The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-27 in a game that offered a swing all along the rollercoaster of emotions — and the loss was far from the bad news of the day. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter and was taken to the back on a trainer cart. He was working for extra yards on 3rd and goal, and lowered his shoulder on this hit. Initially what seemed to be a shoulder injury turned out to be a knee injury.
Jimmy Garoppolo scrambles on third down and takes a big hit before he can get out of bounds. He’s injured on the play. #49ers #SFvsKC pic.twitter.com/yYlrg9haTO
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) September 23, 2018
The 49ers mounted a comeback against the Chiefs, and looked like they might be able to cut the lead to one score. Instead, the injury happened, and 49ers fans have their fingers crossed heading into Week 4.
This game was a roller coaster of emotions for 49ers fans. Both sides of the ball were a mess in the first half. The offense couldn’t get anything going thanks to drops and penalties. The defense had numerous opportunities to short-circuit some of the Chiefs drives, only to blow it repeatedly on third down. There were two separate 3rd and 15+ plays where the 49ers defense managed to blow it. The Chiefs scored touchdowns on their first five drives and led 35-10 at the half.
The 49ers did not give up in this one, and while it came up short, it was a valiant effort. They put up back-to-back touchdowns in the third quarter, and had the ball driving to cut the lead to a touchdown. Instead, the drive ended with Jimmy Garoppolo getting hurt, and then Kyle Juszczyk called for a bogus offensive pass interference call on what should have been a touchdown pass from C.J. Beathard.
Up next: @ Los Angeles Chargers
The 49ers face a tough Chargers squad, but the big question for now remains Jimmy Garoppolo’s left knee. It’s pins and needles for the next few days.