3 bold predictions for SF 49ers in Week 3 vs. NY Giants
By Peter Panacy
With the SF 49ers visiting the NY Giants for Week 3 of NFL action, Niner Noise offers up three bold predictions for this crucial contest.
The SF 49ers squad taking the field for their Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants this Sunday will look noticeably different than the one that graced the field to kick off the 2020 regular season against the Arizona Cardinals just two weeks ago.
A slew of significant injuries has decimated head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad, forcing him to rely heavily on backups, reserve players and others signed out of free agency in recent days. The key long-term injuries, of course, were season-enders to defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas, who both tore their ACLs in last Sunday’s win over the New York Jets.
Those setbacks prompted the Niners to sign veteran pass-rusher Ezekiel Ansah to a one-year deal and promote EDGE Dion Jordan off the practice squad.
Additionally, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and running backs Raheem Mostert (knee) and Tevin Coleman (knee) aren’t expected to play against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, opening up the door for backup quarterback Nick Mullens to get his first start since 2018, while fellow tailback Jerick McKinnon should wind up shouldering the bulk of the workload on the ground.
The 0-2 Giants, meanwhile, are dealing with their own significant injuries, namely losing star running back Saquon Barkley to a season-ending ACL tear.
Needless to say, San Francisco should still have the edge towards pulling off its second win of the season despite a shorthanded roster.
To do so, let’s look at some bold predictions for Shanahan’s squad in Sunday’s contest, breaking down what eye-popping events could potentially take place at MetLife Stadium this weekend.