The San Francisco 49ers have once again been forced to navigate an injury-plagued season. Yet instead of collapsing under the weight of missing stars, the team has battled its way to an 8-4 record, exceeding expectations for a roster without several key playmakers—including defensive cornerstones Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
NFL insider Dianna Russini believes head coach Kyle Shanahan deserves significant credit for keeping the 49ers in playoff contention despite the adversity of a grueling 2025 campaign.
"Being a scheme genius, a premier play caller, is one thing," Russini wrote. "Being adaptable, flexible, emotionally even-keeled, and creatively relentless when your roster keeps falling apart — that's where a coach becomes great."
Russini highlighted the crucial pieces that have missed substantial time. Brandon Aiyuk hasn't taken a snap—or even practiced—this season as tensions between the wide receiver and the 49ers appear to be heading toward a split. Although, the team remains hopeful that Aiyuk can still contribute down the stretch.
The offense has also been without quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at various points, and the 49ers are already on their third kicker of the year.
Despite the constant setbacks, San Francisco remains firmly in the playoff hunt.
Russini concluded, "This is Shanahan's finest season. Coincidentally, it's coming at the exact moment he has the least to work with."