David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2026 12:00 PM
Kyle Shanahan reshuffles the depth chart as Kyle Juszczyk sidelined by a knee injury and defensive reinforcements near a return ahead of a pivotal Seahawks clash.
The San Francisco 49ers may be sitting atop the NFC West at 4-0 following Sunday’s 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, but head coach Kyle Shanahan’s Monday press conference felt more like an ER triage unit.
As San Francisco prepares for a crucial division clash against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, the front office and coaching staff are once again forced to shuffle depth charts across multiple position groups.
Kyle Juszczyk Avoids Structural Disaster, Out 2–3 Weeks
The most alarming moment during Sunday’s victory occurred when Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk absorbed a dangerous hit to his knee in the fourth quarter. While the scene looked dire as trainers helped him off the field, initial imaging delivered encouraging news that Juszczyk suffered a hyperextended knee and bone bruise, avoiding any major ligament damage.
"He’ll miss a few weeks," Shanahan confirmed on Monday.
Juszczyk is expected to miss two to three weeks. Rather than signing a pure fullback, Shanahan indicated that tight ends Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis will divide lead-blocking duties: "They’re all pretty interchangeable, but it’ll definitely get Brayden some more ops."
Secondary Under Siege: Marques Sigle and Upton Stout Updates
San Francisco’s secondary took two major hits against Denver's passing attack:
- Marques Sigle (High Ankle Sprain): The safety suffered a high ankle sprain during the second half and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Sophomore safety Malik Mustapha will slide into the starting lineup alongside Ji'Ayir Brown.
- Upton Stout (AC Joint): The nickel cornerback is day-to-day with a shoulder AC joint issue. If Stout is unable to suit up in Seattle, rookie Ephesians Prysock is a primary candidate for snaps. During Sunday's game, Shanahan shifted Deommodore Lenoir into the slot while moving Jack Jones outside.
- Nate Hobbs Reinforcements: Cornerback Nate Hobbs is "getting close" in his rehab protocol and could return to practice as early as this week.
Defensive Line Timeline: Mykel Williams Set to Practice
The front seven continues to operate without its premier pass rusher, but help is on the horizon:
- Mykel Williams: The edge rusher will participate in full team drills this week. If his knee holds up through Friday, San Francisco plans to activate him for Sunday's game in Seattle.
- Nick Bosa & James Thompson Jr.: Shanahan confirmed the team is not expecting Nick Bosa (knee/calf) or defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. (ankle) to suit up against the Seahawks.
Receiving Corps Relief: Mike Evans Stable, Christian Kirk on Horizon
On the offensive perimeter, wide receiver Mike Evans experienced no setbacks with his injured ribs after logging 39 snaps and five receptions for 76 yards against Denver.
Meanwhile, veteran wideout Christian Kirk remains targeted for a Week 6 return to practice as he finishes recovering from a calf injury. With Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing backing up Deebo Samuel, Kirk’s eventual return will provide a major boost to Brock Purdy's passing attack.
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