MRI of the back came back clean and the 49ers believe it’s merely soreness and hope he’ll be able to practice Wednesday. Purdy was sacked once and hit two more times in Los Angeles. He also rushed 10 times for 41 yards, including once when he dove headfirst for the first-down marker along the sideline. Purdy was sharp Sunday, completing 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and three scores, all of which went to Jauan Jennings, who started in Samuel’s absence.
As for McCaffrey, he plans to see a specialist in Germany about his lingering Achilles tendonitis issue that placed him on injured reserve, Shanahan said.
Those treatments likely involve therapies designed to increase blood flow — and thus the healing process — in his sore Achilles. McCaffrey must miss at least the next two games but until he returns, Jordan Mason will continue to be the lead back. Mason, 25, has 324 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the year.
The 49ers hope to get Kittle back at practice this week from his hamstring injury that forced him to sit out Sunday’s game, Shanahan said. He said cornerback Charvarius Ward, hindered by knee and hamstring injuries last week, should be OK this week.
San Francisco has dropped two straight games but will look to get back on track Sunday as they host the New England Patriots.
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(Photo of Javon Hargrave: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
