Nick Bosa, Isaac Guerendo, and Dre Greenlaw are all questionable
Since 2021, the San Francisco 49ers are 20 games over .500 when Trent Williams is in the lineup. Without Williams, they are 4-6. Williams might be one of a few if any, offensive linemen in the league who are more valuable than some of the skill players on their respective teams.
The Niners officially ruled Williams out for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Jaylon Moore will continue to start, and this will be his biggest challenge yet against the power rushers the Rams have. Moore has passed every test so far but has yet to face a pass rusher the caliber of Jared Verse.
Rookie Malik Mustapha was ruled out with a chest injury. This is the problem I brought up to Shanahan when talking about Thursday night games and how players who are questionable are closer to doubtful on a short week.
Ji’Ayir Brown returns to the starting lineup. He gave up a touchdown in coverage last week, but I wouldn’t fault Tig too much for that. It was a bang-bang play. He’s not the worst option you have, and Brown has played plenty of football during the past calendar year and has seen the Rams offense before.
The good news is that edge rusher Nick Bosa, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and running back Isaac Guerendo are all questionable. The 49ers’ pass rush came alive against the Bears, and Bosa would give the defensive line the shot in the arm they need to get after Matthew Stafford. It would also allow the team to use different pressure packages, like Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam O, on the field at the same time.
Bosa hasn’t played in nearly a month, so while he’ll start, easing him back into the lineup on obvious passing downs or critical situations makes sense. Then again, he’ll have ten days to rest, and the season is on the line. He’s the best player on your defense. Taking him off the field should only be an option when Bosa has nothing left in the tank.
Greenlaw is the energizer bunny that, even in 20-25 snaps, could give the 49ers an emotional lift. Kyle Shanahan seemed giddy about the thought of Greenlaw back on the field last week. He tempered his expectations on Monday, but Greenlaw has been one of their best players during the past couple of seasons.
Guerendo is a bigger deal than most outside of the building realize. And that’s not taking into account how valuable he was last week. The 49ers don’t have healthy running backs. Guerendo is the only one you could confidently turn around and hand the ball off to 10+ times and feel good about it.
If he’s healthy and involved in the passing game, the 49ers offense will be in good shape.
Left guard Ben Bartch is officially out with a high-ankle sprain. Defensive tackle Khalil Davis is questionable. Dee Winters, Aaron Banks, Talanoa Huufanga, and Sam Okuayinonu are all off the injury report.