3 biggest concerns for Kyle Shanahan, SF 49ers after win vs. Giants

No. 3: Injuries on the SF 49ers defensive line

It comes as quite a surprise that I am even writing this, but it has to be a topic the Niners brass have discussed with the slew of injuries the team has sustained in recent weeks.

But the SF 49ers defensive front may be in some real trouble here.

Losing a player like Bosa hurts, and there’s absolutely no sugar coating it. He is already a generational player who has been making an impact on the field since day one. His absence on the defensive front no doubt makes this unit much less dangerous.

Now combine this with the loss of Thomas and the possible IR trip for Ford. This essentially puts the entire burden on newly extended defensive tackle Arik Armstead, rookie Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent additions in Kerry Hyder and Ziggy Ansah.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the defensive line has played admirably to date. Hyder in fact leads the team in sacks through three weeks, but it’s hard to imagine that a guy like Ansah, who was a free agent up until nine days ago, will be able to even come close to replacing the production of the aforementioned Niners defenders.

This will have to be a collective effort, but Shanahan will no doubt have some concerns about his rag-tag defensive line going forward with some big-time opponents on the schedule.

Hopefully, Ford is able to come back sooner rather than later to help bolster this pass-rushing unit.