The San Francisco 49ers are set to bring reinforcements into Week 9's matchup against their former Bay Area foe, the Las Vegas Raiders. Among the returning names are Nick Bosa, Demarcus Robinson, and Marcus Sigle.
Unfortunately, they aren’t getting everyone back from injury. Wide receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are still nursing ailments that will keep them out of Sunday's contest.
That being said, there are many reasons why the 49ers should enjoy success in the match despite not not being at full strength.
49ers will feature most complete pass rush to date
Sunday will be the first time since Week 3 of last season in which Nick Bosa and former first-round edge rusher Mykel Williams will be sharing the field. Not only will San Francisco be strong out on the edge, but newly acquired DeForest Buckner is set to kick off his second stint in red and gold.
The three pass rushers, combined with the likes of Keion White, Romello Height, Osa Odighizuwa, and Gracen Halton, will make for a long day for the Las Vegas offensive line.
If the Raiders don't perform up to snuff in the trenches, quarterback Kirk Cousins could be in for a long day.
The return of Marcus Sigle will also help to shore up a somewhat shallow secondary. If defensive backs are able to lock up opposing wideouts, it will be extremely difficult for the middling Raiders offense to consistently move the chains.
49ers get key return in wide receiver room despite being without top two options
Even though both Evans and Samuel are still out, the 49ers are getting Demarcus Robinson back. He is by no means Brock Purdy's favorite target, but fans have already seen his ability to stretch the field in Weeks 1 and 2.
In San Francisco's season opener in Melbourne, Robinson caught a 39-yard homerun pass for a touchdown.
With Robinson back in the fold, it wouldn't be a surprise to see elevated receiving numbers from short-to-intermediate pass catchers like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Opposing secondaries have no choice but to respect the veteran's speed on the outside, and it should create more space for Purdy on underneath throws.
Week 9's outcome could helpd etermine how 49ers navigate the looming trade deadline
With the November 10th trade deadline fast approaching, the 49ers have been rumored to still be looking for ways to improve their roster. Wide receiver has been a clear need, as it's been weeks since Purdy had every weapon at his disposal.
With both Evans and Deebo healthy, the offense has looked effective. But considering both are currently banged up and on the wrong side of 30, it's difficult to say that they will be able to withstand the weekly demands of such a physical game all season long.
Whether the 49ers elect to bank on their ensuing health is anybody's guess, but either a loss or a close victory in Week 9 could give them the extra push they need to pull the trigger on acquiring another pass catcher.
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