Injury Woes Continue for 49ers as Deommodore Lenoir Joins Growing List of Casualties
A shocking development unfolded during the San Francisco 49ers’ Thursday practice, as star cornerback Deommodore Lenoir sustained a calf injury, marking the seventh player to go down during these critical sessions this season. Lenoir’s injury occurred while he was jogging, a situation that raises red flags for head coach Kyle Shanahan as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
The 49ers have only conducted ten Thursday practices this season, and yet, the trend of injuries is alarming. The Thursday sessions are notorious for being the most physically demanding of the week, with players practicing in pads. In contrast, Wednesday’s practice is held without pads, and Friday is reserved for a more relaxed walkthrough.
Shanahan’s rigorous approach on Thursdays has come under scrutiny, especially given the growing list of injured players. So far, key figures like Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Watkins, Yetur Gross-Matos, Alfred Collins, Kalia Davis, and Keion White have all fallen victim to injuries during these sessions. The question looms: should a team plagued by injuries exercise more caution during practices?
Concerns for the Defense
As Lenoir’s status remains uncertain, the implications for the 49ers defense could be significant. Listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup, Lenoir did not participate in Friday’s walkthrough, casting doubt on his availability. The stakes are particularly high as the 49ers face a Cardinals team that, while battling its own injury issues—including the absence of their top wide receiver and starting quarterback—could exploit a weakened San Francisco defense.
If Lenoir cannot play, the 49ers will be without some of their highest-paid defensive stars, including Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. This could leave the defense in the hands of Bryce Huff, a player who hasn’t yet cemented a starting role, or Tatum Bethune, who was a backup just two months ago.
Potential Solutions and Future Outlook
In the event of Lenoir’s absence, Darrell Luter Jr. is poised to step in. Luter, known for his height and speed, may be well-suited to handle the Cardinals’ less-than-imposing receiving corps. The 49ers’ upcoming schedule, featuring teams like Arizona, Carolina, and Cleveland, suggests that they might navigate this stretch without Lenoir if needed. The team could afford to rest him and utilize the bye week to ensure he is fully recovered before the critical playoff push in December.
The challenge now for Shanahan lies not only in managing his players’ health but also in striking a balance between intensity and caution during practices. With the specter of injuries looming over the team, it may be time for a reassessment of training approaches to keep players on the field and enhance the team’s chances for success.
