The San Francisco 49ers have a handful of significant injury question marks going into their season opener against the New York Jets.
Their official Week 1 injury report didn’t do much to quell any potential concerns on the health front. Two starters are listed as questionable with another starter listed as doubtful.
Here’s the full report:
Out
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
LB Dee Winters (ankle)
This isn’t a huge surprise with neither player practicing the first two days of practice. Ideally neither will miss significant time. Gross-Matos is the 49ers’ third DE who figures to play a major role on the defensive line. Winters will likely be a special teams contributor to start the year.
Doubtful
S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)
Hufanga didn’t get any training camp practices in. His limited participation the first two days of the week signaled he is still in the midst of a ramp up. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s back in action for Week 2 as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL late last season.
Questionable
RB Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles)
LG Aaron Banks (finger)
McCaffrey is certain he’s going to play which helps some of the uncertainty surrounding his status. Still, if team doctors decide he isn’t capable of playing Monday night it’s unlikely the 49ers will rush him onto the field in Week 1. If he’s unable to suit up or if he has a limited snap count it could mean a big night for RB Jordan Mason.
Banks’ finger issue didn’t keep him out of any practices which is a good sign. If he winds up not playing we may see Nick Zakelj or Ben Bartch at left guard.
Not listed
WR Jauan Jennings (ankle)
RB Isaac Guerendo (groin)
Jennings and Guerendo were both limited to start the week. They were full participants in Saturday’s session and not on the injury report.
The 49ers host the Jets at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night. Kickoff is slated for 5:15pm Pacific Time.
