The San Francisco 49ers' injury report for their Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams suddenly makes for grim reading.

It had already been confirmed Deebo Samuel would miss the rivalry game with a calf injury before news emerged on Thursday that both tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and Charvarius Ward (hamstring/knee) did not participate in the penultimate practice for the NFC West clash.

And there was one last unpleasant surprise on the injury report, with star defensive end Nick Bosa listed as limited with a rib injury.

The fact Bosa was limited at least suggests the injury is not overly serious.

Kittle's injury has been described as "tightness" in his hamstring, so there is a chance the 49ers are simply playing it very safe at this early point in the season, and defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen confirmed that is the case with All-Pro corner Ward.

"There’s some soreness, so we’re just being smart and decided to hold him out," Sorensen said in his press conference.

49ers injury report

Sorensen's brief but reassuring comments would appear to point to Ward being available, the former Kansas City Chiefs defender likely to be crucial to the 49ers' hopes of preventing Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from eliciting production from an injury-hit Rams offense.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, meanwhile, expressed confidence in backup tight ends Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges and their ability to step up if Kittle cannot play.

"I think Saubert has done a great job just coming in and and doing his job well, and knowing what our offense is, where his landmarks are supposed to be as a route runner, and and then in the run game, he does a great job for our guys," Purdy said. 

"He did a great job towards the end of the game [against Minnesota in Week 2], two minute drill, he was right where he needed to be, and caught a couple, you know, crucial catches and stuff. He's got experience, he's played for a while now. So for me as a quarterback, that gives me some comfort, knowing that he's been in those situations and and he's willing to, you know, understand what we're what we're trying to do, and then execute the heat of the moment. 

"Jake Tonges, just seeing his progression from last year until now, of knowing our offense and being where he needs to be. 

"He's a smooth route runner. He got good he's got great hands, so I'm excited for him this opportunity, man, he's had a great camp and and whenever his number has been called upon in practice or in some preseason games, I think he's done a great job. So I'm excited for both."

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