Week 7 saw the 49ers improve to 5-2 on the year. The team is now dealing with even more injuries, though, and San Francisco’s edge rush group has been dealt another blow. 
Defensive end Bryce Huff has a hamstring injury, head coach Kyle Shanahan said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). An absence of multiple weeks is expected as a result. Starting center Jake Brendel finds himself in the same situation as Huff.
Matt Hennessey filled in at center to close out Sunday’s contest, and he could continue in that role moving forward while Brendel recovers. The interior of San Francisco’s offensive line could manage in that instance, but the team’s depth along the edge is now even more of a concern. Nick Bosa is out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL tear, something which has led many to expect a 49ers pass rush trade acquisition in the near future.
With Bosa sidelined, Huff has taken on an increased role. The former UDFA recorded one sack against the Falcons on Sunday, bringing his season total to four. After last year’s trade to the Eagles did not go as planned, Huff has managed to find success upon reuniting with 49ers defensive coordinator (and former Jets head coach) Robert Saleh. Having him unavailable for any period will be detrimental as a result. Shanahan added (via Wagoner’s colleague Adam Schefter) he hopes Huff does not miss more than two weeks.
General manager John Lynch has publicly confirmed the 49ers’ interest in making a trade to help compensate for Bosa’s absence along the edge, with 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson a name to watch on that front. More recently, however, he has suggested San Francisco could avoid costly acquisitions with not only Bosa but also All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner sidelined. It will be interesting to see how the team operates with two weeks remaining before the trade deadline given Huff’s status.
Tarron Jackson was moved to injured reserve in July after suffering a neck injury during practice. That move ended his campaign before it started, so instead of serving in a depth role behind Bosa and Huff he is on the mend as well. With a thin depth chart still in place along the edge, the 49ers will look to at least remain one of the NFC’s top teams until Huff is back in the fold.