The San Francisco 49ers' one-sided 35-13 victory in Week 2 over the Miami Dolphins wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, considering two of their key depth players were lost to what appear to be high-ankle sprains, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and rookie defensive tackle James Thompson Jr.
Robinson's injury certainly carries more headlines, especially considering his hot start to the season. And when matched against other receiver injuries—Ricky Pearsall (knee) and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle)—it's easy to see why Robinson's pending absence could be awfully problematic.
But the Niners may be better equipped to withstand losing Robinson for an extended period of time.
They may not be able to absorb losing Thompson quite as well, and it's fair to argue San Francisco's defensive line has far more question marks than wide receiver.
James Thompson Jr. injury may sting 49ers more than Demarcus Robinson's
Fortunately, neither Robinson nor Thompson occupy a key A-list role on their respective sides of the ball. Yet both have shown the capability of being excellent role players in the short amount of time that's already passed this season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy still has two alphas at receiver: Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, while tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey are bona fide weapons in the passing game, too. Beyond them, veteran Christian Kirk is expected back after Week 4 following his season-opening placement on injured reserve.
The D-line, however, isn't quite as sharp.
The 49ers have given up steady amounts of ground to opponents, particularly up the middle, over the first two weeks. Miami notched 84 rush yards before halftime on Sunday, and one could make the argument it was Purdy and the passing game the kept the Dolphins from continuing their heavy ground approach that worked well in the first half.
After losing second-year defensive tackle Alfred Collins to a season-ending injury prior to Week 1, followed by being without Sam Okuayinonu after a practice foot injury, the Niners are already thin up front.
Granted, Thompson's exit ensured fellow rookie Gracen Halton had something of a breakout game, which is pleasant to see. But there's not exactly a ton of depth behind him.
And San Francisco won't be facing sluggish and/or poor offenses for long either.
Both Robinson and Thompson's injuries likely prompt the 49ers to make some moves, potentially adding a veteran free agent or signing someone off another team's practice squad to the active roster.
But the more urgent need is certainly along the D-line, especially considering this group is already showing to be weaker than the Niners' receiving crop.
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