Packers brace for a specific 49ers matchup that could shift in their favor
When Green Bay Packers fans see this week's injury report, the questions will go beyond their own team's roster. On Sunday, the Packers face the San Francisco 49ers in a huge NFC matchup, and the other side have significant concerns as well. Three highly impactful players have handled injuries in San Francisco, and one in […]
When Green Bay Packers fans see this week's injury report, the questions will go beyond their own team's roster. On Sunday, the Packers face the San Francisco 49ers in a huge NFC matchup, and the other side have significant concerns as well.
Three highly impactful players have handled injuries in San Francisco, and one in particular seems to be under a real risk of losing the game at Lambeau Field. It's edge rusher Nick Bosa.
"I think he could be good for Sunday and he definitely could not be good for Sunday," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday.
Bosa had been handling a hip injury, but he left the 49ers' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday with a new oblique injury. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday. And while he is the type of player who could be available even without any practice, the risk of missing him is huge for the 49ers.
According to ESPN, it's hard for a defensive player to be as individually impactful as Bosa is. The splits with and without him on the field are extreme.
When Bosa is on the field, the 49ers have a 33% pressure rate and an 8% sack rate. Without him, the team goes to what would be the worst numbers in the league, 18% pressure rate and 2% sack rate.
So far this season, Nick Bosa has generated 52 total pressures, according to PFF. This is more than all Packers edge rushers combined — Rashan Gary (25), Kingsley Enagbare (13), Lukas Van Ness (7), Brenton Cox (2), Arron Mosby (1).
Other injuries
Quarterback Brock Purdy has been limited because of a right shoulder injury. However, Shanahan seemed somewhat hopeful that he would be ready.
"He was still limited today (Thursday), he didn't do as much yesterday but did a little bit more today," Shanahan said. "He went out there and did a little bit then went back in about halfway through and rested up. Hopefully it will be feeling great on Sunday."
Left tackle Trent Williams hasn't practiced this week because of an ankle injury. The 49ers will give him up until gametime to make a determination.
The other 49ers players listed as a non-participant were backups — linebacker Tatum Bethune, defensive tackle Kevin Givens, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing.
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