The San Francisco 49ers aim to improve their 5-7 record in Week 14 when they take on the Chicago Bears. However, injury woes have plagued the roster, with the regular season approaching an end.
Christian McCaffrey was recently placed on the injured reserve after suffering a PCL injury in his knee. Numerous other players have also missed time with injuries, as it’s been a horror story for the 49ers health-wise this year.
Leading up to the Week 14 game against Chicago, San Francisco has made several roster moves to fill in for injured players. On Saturday, the organization made another move after activating safety Talanoa Hufanga off of the injured reserve.
Superstar edge rusher Nick Bosa is officially ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the Bears, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 27-year-old defender was dealing with hip and oblique injuries. This will be his third consecutive game missed for the 49ers.
Bosa did play in the team’s first 10 games of the season but it’s been a rough go for the sixth-year pro. So far this season, Bosa has recorded 36 total tackles (10 for a loss), seven sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and interception.
It’s unknown exactly when Bosa will return. The fact the 49ers have not placed him on the IR indicates the team believes he will return soon. The soonest Bosa can play will be in Week 15 when San Francisco plays the Los Angeles Rams on “Thursday Night Football.”
Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
With just five games remaining on the schedule, the best possible record the 49ers can finish with is 10-7. San Francisco is still very much in the playoff hunt, as they have a projected 7% chance of making the postseason. A win over the Bears increases their chances to 11%.
The team is ranked 11th in the NFC with the Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of them chasing a spot in the postseason. The No. 7 seed is owned by the Washington Commanders, who have a three-game lead over the 49ers.
San Francisco has made the playoffs three years straight and missing out on this year’s postseason would snap that streak. The last time the 49ers failed to make a playoff appearance was in 2020 when the team finished with a 6-10 record.
