49ers vs. Rams Injury Deep Dive: Who’s Out, Who’s Questionable, and What It Means
As the 49ers head into their Week 5 matchup against the Rams, their roster picture is looking rough—and it’s shaping how the team will try to adapt. From key absences on offense to defensive depth hits, this is more than just a few scratches. Let’s walk through who’s confirmed out, who might be limited, and how that ripples across both teams.
🔴 San Francisco 49ers Injury Landscape
Confirmed Out:
- Brock Purdy (QB) – Ruled out with turf toe, missing his third game in four weeks.
- Ricky Pearsall (WR) – Sidelined with a PCL knee injury; did not practice.
- Jauan Jennings (WR) – Dealing with ankle and rib injuries. Ruled out.
- Jordan Watkins (WR) – Calf injury. Also ruled out.
Questionable / Day-to-Day:
- C.J. West (DL) – Broke his thumb. Surgery likely. Game status uncertain.
- Dee Winters (LB) – Listed with a knee injury. No game status confirmed.
- Renardo Green (CB / ST) – Neck injury; improving but still day-to-day.
Long-Term Injuries / Season Impact:
- Nick Bosa (DE) – Torn ACL, out for the season.
- George Kittle (TE) – On IR with hamstring strain.
- Brandon Aiyuk (WR) – Out indefinitely with a knee injury.
🟦 Los Angeles Rams Injury Picture
Doubtful:
- Rob Havenstein (RT) – Ankle injury, did not practice.
- Tyler Higbee (TE) – Hip injury, not expected to suit up.
🧩 What It All Means
San Francisco is down its starting quarterback and top three wideouts, including both young talent (Pearsall) and reliable veterans (Jennings, Aiyuk). Mac Jones will start under center again, and the game plan will likely lean on short passes, heavy use of Christian McCaffrey, and a rotation of lesser-known receivers like Demarcus Robinson, Jake Tonges, and Kendrick Bourne.
Without Bosa, the defense has had to manufacture pressure with blitzes and creative fronts. Mykel Williams has continued to develop week by week and is becoming a bigger factor in the edge rotation, but the loss of C.J. West thins that group once again.
The Rams, meanwhile, will be hoping to survive without their starting right tackle and a key red-zone target. That puts more pressure on the left side of their line and may limit Matthew Stafford’s time to throw—something the 49ers can exploit if the pass rush holds up.
🔗 Related Links
- Read the official NFL Week 5 Injury Report
- For ongoing 49ers roster and cap updates, visit our Transactions / Cap / Injuries section
🔍 AEO Q&A: What Fans Are Asking
- Who is injured for the 49ers in Week 5?
Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Jordan Watkins, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk are all out. Several others are questionable. - Why is Brock Purdy not playing?
Purdy is out due to a turf toe injury and has already missed two prior games. - What receivers are out for the 49ers?
Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Jordan Watkins, and Brandon Aiyuk are all sidelined. - Who will start at quarterback for San Francisco?
Mac Jones will start for the 49ers in place of the injured Brock Purdy. - Are Tyler Higbee and Rob Havenstein playing for the Rams?
Both are listed as doubtful due to injury and are not expected to play.
