The media continues to mention the San Francisco 49ers as a potential buyer ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 4. Despite leading the NFC West with a 5-2 record, the team has endured significant injury setbacks—most notably to linebacker Fred Warner and pass rusher Nick Bosa.
With another pass rusher, Bryce Huff, recently sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered Sunday night, some wonder whether the 49ers will feel increased urgency to make a move before the deadline.
Is a trade necessary?
"No, we don't have to," general manager John Lynch said Thursday on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "Like I've said consistently, if it can make our team better, and things align, speaking with other teams, with how it benefits us long term, the analysis of, okay, what kind of compensation does it take from future drafts and all that."
Lynch added that the front office remains confident in the players currently on the roster, with the upcoming stretch offering them a chance to step up.
"But we've got plenty in this building," Lynch continued. "Bryce has been a big part of what we do, played a fantastic game. Unfortunately, it was like the second-to-last play of that game where he got his hammy, and he's just going to be out a couple of games, is kind of what it's looking like right now.
"We'll hold down the fort until then. And with respect, I've spoken at great length on the other stuff. If it can help our team, we won't hesitate to do it, but nothing has presented itself that has aligned completely, to this point."
Health of the 49ers' defensive backfield
The 49ers' secondary has also been dealing with injuries. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir did not practice on Wednesday after sustaining a quad injury during Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Renardo Green (toe) and Upton Stout (ankle) were limited participants.
The positive news is that safety Malik Mustapha has returned from injury and appears to be reintegrating well into the defense. Additionally, cornerback Chase Lucas has stepped up amid the unit's recent setbacks.
When asked about the status of his defensive backs heading into Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans, Lynch offered a measured but optimistic outlook.
"I think [Lenoir], I'll never want to trivialize just a quad bruise, but those happen," Lynch said. "Like a Charley horse, and so sometimes you need, early in the week, just to kind of continue to stretch that thing, loosen it up. So, he missed a day because of that.
"Renardo hurt his toe the other day in the game, but responded fairly well. So he practiced yesterday. Malik's doing great in his comeback. Upton is feeling good this week."
Lynch expressed confidence that the 49ers' defensive backfield should be in good shape by the weekend.
"So, I think the prognosis back there is—we still have practice today and tomorrow—but those guys are all trending in the right direction," Lynch concluded.