The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for Week 9, and some big names will not be playing. The team formally ruled out safeties Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) and Antone Exum (concussion), and also linebacker Reuben Foster (hamstring). As expected, quarterback C.J. Beathard is listed as questionable and the team will decide on Thursday if he can play.
The absence of Tartt and Exum means Tyvis Powell is likely starting at strong safety, next to free safety Jimmie Ward. The team is expected to activate rookie Marcell Harris from the NFI list to provide depth at strong safety. Robert Saleh said Powell would get another opportunity to prove himself if Tartt could not play, but we’ll see on Thursday who of Powell or Harris gets the nod.
The absence of Foster means the team is likely activating Dekoda Watson from injured reserve. Malcolm Smith has been playing SAM linebacker, but will move to Foster’s WILL spot. Watson is primarily a SAM guy, so he can slot right back into a role that is fairly limited given the 49ers extensive use of nickel.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said that if the game was Wednesday, Beathard would not have been able to play. However, the more rest he gets, the better his chances of playing. He has struggled gripping a football, so if he can grip and throw on Thursday, he will play. If he cannot, Nick Mullens will get the start.
The 49ers are dealing with banged up running backs as well. Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are both questionable with ankle injuries. Earlier on Wednesday, Shanahan said that Breida did not have any setbacks against the Cardinals and expects him to play vs. the Raiders. Mostert is banged up as well, but again, it sounds like he’ll play. Shanahan said, “he’s not as healthy, but our guys will be ready for this game.”
49ers final injury report
Out: S Antone Exum (concussion), LB Reuben Foster (hamstring), S Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder)
Questionable: QB C.J. Beathard (right wrist), RB Matt Breida (ankle), WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, knee), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle), C Weston Richburg (knee), CB Richard Sherman (calf, heel)
Raiders final injury report
Out: T T.J. Clemmings (knee)
Questionable: CB Gareon Conley (foot), G Kelechi Osemele (knee), CB Daryl Worley (shoulder)