There's a saying: "When it rains, it pours." I'm not sure where the phrase got its start, but apparently, it was made popular by the Morton Salt Company in the early 1900s. At least, that's what Google tells me.
With the San Francisco 49ers, the phrase should be altered to, "When it rains, it's a monsoon." That's the feeling fans of the team certainly must have after the latest, and largest, injury—a season-ending torn ACL to star defensive lineman Nick Bosa. And this storm has put a damper on the excitement of a 3-0 start, especially for a team that won only six games a year ago.
We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what was on your mind. As you can guess, there were many questions related to Bosa's injury and what may happen next. So let's jump in and see if we can find a little solace to ease our troubled minds.
Saw some rumors that the 49ers have interest in trading for Bengals' Trey Hendrickson. Do you see that happening, or will the 49ers just go with the "Next Man Up" mentality? - Johnny Y.
I'm sure the 49ers have interest in Trey Hendrickson. He's one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. But I doubt the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be trading him, at least anytime soon. Just because they lost QB Joe Burrow for a while doesn't mean they've cashed in their season.
The 49ers always have a "Next Man Up" mentality. It seems like that is the mindset every year because of injuries. In fact, they should have "Next Man Up" as their annual slogan. They could print shirts, pens, and coffee mugs. (Now that I think of it, maybe I could do that. I wonder if I can get permission to use the 49ers logo. Maybe I can even open my own print shop and hire employees. I could make a killing. Nah, that sounds like a lot of work.)
But yes, the 49ers are no strangers to thinking this way. And they will continue to have this mentality moving forward. For now, I expect the 49ers to stick with who they already have. As the next month rolls along, we'll know more.
Does it seem like opposing teams are targeting Marques Sigle in the passing game? I know he was great in the preseason, but it appears that he's giving up a lot of long passes these past couple of games. - Andy G.
Yes, teams are targeting Marques Sigle, as well as the other rookies. Upton Stout has been targeted. So has Connor Colby. It's how it goes when you're a rookie. While you're still learning, opposing coaches are going to see what you can handle.
As you would expect, the 49ers' rookies have made their share of mistakes. But they've also answered those challenges well. None of them has seemed overwhelmed yet. Case in point: the play last week in which Kyler Murray was almost sacked in the end zone. The three players chasing him, and almost getting the safety, were rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West.
Sigle, Stout, and Colby have all had moments where they have been exposed, but bounced back to make a play after that. Stout, especially, has had some impactful plays. That is encouraging. This rookie class has been impressive so far.
What's wrong with the 49ers' run game? - Stacy S.
Anthony Robertson, of 49ers Cutback, and I discussed this on "The Red and Bold Show" on Wednesday. We agreed that the problems in the run game are twofold: The 49ers' offensive line isn't performing very well as run blockers, especially the guards. And teams are stacking the box to stop the run.
So far, things have worked out for the 49ers as far as wins, but until the offensive line starts to click in the run game, and until the passing game makes teams back off and not stack the box, we may not see much of an improvement. Christian McCaffrey can only do so much, and he's had very little room to run.
Getting Demarcus Robinson back will help a little. And of course, getting George Kittle back will help, too. Depending on what Brandon Aiyuk looks like when he returns, that could help, as well. But there's no guarantee Aiyuk will look like himself this season. His injury was bad. And as GM John Lynch said on Thursday, Aiyuk isn't close to returning.
So while the burden to improve will be somewhat on Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and their receivers, the largest burden will be on the offensive line.
In lieu of Nick Bosa's injury, do you expect the 49ers to trade for defensive line help or sign a free agent with some rubber left on the tread? - Ed H.
I expect the 49ers to stick with who they have for now. Maybe they will make a small move for a rotational piece like they did in 2023 when they traded for Randy Gregory. That season, they traded for Gregory early on and then traded for Chase Young (a starter) later.
That's how I see this going. Staying with the status quo for now, then adding a rotational piece. Depending on where things stand in late October, we could then see them make a move for a starter.
Hey, Marc - this one hurts, the double teams Bosa occupies, the coaching on the field, this D is so young. Realistically, who can you identify as a trade partner? I think so many folks think this is Madden. It takes two to tango. - Lowbridge
There's no replacing Bosa. He was looking like a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. So it's a tough break for the 49ers—and for Bosa. But the 49ers will need to do something if they are going to be a team that goes deep into the postseason.
Hendrickson is elite. Last season, he led the NFL in sacks with 17.5. But as I wrote earlier, the Bengals aren't going to trade him unless they go on a losing streak. Somehow, the 49ers need to make a move without mortgaging the future. Because of this, I still believe the 49ers will add a player who is more of a rotational piece. Think someone like Arden Key.
That's all we have for this edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back with a brand new one next week. Thanks for all your questions.
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