This season's plethora of injuries can't be dismissed as a reason for the defending NFC champions' downfall. Despite the upcoming roster changes, two ESPN writers believe the slump is temporary. We're not even certain a quarterback change isn't in the team's future. Although, head coach Kyle Shanahan offered yet another vote of confidence in Jimmy Garoppolo this week.
Upcoming changes don't matter to Mike Clay and Field Yates, though.
"The 49ers will bounce back," wrote Clay on Wednesday as part of a larger NFL prediction feature. "Considering how obliterated they've been by injuries in arguably the league's best division, how is it even possible that the 49ers have nearly broken even in scoring margin? A roster loaded with talent and a terrific coaching staff led by Kyle Shanahan is how. A healthy 49ers roster will have them well-positioned for a run at the NFC West title in 2020."
The roster is almost unrecognizable when compared to the starting lineup for Week 1. The 49ers are down to their third-string quarterback, C.J. Beathard, following injuries to Garoppolo and Nick Mullens.
Raheem Mostert, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Richard Sherman, and many more of the team's stars were either lost for the season or missed significant time. That has contributed to a 6-9 record and dashed Super Bowl hopes.
"The 49ers will be back," added Yates. "We delve into hyperbole often, but I do not recall a team that has had the injury luck the 49ers faced in 2020, and that is not an exaggeration. While I'm not sure who will be their quarterback and while acknowledging they have a laundry list of important free agents, I do believe this team is primed for a bounce back to the playoffs in [2021]. The roster is deep, the coaching staff is fantastic, and the front office does an excellent job finding the right pieces."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
ESPN questions whether 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey's impact is being overhyped
From a raw production standpoint, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey delivered another eye-catching season. He finished just 76 receiving yards shy of becoming the first player in NFL history to post multiple seasons with 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000... -
Three 49ers earn All-Pro honors for the 2025 NFL season
Three San Francisco 49ers players earned All-Pro honors for the 2025 NFL season. Running back Christian McCaffrey and fullback Kyle Juszczyk were named first-team All-Pro selections, while left tackle Trent Williams earned second-team All-Pro recognition. The 49ers finished... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas... -
49ers' Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings find late-season groove ahead of playoff push
After a slow start to the season while working through multiple injuries, wide receiver Jauan Jennings has hit his stride at the right time. He has scored six touchdowns over his last five games and found the end zone in seven of his past eight outings. Since quarterback Brock...