As if things weren't bad enough for the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers, the team lost two more starters in its 28-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Cornerback Charvarius Ward exited the game with a groin injury and did not return. In addition, a calf injury forced right tackle Mike McGlinchey out.
That is bad news for a squad that entered the game without numerous starters.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Sunday's gut-wrenching defeat. A reporter asked if Ward's injury is something that could linger.
"We're not sure yet," Shanahan responded. "I hope not, but he couldn't go, which usually is not a good sign. But we've got to see how it is tomorrow."
The situation with McGlinchey is similar.
"Same thing," Shanahan said. "It was his calf. Not exactly sure [on his status]. We've got to do some testing on it, but he went out. I think he came back in at the end of the second quarter to try to tough it out. And then I think by the time he came in at halftime and stopped moving a little bit, I think he realized he couldn't go."
Shanahan noted that linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles sustained a right knee injury toward the end of the game and did not return.
On Saturday, the 49ers surprisingly placed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw on the injured reserve list due to a "flare-up" in his surgically repaired knee. Is the situation a season-ender for the defensive lineman?
"There always is [a chance it is season-ending], but we're expecting him to come back," Shanahan said. "We've just got to see how he reacts here. It hasn't reacted the way we wanted in the last two weeks, so we didn't think it was happening fast, so we just made this four-[game] commitment, especially with the bye week coming up. So hopefully, it will get better then."
The 49ers could get some help as they enter Week 7. The coach said that two starters may return against the Kansas City Chiefs. Defensive end Nick Bosa, the heart of the unit's pass rush, had a chance to play against the Falcons. He could be suited up next weekend after missing the Falcons game due to a groin injury.
A reporter asked if left tackle Trent Williams, who has been out since suffering a high-ankle sprain during Week 3, has a chance to play against the Chiefs.
"Yes," Shanahan answered.