The San Francisco 49ers were dealt devastating news on Monday morning when it was confirmed that former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL in Sunday's narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
When asked how the defense plans to overcome the loss, head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted the team will need a collective effort.
"Lots of guys, obviously, will have to step it up as it goes, but I believe that'll be more by committee than any individual," Shanahan explained.
Shanahan also acknowledged that the 49ers might explore potential trades—as they always do. However, he tempered expectations, noting that any decision would need to make sense both in the short term and long term.
One NFL analyst believes San Francisco has little choice but to act. During an appearance on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game, Brian Baldinger was asked how long the 49ers could manage with their remaining group of pass rushers.
"I don't think they could do a whole season," Baldinger said. "I don't know who's on the street right now or what kind of trade [they can pull off]. ... You're looking at the wire. I don't know what they have on the practice squad right now from that type of position. I don't think they have anybody really there that can add depth right now.
"They're going to probably have to make a trade or find somebody that might still be on the street that has some experience."
Baldinger pointed to last season's Detroit Lions, who struggled after losing key defenders, including star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. They ultimately finished with the league's 30th-ranked defense in total yards allowed.
"If you can't affect the quarterback right now, in this business, there's too many good quarterbacks," Baldinger commented, adding that the 49ers are slated to face quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.
"If you can't affect Stafford, he's just that good that no matter what you do defensively, he's going to carve you up," Baldinger said.
Losing Bosa is a crushing blow, and while the 49ers will push forward without him, their success may hinge on making the right roster move to help maintain the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.