2 min read • August 05, 2022
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2021 record: 10-7, lost NFC Championship | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 9.5
The 49ers came within a dropped interception from going to their second Super Bowl in the last three years with Jimmy Garropolo as quarterback but are handing the reins to the raw and athletic Trey Lance.
The perennially-beat-up 49ers bring several injury questions into the Trey Lance era and enter training camp with one of the 10 lowest SIC scores in the league at 89.8.
A large part of the current concern comes from the defense, specifically the defensive line: Former No. 14 overall pick Javon Kinlaw was cleared but is still limited as he recovers from October 2021 ACL reconstruction, Arik Armstead suffered a knee injury in camp that will sideline him for a few weeks, and Maurice Hearst suffered a torn biceps that could keep him out for the season.
The 49ers also released much-maligned edge-rusher Dee Ford who made only 22 tackles and 9.5 sacks in 18 games for the 49ers since coming over in 2019.
The top-end linebacking trio of Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and Azeez Al-Shair all missed time in 2021 with a high ankle sprain, core muscle injury, and elbow and knee injuries, respectively. Al-Shair reportedly underwent surgery and Greenlaw spent most of the offseason rehabbing a playoff hamstring injury, but all three are full participants at camp and should be healthy for Week 1.
Cornerback Jason Verrett is returning on a one-year deal alongside free agent Charvarius Ward one year since tearing his ACL in Week 1 and was placed on the PUP list.
On offense, Lance is clear of the finger injury that reportedly plagued him in his rookie season, running back Elijah Mitchell underwent offseason knee surgery to cleanup a December MCL sprain, and Deebo Samuel signed a massive three-year, $73 million contract the day before San Francisco
The new-look offensive line sandwiches three new starters between Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey, who are each returning from injuries and will be tasked with protecting the edges for Lance.
Lance has already been through the media ringer this offseason, and some of that attention came from a right finger pointer injury and an uncorroborated report that he was suffering from “arm fatigue” during OTAs after adjusting his throwing motion.
While the arm fatigue rumors appear to be overblown, the Docs asserted that the right finger injury that Lance said hampered him all season and forced him to adjust his grip was somewhat of a “welcome to the NFL” moment for the 22-year-old, who is fully healthy now but will certainly have to fight through his fair share of injuries in the future.
The rookie back took over for Raheem Mostert after he underwent season-ending surgery and went on to gain 1,100 total yards in 11 games.
Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury, fractured finger, concussion, and MCL sprain in 2021, but is fully healthy ahead of his sophomore season and prepared to take over as the unquestioned No. 1 back in Shanahan’s dominant rushing attack.
Samuel signed a huge extension on July 31 after reportedly demanding a trade earlier in the offseason. One of the reported issues for Samuel was his overuse in the rushing game, which has contributed to the variety of injuries he’s suffered in the last two years, including a hamstring strain, groin strain, and knee injury.
Williams suffered an elbow, shoulder, and high-ankle sprain in 2021, but the 34-year-old played in 15 games and produced the highest single-season PFF score ever.
The veteran carries some injury concerns as he progresses in age – coming into his 12th season after an injury-riddled career and a cancer diagnosis – but he remains one of the best left tackles in football.
McGlinchey missed most of 2021 after tearing his quadriceps tendon, but should be clear of the injury this season and should see a gradual increase in production as he approaches the anniversary of his surgery in early November.
Bosa, who will reportedly rush from both sides after the release of Dee Ford, made 15.5 sacks and a league-leading 21 TFL in his first year back from suffering a torn ACL in September 2020. He should be even better in 2022 after a full offseason of training instead of rehab.
Kinlaw carries significant concerns after a strange injury saga ended in ACL reconstruction and an explosive confrontation with a 49ers’ reporter about the health of his knees.
The massive defensive tackle suffers from arthritis in both knees that will have to be managed, and will likely be ineffective for a portion of the year as he recovers from the procedure.
Hurst, meanwhile, has reportedly been ruled out for the season after suffering a torn biceps, although the Pro Football Docs believe that he could return in December for the stretch run.
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