Latest injury news for Arik Armstead doesn't bode well for 49ers

Arik Armstead's foot injury is lingering, and the 49ers don't appear to have a timetable for his return.

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead is going to miss his third game in a row as the Niners are preparing for a high-profile Monday Night Football showdown against the 11-3 Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Saturday that Armstead would be ruled out for the game, which follows the 2015 first-round NFL Draft pick already missing the previous two weeks with foot and knee injuries.

A week ago, with both Armstead and fellow starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, the Arizona Cardinals managed a whopping 234 rush yards despite San Francisco pulling off a convincing win.

Baltimore, meanwhile, leads the league in rushing.

Hargrave is questionable for the matchup, but the 49ers aren't just worried about an Armstead-less defense in Week 16. They're concerned it could be a long-term issue.

Kyle Shanahan on Arik Armstead injury: 'We're concerned'

Foot injuries aren't new to Armstead, and he missed roughly half of 2022 with foot issues. Despite bouncing back healthy for the first half of 2023, it's a legitimate question whether or not the same injury is creeping into this season.

Either way, Armstead is missing more time after prematurely exiting the Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles while trying to play through the injury.

During his Saturday press conference, Shanahan admitted there was a good deal of worry regarding Armstead's injury status.

"Yes, we're concerned," Shanahan said when asked if Armstead's injury could be long term. "We do think he has a chance each week, but I'd say it's a little more the foot than the knee, something that's bothering for a little bit. I'm just hoping the pain will go down."

Armstead, who has 27 tackles and five sacks on the season, has been excellent against the run, too. In his stead, the Niners have been playing defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who'll likely get the start this Monday when Baltimore comes to town.

As for Armstead, the growing likelihood is a hope he's healthy enough in time for the playoffs.

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