49ers inactives vs. Broncos: Arik Armstead won’t play Sunday night

The 49ers square off against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football, and veteran D-lineman Arik Armstead won’t be available after missing practice this week.

Hopefully, the news cycle for the San Francisco 49ers has settled down a bit after last week’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks which nevertheless resulted in quarterback Trey Lance suffering a season-ending ankle injury, giving way to Jimmy Garoppolo reclaiming his previous role as the team’s starter.

Garoppolo and Co. now face off against an old nemesis, now-Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson for a prime-time showdown on Sunday Night Football at Empower Field at Mile High.

Wilson and the 1-1 Broncos have scuffled a bit to start off the 2022 season, and their offense has managed a mere 32 combined points over two games.

To counter, the Niners’ top-end defense will look to shut down Wilson and Denver’s offense under the bright lights, and it looks as if veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead won’t be available to assist with that.

Armstead, who missed this week’s practice with a foot injury, was quite literally a game-time decision before the contest as he underwent on-field workouts under the close supervision of San Francisco’s training staff:

Considering the mile-high elevation in Denver, having a full crop of defensive linemen will be valuable to defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, yet missing Armstead could hurt.

49ers inactives for Week 3 vs. Broncos

With Armstead not in the fray, head coach Kyle Shanahan declared the following players as Week 3 inactives:

• DL Arik Armstead
• OL Daniel Brunskill
• OL Nick Zakelj
• RB Tyrion Davis-Price
• TE Tyler Kroft
• DL Kemoko Turay

Brunskill, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, has yet to make his regular-season debut. However, the interior of the 49ers’ offensive line has played surprisingly well despite entering the year with some notable question marks.

Meanwhile, rookie running back Tyrion Davis-Price (ankle) will be out after making his debut last week versus the Seahawks.

The Niners called up recently acquired veteran tailback Marlon Mack from their practice squad to help support fellow rushers Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jordan Mason.

Read More: 49ers vs. Broncos: Week 3 injury report, betting odds and how to watch

49ers TE George Kittle to make his 2022 debut vs. Broncos

After missing the first two weeks with a groin injury, tight end George Kittle will take the field for the first time this season.

The last time Kittle squared off against Denver, he nearly broke the single-game record for receiving yards by a tight end, ultimately recording 210 yards on seven receptions and a touchdown late during the 2018 season.

With nearly a full array of offensive weapons at Garoppolo’s disposal, Kittle will need to make a serious impact in both the pass-catching and run-blocking elements of the game.

Especially with San Francisco still wanting to keep Wilson off the field as much as possible.

The 49ers and Broncos kick off from Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8:20 p.m. ET.