49ers Bryce Huff Out Two Weeks with Hamstring Strain

UPDATE: The San Francisco 49ers face a significant setback as edge rusher Bryce Huff will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain. This urgent news comes after Huff exited the game during the 49ers’ 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

Huff, who played a season-high 45 snaps against Atlanta, felt discomfort towards the end of the match. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed in a conference call, “I was told he felt it on the last two plays.” This injury adds to the 49ers’ woes, having already lost top edge rusher Nick Bosa to a torn ACL earlier this season.

Currently, the 49ers rank 25th in the NFL with just 14 sacks, with Huff leading the team with four sacks and six quarterback hits. His absence intensifies the pressure on a struggling defense as they prepare for upcoming road games against the Houston Texans on Sunday and the New York Giants on November 2.

With Bosa and fellow end Yetur Gross-Matos also out due to injuries, the team is left with only rookie Mykel Williams and Sam Okuayinonu as healthy options. Okuayinonu recently made his mark with a sack against Atlanta, but the loss of Huff could force the 49ers to explore trade options as the November 5 deadline approaches.

Shanahan stated, “I don’t think it changes the urgency of it. (The front office) has been looking into that stuff all the time for the last few weeks.” The pressure is mounting for the 49ers, who need to strengthen their edge rush to maintain a competitive edge.

Additionally, center Jake Brendel will also miss approximately the same timeframe due to a hamstring strain, leaving veteran Matt Hennessey to step in. The 49ers are monitoring quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee), while cornerback Renardo Green is day-to-day with a toe injury.

In a moment of optimism, Shanahan indicated that Huff’s hamstring issue may not be as severe as others, saying, “Hopefully it won’t be longer than two weeks.” As the team navigates these challenges, fans are left hoping for a quick recovery.

This developing situation emphasizes the urgency for the 49ers to adapt quickly and strategize effectively for their upcoming games. The absence of key players not only impacts their performance but also raises questions about the team’s depth and resilience moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 49ers as they prepare for a critical stretch in their season.