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Cardinals vs. 49ers: The good, bad and ugly from Week 9

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit as he throws by Corey Peters #98 of the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit as he throws by Corey Peters #98 of the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Flags and a hat sit on the turf after a scuffle between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Flags and a hat sit on the turf after a scuffle between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The Ugly

Arizona didn’t exactly dominate this contest, and a halfway decent/healthy 49ers team could have stood a chance in coming away with an upset.

But there were simply too many factors working against San Francisco, including some of the ugly things shown below.

The Offensive Line

San Francisco’s O-line started off this season with Joe Staley at left tackle, Zane Beadles and left guard, Daniel Kilgore at center, Brandon Fusco at right guard and Trent Brown at right tackle.

Staley’s eye injury required Brown to shift to the left side, forcing undrafted rookie Erik Magnuson to play over at right tackle in Brown’s stead.

It’s been a makeshift crop for much of the year, and a solid Cardinals defensive line made this group’s life hell, as well for quarterback C.J. Beathard.

Staley will return later this season, probably after the Week 11 bye, but upgrading this unit has to be high on top of the Niners’ to-do list this offseason.

49ers Injuries

This was San Francisco’s injury report prior to Week 9:

Injuries
Injuries /

The 49ers can now add five more to that list, as compiled by NBC Sports Bay Area:

  • fullback Kyle Juszczyk (neck)
  • safety Jaquiski Tartt (wrist)
  • wide receiver Trent Taylor (ribs)
  • tight end Cole Hikutini (knee)
  • linebacker Elijah Lee (knee)

And it’s worse, as Kyle Shanahan confirmed (h/t Joe Fann of 49ers.com) Jaquiski Tartt broke his arm and will head to injured reserve, joining fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward (forearm) with a similar injury:

More from Niner Noise

A number of other players came out with injuries but were able to return, including linebacker Reuben Foster (ankle) and tight end George Kittle (leg). Even Beathard looked as if he injured his wrist late in the game.

No team has used more injured-reserve spots than the Niners this season. Whatever the reasons behind San Francisco’s unending plethora of injuries, it’s certainly hindering any remote chances the team has had winning games this season.

The bye in Week 11 can’t come soon enough, although the 49ers have to host the scuffling New York Giants in Week 10 before that happens.

Next: 10 49ers players who should see more playing time over the rest of 2017

A winnable game, yes. But it’s anything but easy for the winless Niners.