Bears vs. 49ers: 5 top takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 16 loss
No. 5: Injuries strike again
The 49ers have suffered through a horrendous amount of injuries this season, with many big-name players taking some time out on the sideline. That trend continued Sunday, with a slew of players forced to sit out the remainder of the game after succumbing to injuries.
The second quarter took its toll on the Niners offense, with three players injured in that quarter alone. The first to go was starting running back Matt Breida who aggravated an already-injured ankle. Breida has been managing his ankle injury for much of the season, missing a game here and there or sitting on the sideline for short spells to recover.
With this further aggravation, his season is likely done. With one game remaining, it’s simply not worth further injury to his ankle.
Wide receiver Dante Pettis injured his knee after being tackled by two Bears defenders. He required assistance to walk off the field but was later seen walking unaided. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed in his post-game press conference that they believe Pettis’ injury to be an MCL and not the feared ACL. His season has also come to an end, with the receiver requiring further treatment to his knee.
Kyle Shanahan, Richard Sherman, Nick Mullens and George Kittle review the Week 16 loss.
Posted by San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 23, 2018
Tight end Garrett Celek also left the field and did not return after suffering a possible concussion. He will now enter the concussion protocol and will be questionable for Week 17 until later in the week.
Nickel corner K’Waun Williams received a knee injury and was replaced by D.J. Reed. Joshua Garnett also filled in for an injured Mike Person.