49ers vs. Cardinals: San Francisco hosts Arizona in must-win game
By Chris Wilson
49ers injury news
The 49ers have a long list of injuries, aside from the key players who have already been placed on injured reserve. However, as of Sunday morning, only one player — rookie wideout Dante Pettis — has been ruled out of today’s game.
Other than Pettis, only one Niner was unable to participate in Thursday’s practice; unfortunately, that player is one of the most essential parts of San Francisco’s offense. Left tackle Joe Staley was knocked out of last week’s game with a knee injury, and is officially listed as questionable after practicing in full on Friday. Update: Niner Noise’s Peter Panacy reports that Staley will likely start.
Fellow offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey, Weston Richburg and Michael Person were all limited in practice on Thursday with knee injuries, but were full participants in Friday’s practice. Guard Joshua Garnett was a full participant all week, and should be available this afternoon if needed.
After the 49ers were forced to piece together a makeshift secondary against the Chargers, San Francisco will be closer to full strength this Sunday. Starting safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert were full participants in each practice throughout the week, as was cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.
Top cornerback Richard Sherman returned to a limited practice on Thursday, but is unlikely to suit up against Arizona. Defensive back Jimmie Ward was a late addition to the injury report on Friday; if both Ward and Sherman are unable to play, CB Greg Mabin will likely start at cornerback after his impressive performance against Los Angeles in Week 4. Update: Surprisingly, Sherman is active, and Ward is inactive for today’s game.
Running back Matt Breida was limited throughout the week with a shoulder injury, but will play against the Cardinals, as will fellow RB Alfred Morris, who was a full participant in each practice this week.
Goodwin is officially a game-time decision as he continues to deal with multiple leg injures that limited him in practice during the week — but it’s unlikely that Goodwin will see the field today. Update: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Goodwin will not play in today’s matchup.
49ers injury news will be updated throughout the day, as information is released.