The San Francisco 49ers currently have a bye week. With time off before Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers, there are many important 49ers players who will be returning from injury. This list can go on for a while with so many injuries. While the team has done okay without a few players, the 49ers will only get better with them returning. Here are three important 49ers players to return after the bye week.
Important 49ers Players: Deebo Samuel
Wide receiver, Deebo Samuel has only missed one game this season which was against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he should return after the bye week. One of the largest reasons Samuel coming back will be huge is because opposing defenses will not know who to cover. Between Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Samuel, it will be difficult to keep all of the offensive weapons covered at once. The wide receiver is one of the very important 49ers players to return after the bye week.
This season, Samuel has totaled 387 yards for 32 receptions and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. His receptions have also resulted in 14 first downs this season, which is important to keep the offensive drive going. As NFL fans know, Samuel refers to himself as a wide back, being able to rush the ball as well. This season Samuel has rushed for 138 yards from 24 attempts and one touchdown. Although the opposing team’s defense now knows the receiver is a threat in the run game too, he has still been able to produce.
Samuel’s statistics may not be as high as some believed they would be at this point of the season, but with multiple offensive weapons, expect Samuel to get more opportunities to get open. It is also critical to remember, if Samuel is being double-teamed, or the defense has their best player on him, other important 49ers players will have the chance to get open for big plays.
Important 49ers Players: Arik Armstead
There is really not much to discuss about defensive end, Arik Armstead for this 2022 season. Early in the year, he suffered a foot injury, then when he came back he injured his other foot. Luckily for the 49ers, Armstead did not have to be placed on the injured reserve list. While he is not confirmed to be back for the first game after the bye week, he is expected to return soon after.
With minimal statistics to discuss this season, Armstead has played in three games and totaled five combined tackles and one tackle for a loss, according to Pro Football Reference. Last season in 2021, Armstead totaled six sacks and 63 combined tackles. Armstead also has 11 quarterback hits. Although there has not been much from the veteran defensive player this season, it is going to greatly help this 49ers’ defense when he returns.
The 49ers’ defense has not been bad this season, but they have had a few bad games, such as against the Kansas City Chiefs. According to ESPN, opponents average 18.4 points per game against San Francisco. This number is not bad, especially when the team has an offense that should be able to put up at least 20 points each game. The team actually does average 22 points per game. When Armstead returns, the defensive line will be stacked with many important 49ers players, making it difficult for any opposing quarterback to make a play.
Important 49ers Players: Dre Greenlaw
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been a star for the San Francisco 49ers. Between him and Fred Warner, it is difficult for opposing offenses to get a strong momentum. Greenlaw did not play against the Los Angeles Rams and left the game early against the Kansas City Chiefs. Greenlaw is a very important 49ers player and should return soon after the bye week.
This season, not only did Greenlaw get a contract extension, but he also has 58 combined tackles this season. According to Pro Football Reference, 35 of those tackles are solo, and he has three tackles for loss. Although he has zero sacks and no quarterback hits either, Greenlaw has been a big reason that opponents have not been able to get momentum with their run game.
With the defense getting healthier, and other linebackers returning soon as well, Greenlaw will be able to boost his stats even higher. According to ESPN, opposing teams have only totaled 38 rushing first downs against the 49ers and eight rushing touchdowns. Hopefully, when Greenlaw gets healthier, these numbers will stay low.
Important 49ers Players: Honorable Mentions
Elijah Mitchell
Second-year running back, Elijah Mitchell sprained his MCL in week one of the NFL season. With the trade of Jeff WIlson Jr., the hopes are high that Mitchell will be back sooner rather than later. Mitchell will be able to give McCaffrey time to catch his breath and not take as many hits.
Jason Verrett
Veteran cornerback, Jason Verrett tore his ACL early in the 2021 season. Verrett has been practicing for a couple of weeks and has been elevated from the injured reserve. If all goes well, he should return against the Los Angeles Chargers. With Emmanuel Moseley out with an ACL tear, added depth by a player known to play well will greatly help the team’s secondary.
After the bye week, the San Francisco 49ers will face the LA Chargers in Sunday Night Football. Be sure to watch for these important 49ers players if they are back to witness their importance to the team.
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