The San Francisco 49ers' defense, already battered this season, suffered yet another setback on Thursday night. Yetur Gross-Matos, the team's promising defensive end, limped off the field during the clash against the Los Angeles Rams with what appears to be a hamstring injury. It happened late in the second quarter, just as the 49ers were trying to mount a comeback. Gross-Matos had been a key rotational piece, logging 28 snaps in the first half alone, but his abrupt exit left the front four visibly thinner.
Indeed, this isn't the first time Gross-Matos has dealt with nagging issues. Back in August, he missed practice time with a knee concern, only to battle through it for the early games. Now, with the hamstring pulling him out—coaches are calling it day-to-day, but insiders whisper it could sideline him for weeks—the 49ers face a brutal stretch without one of their more versatile linemen. He signed a two-year, $18 million deal in March 2024 to bolster the edge rush, and through nine games this year, he's notched three sacks and seven tackles for loss. Not superstar numbers, but solid contributions in a scheme that rotates heavily.
However, the timing couldn't be worse. The 49ers, sitting at 4-4 after the 24-20 loss to the Rams, now scramble for depth. Robert Beal and Alex Barrett might see increased snaps, but neither has shown they can fully replace Gross-Matos's athleticism off the edge. Moreover, with Nick Bosa already nursing a minor quad tweak, the defensive line's integrity feels precarious. Shanahan's postgame comments were measured: "Yetur's tough; we'll see how he responds." Yet, the frustration was palpable—another injury in a season plagued by them.
Furthermore, Gross-Matos's journey to San Francisco hasn't been smooth sailing. Drafted in the second round by Carolina in 2020, he bounced around before landing with the 49ers, where he finally seemed to find his footing. His 6-foot-5 frame and quick first step made him a fit, but these physical setbacks raise questions about durability. Still, at 27, there's potential if he can stay healthy.
As the 49ers lick their wounds heading into Week 6 against the Seahawks, one can't help but wonder how much more their defense can take before it crumbles under the weight of these relentless hits.