The 49ers are 3-0. But since Monday morning, it sure doesn’t feel like it. Yet again, San Franciscon has been plagued by one of the league’s worst injury bugs. The Niners were dealt a crushing blow Monday, when an MRI on Nick Bosa’s right knee revealed a torn ACL that would require season ending surgery.
George Kittle remains sidelined with a hamstring. Jauan Jennings hasn’t practiced this week after missing Sunday’s home opening win over Arizona. Brock Purdy’s status remains in limbo, although he seems on track to put a nagging turf toe behind him and return to play this week. Ricky Pearsall popped up on the injury report briefly, but practiced Thursday. To say the Niners are banged up would be a gross understatement.
John Lynch joined Murph & Markus for his weekly segment on Thursday morning to discuss his team’s strong start despite the scattered carnage. Lynch expressed how upset he was on behalf of Nick Bosa, highlighting the seventh year defensive lineman’s work ethic and passion as a huge reason for the team’s success during his tenure:
"My heart just goes out to him. He puts SO much into this. This is his life... It's a crushing blow to our team, but that's what this sport is. One player won't make up for Nick Bosa, we'll have to do it collectively."
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 25, 2025
John Lynch on Nick Bosa via @knbrmurph & @MarkusBoucher pic.twitter.com/Uv0lALgRKW
And of course he was asked about whether or not the Niners will pursue a trade to fill the Bosa void
John Lynch on a potential trade in wake of Bosa injury:
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 25, 2025
"Of course we're always looking. That's our job... we're not afraid and we've been effective in doing that. This is no different. I do think we're a deep group there, and that depth's going to be tested. We'll see what's… https://t.co/3ZdBdLQCUl
His answer regarding the timetable for star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk came off as… ominous. No one was really expecting Aiyuk to be ready for the 49ers week six game in Tampa Bay, but a week seven or eight debut time seemed reasonable. Lynch didn’t give a timeline when asked about Aiyuk, instead saying that the wideout “is not close.” He added that Aiyuk is progressing and hasn’t had any setbacks, but Lynch didn’t seem optimistic that Aiyuk would be able to help the team any time soon.
John Lynch told @knbrmurph & @MarkusBoucher Brandon Aiyuk has had "no setbacks," but that he's "not close."
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 25, 2025
"There's no absolutes on these things. He's gotta continue to hit markers. He's tracking well, we'll be a better team when Brandon's out there... But it's not close." pic.twitter.com/G4cS54ufeN
