The San Francisco 49ers are on pace to be among the most injured NFL teams in 2026, four weeks into the season. They have the most games missed due to injury (75) and the ninth-most annual salary value on injured reserve, PUP, and non-football injury lists. Key players like defensive end Nick Bosa and fullback Kyle Juszczyk are injured but not on a reserve list. Despite the depth chart being depleted, the Niners are 4-0 with 16 players on IR and two more on PUP. Linebacker Fred Warner acknowledges the toll but views it as part of the violent nature of the NFL.
Injuries mounted even before the opener. Receiver Ricky Pearsall had season-ending surgery on a right knee injury from the 2025 season. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins and end Sam Okuayinonu were hurt in early September practices. Since then, key players have been lost weekly. Currently on IR are DT Alfred Collins, DL Andrew Farmer II, S Darrick Forrest, DB Nate Hobbs, DL Mikail Kamara, LB Nick Martin, DE Sam Okuayinonu, WR Ricky Pearsall, WR Demarcus Robinson, WR De'Zhaun Stribling, TE Jake Tonges, OL Brett Toth, DT C.J. West, and OL Nick Zakelj. Designated to return from IR are WR Christian Kirk and OL Austen Pleasants.
Injuries have hit the receiver and defensive line especially hard. Only four players from the initial 53-man roster are available on the defensive line. The team expects stars like Nick Bosa and Kyle Juszczyk to return in October, while others like De'Zhaun Stribling and C.J. West might not return until late November or early December.
With a Sunday NFC West showdown against the Seattle Seahawks approaching, the 49ers manage a lengthy injury list while remaining competitive.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing