The San Francisco 49ers are flying high with a perfect 4-0 start to the 2026 NFL season, but the injury bug is biting hard. In their latest 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Niners lost several key contributors, including Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who suffered a knee injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media on Monday, revealing that Juszczyk has a "knee hyperextension with bone bruise" that will keep him out for a few weeks. With the 10-time Pro Bowler sidelined, Shanahan is already plotting his next move. "Yeah, (tight end) Luke (Farrell) and Brayden (Willis) and (tight end George) Kittle. They’re all pretty interchangeable, but it'll definitely get Brayden some more ops," Shanahan said. "(Tight end Jake) Tonges would do that for us last year, the last couple of years, and lost him Week 1 and Brayden's been ready for this role.”
Defensive Woes: Bosa Still Out, Thompson Ruled Out
The 49ers' defense is also dealing with significant absences. Star edge rusher Nick Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, remains sidelined with a calf injury sustained during warm-ups in Week 3. Shanahan indicated that Bosa is "probably not expecting to get (him) back this week." Additionally, defensive lineman James Thompson has been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks with an ankle injury. However, there is a glimmer of hope: defensive end Mykel Williams, who has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 of the 2025 season, was removed from the PUP list on Sept. 30. Shanahan is hopeful Williams can be activated for Week 5. "Mykel, hopefully practice keeps going well, has a good week of practice and hopefully we can get him activated at the end of the week," he said. "But, it depends how the week goes.”
Secondary Hit: Sigle and Stout Injured
The 49ers' secondary took a hit as well. Safety Marques Sigle suffered a high ankle sprain on a kickoff return with 2:08 left in the game against the Broncos. Sigle went helmet-first to make a play on returner RJ Harvey and remained on the turf before being helped to the locker room. Shanahan confirmed Sigle will miss time. "Marques Sigle had a high ankle sprain," Shanahan said. "He'll miss some time." Cornerback Upton Stout is also banged up with an AC sprain in his shoulder. Shanahan said Stout is day-to-day and questionable for Sunday. "Upton Stout with a shoulder AC sprain. He’ll be day-to-day," Shanahan said. "We’ll have to manage him through the week to see if we can get him to Sunday."
Next Man Up: Who Replaces Juszczyk?
With Juszczyk out, the 49ers will rely on their tight ends to fill the void. Brayden Willis, in particular, is expected to see an increased role. "Brayden's been ready for this role," Shanahan said. The 49ers' versatility at tight end, with George Kittle, Luke Farrell, and Willis, should help mitigate the loss. However, Juszczyk's unique skill set as a blocker and receiver out of the backfield is irreplaceable. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, the 49ers' depth will be tested as they face a tough NFC West matchup against the Seahawks.
Looking Ahead to Seattle
The 49ers will need to dig deep as they prepare for a pivotal Week 5 clash against the Seattle Seahawks. With Bosa and Juszczyk out, and several others questionable, San Francisco's resilience will be on full display. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team's ability to adapt could determine their fate in the NFC race. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest injury updates and in-depth analysis as the 49ers navigate this challenging stretch.
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