49ers vs. Eagles recap: adding injuries to insult

The San Francisco 49ers left Philadelphia a lot worse off than they arrived. Not only did the team lose their eight game in a row giving them the worst start in franchise history but they lost several players to injury. The defense did improve from the debacle facing the Cowboys but the injuries could set the 49ers back for several games to come.

Joe Staley fractured his orbital bone

According to Adam Schefter, Staley’s fractured orbital bone isn’t a season ender. The left tackle expects to return this season. Apparently he didn't have stitches for a cut he sustained at the same time, it was glued shut. With Trent Brown already out from a concussion the OL was very thin with Erik Magnuson going in as back up. Garry Gilliam also left the game with a knee injury and Zane Beadles took over his spot.

Jimmie Ward broke his forearm

Maybe Ward needs to burn some sage. His luck with injuries has been very unfortunate. What was interesting about this injury was that Eric Reid remained at linebacker for the remainder of the game instead of moving Jaquiski Tartt to free safety and Reid returning to strong safety. Instead Adrian Colbert came in for Ward.

Solomon Thomas has a sprained MCL

According to Matt Maiocco the 49ers first round draft pick will be out for a little while with an MCL sprain. While it is good that the injury is not serious, having both first round picks out in the same game just seems like Murphy’s Law. Reuben Foster was reportedly inactive due to the inclement weather. There was no need to risk his ankle to further injury.

C.J. Beathard takes a beating

The rookie quarterback kept getting up after getting pummeled into the grass. Beathard was hit 12 times and sacked four by the Eagles defense. Honestly it felt more like Beathard was sacked 40 times. It’s a feat in itself that he didn’t leave the game with an injury. Have to give Beathard credit, he hung tough behind a patchwork offensive line. He does, however need to work on leading his receivers, and building chemistry with running back Carlos Hyde.

The defense rebounds

One of the very few bright spots from Philadelphia was the defense turning it around after a very disappointing performance the week prior. The team only allowed 112 yards on the ground after giving up 265 to the Cowboys. The defensive line got pressure on Wentz quite a bit with sven QB hits and three sacks, two from newly acquired Leger Douzable and one from Earl Mitchell.

The 49ers hobbled home and will face an almost equally injured Arizona team in a week. One thing is certain, the physical therapy staff will have their hands full.