Seriously, someone needs to explain how the San Francisco 49ers are repeatedly the NFL's most-injured team, a trend that dates back to the 2010s.
The Niners' Week 6 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is almost an afterthought at this point, although the matchup between two previously 4-1 squads could be viewed as a potential playoff preview.
But the 30-19 outcome isn't going to be what fans discuss in the game's aftermath.
Late in the first quarter, future Hall of Fame linebacker Fred Warner suffered a gruesome ankle injury, which resulted in the cart coming out for him. With an air cast on, players from both teams came to offer the perennial All-Pro support and well-wishes.
The replay, which isn't for the weak of stomach, could very well mean Warner's season is over. And it's fair to have concerns about his long-term impact after such a devastating injury.
Warner was one of the few defensive pieces around whom San Francisco wanted to reconstruct during the offseason as it parted ways with plenty of aging starters. Now, alongside with defensive end Nick Bosa's season-ending ACL tear, the 49ers are going to have to rely on younger inexperience to hold the line.
Week 6 is proof 49ers can't easily navigate rest of season without Fred Warner
Not unlike the injury-riddled victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, a shorthanded Niners squad was going to field plenty of backups and reserves against the Bucs.
Including quarterback Mac Jones, getting the start over Brock Purdy, with the latter still dealing with his toe injury. With wide receiver shortages still impacting San Francisco's offense, Jones managed to go 27-of-39 for 347 yards with zero touchdowns, six sacks and two interceptions, all for a passer rating of 75.5.
Jones' chemistry with veteran wideout Kendrick Bourne continued, as the latter managed five catches for 142 yards, helping alleviate the injury-related absence of second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall.
Meanwhile, the 49ers managed their first rushing touchdown of the season, too, with All-Pro Christian McCaffrey crossing the plane.
Too bad it only took six weeks there.
Regardless of the other elements, the 4-2 Niners are going to be thinking much more about Warner's condition, his lengthy absence and just how much of an impact the injury could have on his career.
Those elements are far more important.
