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The San Francisco 49ers put together a dominant performance on Sunday Night Football defeating the Houston Texans 34-3, but they did suffer one notable injury. Defensive end Ray McDonald suffered an injury to his biceps muscle, costing him much of the second half.
Midway through the third quarter, McDonald was credited with a sack of Matt Schaub, but he came up in a bit of pain. He went to the sideline to get checked out by trainers, and shortly thereafter proceeded back to the locker room. He was ruled out of the game at that point, and returned out of his pads.
After the game, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that McDonald would undergo an MRI on Monday. Ray McDonald spoke to the media, and I am seeing several different interpretations of his thoughts on the issue:
#49ers DL Ray McDonald (right biceps) said he believes he'll be fine, but more will be known after MRI tomorrow.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 7, 2013
Ray McDonald said he felt a "sting" in his right biceps. He'll have an MRI tomorrow.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 7, 2013
Ray McDonald said biceps injury felt like bee sting. MRI tmw. Sounds initially that may not be complete tear but MRI will tell
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 7, 2013
Ray McDonald said he will get an MRI tomorrow, he said he was concerned and isn't sure if it's serious or not. #49ers
— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) October 7, 2013
#49ers DT Ray McDonald said he was "concerned" about his right biceps injury. Will have MRI on Monday.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) October 7, 2013
#49ers DT Ray McDonald to have MRI tomorrow on injured biceps. "I'm doing OK. I should be (fine)."
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) October 7, 2013
So, as far as I can tell, we really don't know what exactly is going on. We know he is getting an MRI, but beyond that, we don't know much else. Two indicate he was concerned, a couple thought he would be fine, one indicated it might not be a complete tear.
Coach Harbaugh will meet with the media tomorrow, although I don't expect much out of him on McDonald's injury. However, I imagine some kind of word from the MRI will leak out at some point, so we'll keep an eye out for that.
Losing McDonald for any stretch of time would be tough to handle. McDonald is not the flashiest of players, but he is an integral part of the defensive front. The 49ers moved Tony Jerod-Eddie into his spot Sunday night, and TJE came up with an interception, but the cupboard would grow barren with the loss.
There were reports earlier yesterday that the 49ers spoke with defensive end Richard Seymour. Apparently the two sides were aways apart on money. Depending on what happens with McDonald, I wonder if the two sides might find themselves a little bit closer? Or maybe the 49ers are comfortable with TJE and Demarcus Dobbs, and would just add a cheap depth option?
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