Week 5 has been full of surprises. One among them is 49ers 23-24 loss to the Cardinals. After 5 games, they sit at a 2-3 win-loss record. Cracks are appearing in the Niners Empire. But another thing took the spotlight. The injuries to Jake Moody and other players. They are piling up. And putting future matchups in danger for the San Fran team.
Kicker Moody suffered a right ankle injury in the 2nd quarter when he tried to stop DeeJay Dallas‘ 39-yard return. He was taken to the medical tent and listed as questionable, but he didn’t return to the field. We got the confirmation. HC Kyle Shanahan has announced that it’s a high ankle sprain injury.
Injury updates from Kyle Shanahan.#AZvsSF pic.twitter.com/0TZT2lmicG
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After Moody went off the ground, punter Mitch Wishnowsky replaced him. He scored his first field goal from 26 yards. On the sidelines, fullback Kyle Juszczyk was also practicing in case his services were needed. But that didn’t happen. Moody’s injury is surely concerning for the Niners.
The kicker has scored on 13 of 14 attempts in 5 games this season. Though he walked to the locker room on his own, there was a high chance of missing game time. The high ankle sprain might need further medical evaluation to check the extent of the injury.
The temperature during the game was over 100 degrees. This might have played a role in so many players getting injured.
49ers players who got injured other than Jake Moody
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The injuries started in the 1st quarter itself. First, receiver Jauan Jennings dislocated his finger. He went off the field for a few plays but later returned. There were setbacks in the defense too.
And then, Safety Talanoa Hufanga suffered a wrist injury just before halftime. He was taken to the sidelines. Injuries to starters forced the 49ers to play rookie Malik Mustapha. And with injury to key players like Jake Moody, Christian McCaffrey, and Ricky Pearsall, the road to Super Bowl might get tough for the Niners.
The team will play against Seattle Seahawks on 10th of October. HC Shanahan wants his team to be prepared for future and said, ” Big challenge ahead. If we sit and dwell, then I think obviously things won’t go our way, so we have to turn the page quick.” However, there are much bigger things to attend to.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can the coach fasten the return of veterans like Jake Moody or find a suitable backup? It wouldn’t be easy, but it’s required if the team wants to win.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Did the 49ers' loss to the Cardinals expose deeper issues, or was it just bad luck?
What’s your perspective on:
Did the 49ers' loss to the Cardinals expose deeper issues, or was it just bad luck?
Have an interesting take?