4 biggest challenges 49ers will face in Week 7 bout vs. Colts

The 49ers have dealt with plenty of adversity this season already, but if they want to avoid a four-game losing streak, they must overcome more against the Colts.

It sure seems like nothing comes easy for the San Francisco 49ers.

This will certainly be the case again when the Niners take to the field for the first time in two weeks, coming off their Week 6 bye to host the 2-4 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.

San Francisco, losers of three straight, was supposed to get healthier with the bye week. And in some regards, it did, as cornerback K’Waun Williams and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo both return from absences because of calf injuries.

On the flip side, though, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) are likely to both miss the game. And with tight end George Kittle still on injured reserve with a calf injury, there’s no way to suggest the 49ers are anywhere close to 100 percent.

Read More: 49ers will miss Trent Williams, George Kittle vs. Colts

If that wasn’t bad enough, Levi’s Stadium is expected to receive heavy amounts of rain for Sunday night, too, making the playing conditions even more challenging than they normally would be.

That right there is going to be one challenge head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. have to overcome if they want to get back to the .500 mark.

Challenge No. 1: 49ers, Colts both have to deal with poor weather

According to the latest forecast information, the entire Bay Area is going to be hit with a massive rainstorm on Sunday, and there’s nearly a 90-percent chance of rain with winds reaching up to 16 miles per hour.

While northern California certainly needs the rain, neither the Niners nor the Colts do. At least to play a cleaner game.

Soggy field conditions open up the door for all kinds of challenges, including the increased chance of injury and the obvious sloppy play that’s likely to ensue. Speaking of the latter, it’s going to be difficult for a Kinlaw-less San Francisco defensive front to tackle Indianapolis star running back Jonathan Taylor, who also presents a massive challenge of his own without having to factor in wet weather and a slippery field.