Ranking the 49ers 10 biggest disappointments of 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers’ Significant Injuries
On a positive note, the 2019 Niners have mostly been able to overcome the rash of significant injuries they’ve suffered over the course of the season. The same can’t be said of the two teams in 2017 and 2018.
Still, that doesn’t change the fact the sheer amount of notable injuries has hindered what could have been an even more dominant squad this season.
The 49ers have been without key contributors such as tight end George Kittle, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, EDGE Dee Ford and tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey for significant periods of time. Richard Sherman is also out for a while, and wide receivers Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd haven’t seen the field this season.
There have been numerous season-ending injuries, too, including Kwon Alexander and center Weston Richburg, which has put an increasing strain on San Francisco’s depth.
For the most part, the Niners have been able to absorb these injuries with adequate backup play and timely returns, at least for some.
But with each injury, a longer shadow of doubt has been cast on the team’s Super Bowl chances.