SF 49ers vs. NY Giants: 3 X-factors for Kyle Shanahan in Week 3
By Peter Panacy
The SF 49ers visit the NY Giants in Week 3, yet the game will be a unique one in light of recent injuries, making things challenging for Kyle Shanahan.
Under the appropriate circumstances, the SF 49ers would have been heavy favorites in Week 3 to knock off the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium this Sunday.
But those circumstances have changed. A lot.
The Niners are already riddled with injuries, particularly stemming from their 31-13 road win over the New York Jets in Week 2. Among those injured were quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (knee), running backs Raheem Mostert (knee) and Tevin Coleman (knee), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (thigh), nose tackle D.J. Jones (ankle) and, most notably, defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas who are now out for the season with torn ACLs.
Mostert, Coleman and Garoppolo are all likely to miss Sunday’s bout versus the 0-2 Giants, who are also dealing with their own significant injuries. During their most recent loss to the Chicago Bears, the G-Men watched as star running back Saquon Barkley left the game with a torn ACL, too, ending his season. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is also dealing with turf toe.
A massive blow amid a brutal week on the injury front.
The Niners have attempted to stem the tide a bit by making some tweaks to the roster, namely signing free-agent pass-rusher Ezekiel Ansah to a one-year deal and promoting EDGE Dion Jordan off the practice squad. Other moves could be pending as well.
Yet those are only minor factors for head coach Kyle Shanahan as he’ll look to game plan an effective approach to Sunday’s contest.
That contest should still go San Francisco’s way, provided these three X-factors wind up going in the SF 49ers’ favor at MetLife Stadium.