The SF 49ers visit the NY Jets in Week 2, and Niner Noise breaks down the game-time weather and latest injury reports.
SF 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan probably couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to achieve a bounce-back win after dropping the team’s 2020 opener against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.
Perhaps the only bonus would have been if the Week 2 matchup between the Niners and New York Jets was at home at Levi’s Stadium. But the Jets, 0-1 after an uninspiring 27-17 road loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, are already looking as if they’ll be selecting in the top five of the 2020 NFL Draft next year. Head coach Adam Gase is once again under scrutiny, and about the only notable positive his team will have is featuring a 49ers fan favorite, running back Frank Gore, in action against his old squad at MetLife Stadium this Sunday.
Currently, according to the Action Network, the Niners are seven-point favorites over the Jets for this upcoming contest. Yet San Francisco was favored before in Week 1, and East Coast road games for West Coast squads always present the opportunity for an upset.
Especially considering the SF 49ers are a bit banged up.
SF 49ers vs. NY Jets: Week 2 injury report
The Niners are going to be without cornerback Richard Sherman (leg), who landed on short-term injured reserve after Week 1. In response, San Francisco promoted veteran cornerback Dontae Johnson from the practice squad, although he figures to be a backup to the presumed boundary starters, Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon.
San Francisco also placed wide receiver Richie James (hamstring) on short-term IR.
Additionally, tight end George Kittle (knee) didn’t practice this week and was ruled out for the game, putting No. 2 tight end Jordan Reed into a prime position to showcase his value after inking a one-year deal this offseason
SF 49ers injury report
- TE George Kittle (knee): OUT
- CB Jason Verrett (hamstring): OUT
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion): Cleared protocol
- EDGE Dee Ford (neck): Questionable
- WR Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring): Full practice
- OL Ben Garland (ankle): Full practice
If there’s good news, the Niners are poised to get back Aiyuk and Garland. Shanahan sorely missed both players in Week 1, so their presence on the field should bolster what was mostly a disjointed offense last Sunday.
Ford’s availability, however, is yet again a question mark.
NY Jets injury report
- RB La’Mical Perine (ankle): Questionable
- WR Jamison Crowder (hamstring): OUT
- QB Joe Flacco (neck): OUT
- LB Avery Williamson (hamstring): Questionable
- LB Tarell Basham (hip): Questionable
New York is also banged up entering this contest, which presents a better opportunity for San Francisco.
One of the Niners’ chief concerns would have been Crowder, who recorded seven grabs for 115 yards and a touchdown during the Jets’ Week 1 loss in Buffalo. But he’s been ruled out. And with rookie wideout Denzel Mims already on injured reserve, too, New York’s receiving corps looks awfully weak.
SF 49ers vs. NY Jets: Game-time weather
It’s going to be slightly cooler at kickoff at MetLife Stadium this Sunday, the temperature currently forecast to be 59 degrees with clear skies and almost zero chance of rain.
Humidity will be at 33 percent, while the winds will be north by northeast at 10 miles per hour.
Weather shouldn’t be much of a factor for either team, and current pandemic protocols aren’t allowing fans to attend games at the stadium.
The 49ers and Jets kick off on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.