The San Francisco 49ers have lost two Super Bowls dating back to 2019 and also came one game short of reaching the Super Bowl in two other seasons in that time frame.
Many fans have been hoping they'd be able to get over the hump, but the franchise has yet to crack the code. San Francisco hasn't hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 30 years, and despite having a roster that is among the most talented in the NFL, the team seems to be trending toward a top-10 pick rather than a title this season.
A significant reason for the team's rough 3-4 start to the season has been its injuries. Superstar running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play due to an Achilles issue, promising rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall had his debut delayed after being shot and even kicker Jake Moody is banged up and has missed some time.
However, that laundry list of injured players got longer on Sunday as star receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in the first half of the team's Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and will be out for the year.
It's a significant blow considering he just inked a four-year $120 million extension in late August, and because his running mate, Deebo Samuel, was reportedly hospitalized on Monday due to pneumonia and fluid in his lungs, according to Adam Schefter. Despite the uncertainty around Samuel, he still made sure to send some positivity Aiyuk's way.
The two appear to have gotten quite close in their four years as teammates, with Aiyuk even making an appearance on Samuel's new podcast with Bleacher Report, "Cleats and Convos," as the first-ever guest.
Aside from McCaffrey, Samuel and Aiyuk, tight end George Kittle, receiver Jauan Jennings and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are all dealing with injuries. The 49ers' schedule doesn't get that much easier either, as they'll be hosting the rival Dallas Cowboys before a stretch that includes four opponents who are currently in first place in their respective division.
The only team not in first place in their respective division from now until December is the Green Bay Packers, who are 5-2 on the year.
Needless to say, this stretch could get awfully rough for San Francisco.
