San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey - Terrell Lloyd/49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are 4-4 heading into their bye week. The team has faced numerous injuries this season, such as losing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the year. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. If all goes to plan, the 49ers should be getting a couple of big names back. Here is a look at some of the San Francisco 49ers players who could return after the bye week.
Jauan Jennings
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed the past two games for the 49ers. With all the injuries to the 49ers, Jennings has been a bright spot on the offense. He has stepped up, and with Aiyuk out for the season, Jennings’ large role will continue. Jennings has been out with a back injury but should be back when the bye week is over.
This season, Jennings has had 25 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He is on pace to have his best season with the 49ers as of yet. Jennings returning will be a major boost to the 49ers offense. San Francisco went 1-1 while Jennings was out with a back injury.
Christian McCaffrey
49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey has not played a snap this season. While the 49ers offense has been fine, there has been something missing. That missing piece is McCaffrey. McCaffrey has missed the first half of the season with achilles tendinitis. He has been practicing but has yet to make his season debut.
If all goes as planned, there is a chance that McCaffrey will be back playing with the 49ers after the bye week. The plan is to ramp up his training even more, and if there are no setbacks, the 49ers running back will be back with the team.
Dre Greenlaw
Though it will not be right after the bye week, the signs are pointing that 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw will be making a return. The defense this season has been hit-or-miss. In some games, it looks like the 49ers’ defense is as strong as it always is, and some days it is the weakness. Greenlaw making a return would be a major boost for San Francisco.
Greenlaw tore his achilles in February during the Super Bowl. When the bye week is over, Greenlaw will be listed as week to week. While it may not be an immediate help, Greenlaw’s return will be sooner than later, which provides hope for the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers After the Bye Week
The 49ers will travel to Tampa Bay as soon as the bye week is over. The Buccaneers are currently 4-4, set to face the Kansas City Chiefs during Monday Night Football. While the 49ers are gaining players, the Buccaneers recently lost their top two receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Godwin is now out for the season and Evans is expected to be out through Tampa Bay’s bye week.
The bye week has come at the perfect time for the 49ers. The team is coming off of a big win against the Dallas Cowboys. They came out of that game fairly healthy, but the week off gives the team time to help with any lingering issues.
The 49ers are No. 2 in the NFC West ahead of week nine of the season. The 49ers are the only team in the division with a bye week and that position could change. The 49ers getting these key pieces back could be coming at the perfect time as they have a 4-4 record. Playoff hopes are not gone, and getting their key players back could be just what the team needs to turn things around.
