San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan - Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers bye week is here, and it is coming at the perfect time. The 49ers kicked off the season with six straight wins, suffering their first loss in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The 49ers have a bye in Week 8, giving them time to rest and return refocused for the second half of the NFL season.
Using 49ers Bye Week to Recover from Loss
Although both the team and fans would love to be undefeated, the 49ers suffered their first loss in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The bye gives the team time not only to get healthy, but to get their mind right.
One of the biggest things the 49ers must focus on is discipline. Penalties and turnovers are big reasons why the 49ers lost. San Francisco had the chance to come back, but avoidable mistakes helped the Falcons win.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw two interceptions against the Falcons. On the first interception, the Falcons capitalized and scored a touchdown on their possession. The second interception occurred when the team had a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter. While Purdy passed for 288 yards, these turnovers factored into the team’s loss.
In addition to the interceptions, the team fumbled the ball three times against the Falcons, two of which Atlanta recovered. 49ers running back Kaelon Black fumbled the ball in the red zone in the second quarter. The Falcons recovered the fumble, and San Francisco lost their chance of extending their lead.
49ers tight end George Kittle fumbled in the fourth quarter, handing the ball back to the Falcons, who went in victory formation on their next drive.
Not only did the turnovers hurt the team’s chances of winning, but so did the penalties. Penalties have been an issue the past couple of weeks, and the 49ers must improve. The 49ers gave up seven penalties for 55 yards against the Falcons. On offense, penalties killed strong drives. On defense, they killed big defensive stops by giving the Falcons an automatic first down.
The 49ers bye week gives the team a chance to regroup ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Getting Players Back After 49ers Bye Week
Following the team’s first loss, coach Kyle Shanahan met with the media and provided injury updates. Although none of these players are guaranteed to play as soon as the team returns from the bye, a great deal of them have a chance to return.
Mike Evans
In Week 6, 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left the game in the first half with an Achilles injury. He is now managing both Achilles tendinitis and a rib injury. Evans was ruled out of Week 7, and his talent was missed by the offense.
While there is no guarantee, Evans could return after the bye week. Evans has already shown he will do what it takes to be on the field, as he has been playing with a rib injury. If the 49ers can get Evans back, the offense can consistently drive down the field and win more games.
Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers bye week could not have been better timed for 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey. Against the Falcons, McCaffrey suffered a hamstring strain. While he came back to the game, McCaffrey can now rest and potentially avoid missing time with his injury.
Nick Bosa
49ers defensive end Nick Bosa has not played since the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. He suffered a calf injury the following week during practice, sidelining him since. Although there was a slight chance of his return to practice ahead of the team’s game against the Falcons, Bosa has yet to rejoin the defense.
The bye week gives Bosa an extra week of rest, and a higher chance of returning for the team’s next game.
Demarcus Robinson
49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain in the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Dolphins. Robinson was placed on Injured Reserve, and is eligible to return. With the team having a week off, Robinson is a player to watch to return to the offense.
Robinson would be a big help to the 49ers offensee, who is very slim at the wide receiver position. Robinson was playing well before his injury, and could help get the 49ers back to winning.
Although nothing is for certain, if the 49ers can get at least one wide receiver back, it will be a big help for the offense.
Upton Stout
The importance of 49ers cornerback Upton Stout was evident in the team’s first loss of the season. Stout had an up and down rookie season, but has stepped up in his second year. Stout suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6, and though he was active against the Falcons, it was only in an emergency situation.
The secondary struggled against the Falcons, notably due to penalties rewarding Atlanta with several first downs. Stout’s healthy return will be a big boost to the defense.
Deebo Samuel
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was a big offseason signing for the 49ers. Samuel suffered a hamstring injury against the Seattle Seahawks, ruling him out in Week 7 against the Falcons.
Samuel’s return could also be a key help in the run game, with McCaffrey dealing with a mild hamstring strain. Samuel, along with Black, can help take the load off McCaffrey.
With the 49ers bye week, Samuel gets an added week of rest, and could be one to watch to return to the team in Week 9 against the Raiders.
Other Players Potenitally Returning
Shanahan listed several other players who could possibly return after the bye week, including safety Marques Sigle, linebackers Luke Gifford and Garret Wallow, and defensive tackle CJ West.
“All those guys have a chance after the bye week, but none are guaranteed,” Shanahan said while speaking to the media. “So, it’s a big week of rehab for all of them, and we’ll see where they’re at next week, at the beginning of the week.”
The 49ers have been riddled with injuries, but still hold a 6-1 record. Getting even a couple of players back in Week 9 will help them get back to winning and kick off the second half of the season on a high note.
