49ers replacement options after insane slew of injuries
The 49ers got a much-needed but costly win Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The 31-13 thumping of the New York Jets saw the 49ers lose Nick Bosa, Jimmy Garoppolo, Solomon Thomas and Raheem Mostert to various injuries. The 49ers fear Bosa tore his ACL, and Thomas is also suspected of suffering a severe knee injury.
Garoppolo left the game at halftime with a high-ankle sprain, an injury that normally requires four to six weeks to heal. Mostert reportedly suffered a mild MCL sprain and could miss a few weeks.
The 49ers will face the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins over the next three weeks. Those teams are a combined 0-6, so the 49ers should have some cushion to find reinforcements and figure out how to move forward without some of their stars.
Here are a few possibilities for injury replacements that the 49ers could look at to help fill the void.
Third time is a charm for Ansah and the 49ers.
After working Ansah out twice without reaching a deal, the 49ers agreed to a one-year contract with the former Seattle Seahawks on Monday.
Last year, Ansah had 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and eight quarterback hits in 11 games for the Seahawks.
The 2013 No. 3 overall pick played in five games for the Raiders last season after being reinstated from a 10-game suspension for using Adderall.
He recorded two sacks in five games for the Raiders. The 49ers signed Jordan prior to the season and placed him on the practice squad after he failed to make the active roster.
Jordan is a prime candidate to get called up after the injuries to Bosa and Thomas. Still just 30 years old, Jordan can play both inside and out and still has a lot of miles left on his tires after missing more than three full seasons due to a combination of suspensions and injuries.
The 31-year-old Sheard played the last two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, recording 10 sacks and 57 solo tackles in 29 games.
Sheard is a well-traveled veteran who has played for the Colts, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns.
If the 49ers need more depth, he's an option on the open market.
The 49ers have impressed with Javon Kinlaw through two games, but they might need some depth if Thomas is indeed lost for the season.
Harrison isn't the player he once was, but he can still be a solid run-stopper. Last season with the Detroit Lions, Harrison notched two sacks, 49 combined tackles and three tackles for loss.
With Mostert and Tevin Coleman both suffering knee injuries Sunday, Week 3 could be time for the 49ers to insert Jeff Wilson Jr. back into the lineup.
Wilson rushed for 105 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries last season for the 49ers. With the 49ers once again playing on the MetLife Stadium turf in Week 3, coach Kyle Shanahan could opt to give Wilson a majority of the carries if Mostert and Coleman are unable to go.
Jerick McKinnon also will see action, but it's unlikely the 49ers would want to give him a heavy workload coming off two straight knee injuries.
This is unlikely, but never say never.
Freeman recently worked out for the Eagles and reportedly will work out for the Giants after Saquon Barkley tore his ACL on Sunday.
But if the 49ers feel Mostert will miss extended time and would like a different look at running back, Freeman knows Shanahan's offense from his days with the Atlanta Falcons and could be a decent substitute.
Once again, unlikely but you never know.
Until Garoppolo comes back, this is Mullens' show to run.
He played admirably in 2018 after he was given the starting reins. He has experience in the offense and should be able to keep the chains moving and score against the Giants, Eagles and Dolphins, although Philadelphia could prove to be a tricky matchup.
Mullens will be the guy until Garoppolo is ready to lead the 49ers again. No need to dig any deeper here.
