49ers Face Setback as Bryce Huff to Miss Two Weeks with Injury

The San Francisco 49ers will be without edge rusher Bryce Huff for at least two weeks following a hamstring strain sustained during their 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The injury raises concerns for a team already struggling with its pass rush, particularly after losing their top edge defender, Nick Bosa, earlier this season.

Huff played a season-high 45 snaps against Atlanta, contributing significantly to the win. However, he reported discomfort toward the end of the game. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Huff felt the strain during the final two plays, stating, “I was told it was right at the end.”

Challenges Ahead for the 49ers

The 49ers currently rank 25th in the NFL with just 14 sacks, a statistic that highlights the urgency of Huff’s absence. He leads the team with four sacks and six quarterback hits. Huff joined the 49ers from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he struggled in a different role. Since his arrival, he has provided a much-needed boost to the defensive line.

With Bosa sidelined due to a torn ACL sustained on September 14, the defense is further stretched thin. Yetur Gross-Matos is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury, leaving Sam Okuayinonu and rookie Mykel Williams as the only healthy ends on the active roster. The team has additional depth on the practice squad with Robert Beal Jr. and William Bradley-King.

Despite the challenges, Okuayinonu made his mark against Atlanta, securing his first sack of the season. Though the 49ers managed only two sacks in the game, innovative blitzes from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh helped keep Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pressured.

Shanahan remains hopeful about Huff’s recovery timeline, suggesting that “hopefully it won’t be longer than two weeks.” This optimism is tempered by the upcoming road games against the Houston Texans on Sunday and the New York Giants on November 2, which could test the 49ers’ defensive depth.

Team Adjustments and Future Moves

In addition to Huff, center Jake Brendel is expected to miss a similar amount of time due to his own hamstring strain. Veteran Matt Hennessey filled in effectively against Atlanta. The team is also monitoring quarterback Brock Purdy, who is dealing with a toe injury, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr., who has a knee issue. Cornerback Renardo Green will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Shanahan also mentioned the possibility of activating guard and swing tackle Spencer Burford from injured reserve this week, which could bolster the offensive line.

As the trade deadline approaches on November 5, the 49ers may intensify their search for an edge rusher. While Shanahan noted that the front office has been proactive in exploring options, he emphasized that the urgency for a trade remains consistent, regardless of Huff’s injury.

Reflecting on the team’s current success, tight end George Kittle highlighted the contributions of both Purdy and Saleh. Kittle expressed admiration for Purdy’s resilience and noted that Saleh’s strategic acumen has been instrumental in the 49ers’ current 5-2 record.

As the team navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining performance while adapting to injuries. The upcoming games will be critical in determining their standing in the competitive landscape of the NFL.