49ers vs. Cardinals: 4 edges San Francisco now has in Week 9
By Peter Panacy
Edge No. 3: 49ers will be much closer to full-strength
It seems weird to think about this, especially in light of what happened a year ago to an injury-plagued 49ers team. But the Niners are actually poised to get player reinforcements back in time for Week 9.
And a number of key players, too.
Related Story: 49ers expecting key reinforcements back for Week 9 vs. Cardinals
All-Pro tight end George Kittle resumed practice this week after missing the last three games, including Week 5, with a calf injury. San Francisco sorely missed his presence during that game, and Kittle still does so much on offense even if he’s not necessarily impacting the stat sheet. On top of that, EDGE Dee Ford and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair are both cleared from the concussion protocol that forced them out from the 49ers’ Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears, while kicker Robbie Gould is expected back from a groin injury that landed him on injured reserve, too.
The Niners are also potentially poised to see the 2021 debut of running back Jeff Wilson, who had over 100 yards rushing against Arizona late last season and also scored a key game-winning touchdown against the Cardinals back in 2019.
Wilson, who tore his meniscus during the offseason, might be joining a crowded running back room. But San Francisco will surely appreciate his presence if he’s fully made available.