The injury cloud that’s hung over the San Francisco 49ers since training camp just won’t move on. As the team prepares for its Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans, the latest injury report reads like a nightmare scenario for a squad once built around depth, balance, and star power.

On Wednesday, the 49ers released their practice participation report and well it’s a long one, that just keeps getting longer. But beyond the typical midseason aches and lingering issues, San Francisco also had All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star edge rusher Nick Bosa go out with season ending injuries. 

Warner suffered an ankle injury during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss, while Bosa sustained an ACL tear in the Arizona Cardinals game in late September. The loss of both defensive captains is as crushing as it gets. With Bosa out, Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos are carrying heavier loads, though both were non-participants in Wednesday’s session with hamstring and knee issues of their own.

Offensive Side: More Lingering Questions

On offense, quarterback Brock Purdy remains limited in practice as he continues to work through the toe injury that sidelined him for Week 7. Purdy initially injured the toe in Week 1 and aggravated it in his Week 4 return. Mac Jones once again took first-team reps on Wednesday and remains the likely starter against Houston, barring any last-minute progress from Purdy.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is still out with the knee injury he suffered in Week 4 against Jacksonville and hasn’t practiced since. With Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey both resting (non-injury related), it’s shaping up to be another week where depth and versatility will determine how well the 49ers’ offense holds up.

There was also a new concern in the secondary, as cornerback Deommodore Lenoir appeared on the report for the first time with a quad injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that Lenoir was hurt during last Sunday’s win but said there’s “some hope” he could return to practice later this week.

“I’m not sure about tomorrow, but I hope he can go,” Shanahan said. “I guess he’s going to go, but I won’t know until we see how it reacts tomorrow.”

Wednesday’s Full Injury Report

Did Not Participate: C Jake Brendel (hamstring), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee, hamstring), DE Bryce Huff (hamstring), CB Deommodore Lenoir (quadricep), RB Christian McCaffrey (rest), WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), LT Trent Williams (rest)

Limited Participation: OT Spencer Burford (knee), LB Luke Gifford (hamstring), CB Renardo Green (toe), QB Brock Purdy (toe), CB Upton Stout (ankle)

Full Participation: DT Kalia Davis (hand), WR Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib, shoulder), QB Mac Jones (knee, oblique), DT CJ West (thumb)

Bottom Line

The 49ers’ depth has already been tested this season, but San Francisco is currently holding down the top spot in the NFC West and sitting at 5-2. Even with all the injuries, they are getting it done. San Francisco’s “next man up” mindset has delivered again, and that’s a real credit to Kyle Shanahan and his staff.