49ers injury news: 4 crucial starters to return vs. Chiefs

The 49ers can anticipate some healthy reinforcements for their highly anticipated Week 7 matchup against the Chiefs this Sunday.

While it’s not an adequate excuse, a major reason why the San Francisco 49ers looked so outclassed during their Week 6 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons was because of injuries, a massive swarm of them that included being absent six starters on the defensive side of the ball alone.

Even during that particular game, injuries continued to pile up.

While some of those Week 6 injuries are still of some concern, it appears as if the Niners can anticipate a good number of their players returning to the fray soon, and they’ll be needed against a potent Kansas City Chiefs team that sits at 4-2 after narrowly losing to the high-powered Buffalo Bills at home a week ago.

Facing the No. 1-ranked scoring offense, San Francisco’s defense will have to be on point, and it’s poised to get two key starters on that side of the ball back in time.

Nick Bosa, Jimmie Ward return to 49ers defense for Chiefs game

One of the main ways the 49ers will look to frustrate Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be by generating pressure, much like how Bills EDGE Von Miller did last Sunday.

Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa, who missed the last six quarters of action with a groin injury suffered in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers, has been cleared from the injury and is expected to play, according to ESPN.

Needless to say, Bosa would like to increase his team-high six sacks on Sunday against Mahomes and Co., and the Niners will have a better shot at pulling off an upset if this happens.

Related Story: 49ers better have Nick Bosa back vs. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Likewise, San Francisco is eagerly anticipating the return of veteran safety Jimmie Ward, who missed the first four games of the year with a hamstring injury and then suffered a broken hand on his very first snap in Week 5 against Carolina.

Playing with a club, Ward will finally see snap No. 2 after quite the hiatus. And, considering some of the other shortages within the 49ers’ defensive backfield, having him back is a major bonus.

Other 49ers injury news heading into Week 7 vs. Chiefs

The Niners offensive line, which has been forced to undergo so many makeshift changes since Week 3, should finally look like its starting-caliber self this Sunday.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who exited Week 6’s game with a calf injury, has been cleared to play for the game, while All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams will be back on the field for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain way back in Week 3.

San Francisco has managed to avoid disaster during that interim period with Williams out, but his presence will bring a massive boost to this beleaguered unit.

However, the 49ers are still monitoring some notable injuries on players who’ll likely be game-time decisions:

• Safety Talanoa Hufanga (concussion): Questionable
• Cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin): Questionable

Hufanga and Ward were both limited in practice this week, but Hufanga still has to clear the concussion protocol before being able to take the field on Sunday.

Additionally, defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot) has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game, meaning it’ll be the third week of action he’s missed in a row.

The Niners and Chiefs kick off on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4:25 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.