The 49ers sit alone atop the NFC West at 3-0 after three weeks, with two road wins and two wins over divisional opponents.
And yet, the mood of the 49ers faithful early this week is downcast after losing Nick Bosa to a torn ACL in his right knee in Sunday’s 16-15 win over the Cardinals. Also, their only fully healthy quarterback at this point is Adrian Martinez after backup Mac Jones aggravated a knee injury in the home opener.
Even without Bosa and with injuries swirling, the 49ers have a strong chance to make the postseason:
Since the NFL expanded its playoffs to six teams per conference in 1990, 75 percent of the 170 teams to start a season 3-0 have made the playoffs. In the five years since expanding to seven teams, 19 of the 22 teams to start a season with three straight wins have made the playoffs (86 percent).
They’re also playing one of the league’s easiest schedules, as determined by last year’s records, after finishing fourth in the NFC West in 2024.
They have won two games without Brock Purdy and George Kittle, putting themselves ahead of the curve. Purdy (toe) and Kittle (hamstring) aren’t the only guys whose returns could bolster their chances this year.
Here are several key players listed on their two-deep depth chart who could return this season and otherwise inactive players who could still contribute later this season:
Wide receiver
Jauan Jennings: Missed Week 3 with an ankle injury after dealing with shoulder and calf injuries earlier.
Brandon Aiyuk: Rehabbing from an ACL tear last season. On injured reserve, eligible to return in Week 5 but perhaps more likely later in October.
Demarcus Robinson: Completed his three-game suspension for DUI last November and is eligible to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
Offensive line
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Ben Bartch: Suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 at New Orleans, which sent him to injured reserve.
Spencer Burford: Went on the injured list on Saturday after injuring his knee in New Orleans a week prior.
Defensive line
Kevin Givens: Suffered a pectoral injury in the preseason and went on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Defensive backfield
Malik Mustapha: Tore his ACL in the 2024 season finale at Arizona and currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list along with Aiyuk, but could return later in the season.