The San Francisco 49ers are quickly shifting focus from Sunday's victory over the Chicago Bears to their upcoming NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. With only a few days to prepare, the 49ers will host the Rams at Levi's Stadium on Thursday night, as both teams aim to build momentum following much-needed wins.
However, injuries are a growing concern for the 49ers, with several players' statuses uncertain heading into the short week.
Guerendo and Bartch
Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo shined in his first NFL start, rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries while stepping in for Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, who recently landed on injured reserve.
Unfortunately, Guerendo sustained a foot injury late in the game, with head coach Kyle Shanahan saying it might be a sprain.
"We're not sure. Possible foot sprain," Shanahan told reporters after the game. "X-rays didn't for sure show anything, so we'll have to look into it more tomorrow."
Guerendo didn't express too much concern about his condition after the game, telling reporters, "Yes, everything is fine. They're just being cautious. We have a quick turnaround this week, so we're just making sure that we're good to go."
Shanahan is expected to provide an update on Guerendo's status during his media availability on Monday afternoon.
The team's offensive line also took a hit on Sunday. Shanahan confirmed that Ben Bartch likely suffered a high-ankle sprain, which would likely sideline him for the remainder of the regular season. Spencer Burford replaced Bartch at left guard against the Bears.
If Bartch is unavailable on Thursday night and Aaron Banks does not clear concussion protocol in time, the 49ers may rely on the offensive line combination they used to close Sunday's game: Jaylon Moore, Burford, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, and Colton McKivitz.
Bosa and Williams
The status of two key players—Trent Williams and Nick Bosa—remains in question.
Williams continues to recover from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for three consecutive games. After missing all of last week's practices, his availability for Thursday is in doubt.
Bosa, meanwhile, is further along in his recovery. Although the star pass rusher did not practice last week, there was at least some hope he could play against the Bears before being downgraded and ruled out on Saturday. He remains a possibility for the Rams game, but his progress this week will be crucial.
Defense gets a boost
Safety Talanoa Hufanga provided a lift to the defense on Sunday after returning from a wrist injury. The unit could receive an even more significant boost this week as linebacker Dre Greenlaw is expected to make his 2024 season debut.
Greenlaw, recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in February, has reportedly impressed in practice and looks ready to rejoin his teammates.
After Sunday's win, linebacker Fred Warner expressed excitement about Greenlaw's potential return.
"It means everything," Warner said. "I've been waiting for that moment for the entire season. To potentially have him out there again with me, it means everything."