Life is cruel in the NFL. Nobody knows that better than the San Francisco 49ers. While it can be stated that there is a league-wide injury epidemic, the 49ers being down their starting quarterback, the top tight end in the NFL, their two top receivers, and Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, along with numerous others, sounds like a cruel joke. Alas, this is the NFL, and nobody cares. The 49ers showed resiliency in the face of losing their defensive leader, but still fell to the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday.
How does the NFL media view the 49ers and their chances for the remainder of 2025?
ESPN.com: The 49ers fall six spots to number 11
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com applauds the 49ers’ efforts despite the impactful injuries, but wonders how difficult it will be to move on without their best players.
“The Niners looked destined to lose at some point in all six of their games, yet they found a way to win four of them. That’s a credit to coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff, as well as the veteran leaders charged with setting a standard. But the 49ers have again been ravaged by injury, losing star defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) for the season in addition to other injuries to key players. Resilience is an important trait for any NFL team, but eventually talent trumps intangibles. That means things are only going to get more difficult for San Francisco.”
NFL.com: The 49ers drop two spots to number 15
Eric Edholm of NFL.com is concerned about the 49ers’ struggles to run the football and finish drives in the red zone, as well as the potential for further injuries moving forward.
“The hits keep coming. Fred Warner, who had previously only missed one game in his career, is now out for the season after suffering a dislocated and broken ankle in Sunday’s hard-fought loss to the Bucs. His absence was felt, too; with Warner off the field, Tampa Bay scored touchdowns on three straight drives in the second and third quarters, when the game slipped away from San Francisco. The 49ers are without several key players on offense, and now the team’s two best defenders (Warner and Nick Bosa) are done for the year. Simply unreal. A battered Mac Jones did his best to keep his squad in it, but a dormant rushing attack and an inability to finish drives hurt. The loss dropped the Niners into a three-way tie atop the NFC West. They’re hanging on, but the struggle is taking a toll.”
CBSSports.com: The 49ers fall to number 15
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports believes the injuries are enough for the 49ers to miss the playoffs in 2025, possibly. Prisco drops the 49ers six spots and out of the top ten to number 15.
“How much more can they take? They lost linebacker Fred Warner, the heart of their defense, in the loss to Tampa Bay. He’s gone for the year, joining edge star Nick Bosa, which really dampens their playoff hopes.”
Bleacher Report: The 49ers land at number 13
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report is concerned that despite offensive reinforcements returning, the losses of Warner and Bosa could doom the 49ers’ season. Funny enough, the 49ers are just ahead of their Week 7 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons.
“The Niners might own a 4-2 record, but it’s hard not to be despondent about the team’s chances after the roster suffered yet another devastating injury.
Linebacker Fred Warner left Sunday’s contest with a season-ending dislocated ankle. Warner is the game’s best off-ball linebacker. He’s the beating heart of San Francisco’s defense. San Francisco already lost their best defensive lineman when Nick Bosa went down with a torn ACL.
Eventually, fellow stars Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk are expected back after nursing injuries. However, the loss of two major defensive pieces may be too much to handle when talking about those who are legitimate difference-makers. The Niners can’t adequately replace either and shouldn’t be expected to do so.”
Pro Football Talk: The 49ers tumble nine spots to number 16
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, ever the 49ers optimist, believes Warner’s injury will spark a slide for the 49ers. The 49ers fall from number seven to 16 following the loss in Tampa Bay.
“Fred Warner’s injury could be the one that sparks the slide.”
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