Bosa joins 49ers' injury crisis, but midseason returns could provide boost

"And yet, the mood of the 49ers faithful early this week is downcast after losing Nick Bosa to a torn ACL in his right knee in Sunday's 16-15 win over the Cardinals. Also, their only fully healthy quarterback at this point is Adrian Martinez after backup Mac Jones aggravated a knee injury in the home opener. Even without Bosa and with injuries swirling, the 49ers have a strong chance to make the postseason: Since the NFL expanded its playoffs to six teams per conference in 1990, 75 percent of the 170 teams to start a season 3-0 have made the playoffs."

"In the five years since expanding to seven teams, 19 of the 22 teams to start a season with three straight wins have made the playoffs (86 percent). They're also playing one of the league's easiest schedules, as determined by last year's records, after finishing fourth in the NFC West in 2024. They have won two games without Brock Purdy and George Kittle, putting themselves ahead of the curve."

"Wide receiver Jauan Jennings: Missed Week 3 with an ankle injury after dealing with shoulder and calf injuries earlier. Brandon Aiyuk: Rehabbing from an ACL tear last season. On injured reserve, eligible to return in Week 5 but perhaps more likely later in October. Demarcus Robinson: Completed his three-game suspension for DUI last November and is eligible to play Sunday against Jacksonville. Offensive line Ben Bartch: Suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 at New Orleans, which sent him to injured reserve. Spencer Burford: Went on the injured list on Saturday after injuring his knee in New Orleans a week prior."

The San Francisco 49ers sit 3-0 with two road wins and two divisional victories despite key injuries. Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL in the Week 3 win, and Mac Jones aggravated a knee injury, leaving Adrian Martinez as the only fully healthy quarterback. Historical data shows strong playoff probability for 3-0 teams, and recent expansions increased those odds. The 49ers face one of the league's easiest schedules based on last season. Several contributors could return later in the year, including Brock Purdy and George Kittle, while players such as Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, Ben Bartch, and Spencer Burford have varying timelines.

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