49ers Get Healthier While Rams Face More Injury Woes

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49ers Get Healthier as Rams Face Injuries and Playoff Questions

The 49ers received encouraging news coming out of their week off. Nick Bosa looks set to return against the Raiders, while Christian McCaffrey could also play despite the hamstring injury that surfaced in Week 7.

McCaffrey missed practice, raising some concern after the team’s week off. However, it may simply have been an extra day of rest. His status would become more troubling if he were unable to practice again the following day.

DeMarcus Robinson is also likely to play for the first time since injuring his ankle against Miami in Week 2. Evans is making significant progress, according to coach Shanahan, while Debo Samuels appears to be further away from returning. Overall, the 49ers are getting healthier as the season moves forward.

San Francisco remains one of the teams viewed as a possible Super Bowl pick, although there is some skepticism about whether any NFC team is truly dominant. Chicago or Seattle could potentially go into San Francisco and win. Kansas City and Buffalo were placed above the NFC contenders, with the Bears viewed as the third-best team.

The Rams, meanwhile, have reportedly lost prized offseason signing Jalen Watson for the remainder of the season because of right shoulder surgery. The team’s current situation looks very different from what was expected before the season, with each step forward seemingly followed by another setback.

Despite those problems, the Rams remain close enough in the NFC West to compete for a playoff spot. If they can reach the postseason with a 9-8 record, there is a chance they could be favored in the opening round even without a home game. Their goal is to get in and hope to recapture some of the magic they have shown over the past few years.

The NFC playoff picture could help. The NFC South was described as brutal, the Rams remain within reach in the NFC West, and only one team is expected to emerge from the NFC East. The NFC North appears to be the strongest division, leaving the Rams likely to battle a team from the North or another team from the West for a spot.

Wide receiver is another concern for Los Angeles. Pukunakua has been in and out of the lineup, while Devante Adams provided a reliable option when available. The Rams cannot depend on using six tight ends and expect to beat opponents, so a trade for another receiver could make sense. Downs, who has asked to be traded, was mentioned as a possible fit.

The Rams are viewed as an all-in team with a limited window. Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald and Devonte Adams may not be in the league in two years, and McVeigh may no longer be coaching the team by then. The Rams also appear uncertain about their running backs, with Blake Coorum being used nearly as much as Kyron Williams. For Los Angeles, this season may be a put-up-or-shut-up year.