49ers vs. Seahawks preview: Richard Sherman returns to Seattle in Week 13
By Chris Wilson
49ers injury news
The San Francisco 49ers’ official injury report grew over the week, but the Niners’ coaching staff have the advantage of knowing who will be available to suit up in advance of Sunday’s game.
For the second consecutive week, Mullens will be forced to play without his top two wide receivers, Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. Garcon was a limited participant in each of the 49ers’ three practices this week but will miss the Seahawks game due to injuries to his knee and back.
Goodwin’s recent absence from the team is due to a personal family matter, and not related to injury. The Niners’ top wideout will miss his second straight game due to the unknown personal issue. Goodwin remains in contact with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and the team’s front office, who are fully aware of the issue but wouldn’t comment further:
Marquise Goodwin was at the #49ers complex earlier today. He met with coaches/team officials and was excused again from practice to deal with family matters. https://t.co/XtHrZMZ2qa
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 29, 2018
Wide receivers Dante Pettis and Kendrick Bourne will likely start on the outside for San Francisco, with rookie Richie James both starting in the slot and filling in behind his fellow wideouts. Second-year wide receiver Trent Taylor — who has remained silent for much of his second season — should see more playing time after logging just nine offensive snaps last week against the Bucs.
In Week 12, Pettis led the Niners with four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, while his fellow wide receivers combined for just four catches for 54 receiving yards.
The other position of concern for the 49ers is at free safety, after the team lost their top two players at the position in Week 12. Starter Jimmie Ward‘s broken arm forced the Niners to place the defensive back on injured reserve for the fourth time in five years, and backup D.J. Reed will miss the Seahawks game due to foot and chest injuries. Defensive back Antone Exum, who played fairly well as the team’s single-high safety last week, will start on Sunday.
Finally, backup guard Joshua Garnett will miss another week of potential backup duty due to a thumb injury.
49ers injury news will be updated throughout the weekend, as information becomes available.