Even the officials are not being able to evade Kyle Shanahan‘s frustration this time. The 49ers’ season finale against the Cardinals wasn’t just about a 47-24 loss. It turned out to be a spectacle of questionable calls. As the team faced defeat, tensions ran high. This led to Shanahan’s vocal critiques and a series of unfortunate setbacks.

The origin of Shanahan’s frustration? A controversial ejection of wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings had been playing with fierce intensity. But was unfortunately tossed out of the game after two scuffles with Cardinals cornerbacks. Shanahan seemed perplexed by the decision and defended his player. “I don’t understand what Jauan (Jennings) did wrong. He shouldn’t have been kicked out of the game,” he told a sideline reporter at halftime.

Jennings was 25 yards away from achieving a career milestone. He had already banked 52 yards on seven receptions. And could’ve easily reached a 1,000-yard season. However, he found himself stewing in the locker room. “I knew I was in the right,” Jennings said. “I put my hope into another human being making the right choice. Humans make mistakes.” Shanahan echoed his sentiments.

Shanahan was surprised with the decision. “He was competing,” Shanahan remarked postgame. “I know Jauan blocks to the whistle every single play… you usually get ejected for throwing a punch. I didn’t see one. They didn’t tell me that he threw a punch.” The ejection was not only a personal setback. It also altered the flow of the game.

The 49ers managed to tie it at 10-10. But quickly lost momentum, eventually falling 47-24. Jennings’s ejection became a symbol of their spiraling fate. As Kyle Shanahan pointed out, “You usually get ejected for throwing a punch. I didn’t see one.” But what made things worse was injury concerns.

Isaac Guerendo’s injury and the 49ers’ health woes

Just when it seemed things couldn’t get worse, another blow came. And it came in the form of Isaac Guerendo’s early exit. The rookie running back had been a bright spot in the 49ers’ backfield. But had to leave after just four plays. “Yeah, it was tough, especially when you go out on a cart,” Kyle Shanahan admitted. And he held out hope that the injury wasn’t as severe as it seemed.

Guerendo injured his knee and ankle. “Not sure yet. Most likely an MCL, but we’re going to have to find out for sure tomorrow,” Shanahan later suggested. “We’re still holding out hope that it’s good news… Hoping it’s not an ACL,” the HC said. Having posted 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season, his loss was just another addition to the growing list of injured 49ers.

Key players like rookie safety Malik Mustapha and starting safety Talanoa Hufanga were also injured. Offensive lineman Colton McKivitz also had to exit the game. Since he was dealing with a knee issue.

In the aftermath, the 49ers must regroup and focus on what’s ahead. Health will be a priority in the off-season with a season full of unfulfilled potential. It’s now time for Shanahan and the team to heal. Learn from their mistakes, and, most importantly, stay healthy.