Now both of the 49ers' starting defensive tackles are injured.
Javon Hargrave left Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The severity of the injury currently is unclear, but if it indeed is a pull, then Hargrave could miss the next few games along with Arik Armstead, who has a knee injury.
Hargrave is having a terrific season with the 49ers. He has 6 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 40 tackles -- he's been everything the 49ers paid for when they signed him this offseason. He and Armstead form one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL, and as long as both are healthy for the playoffs, the 49ers should be fine.
But the 49ers suddenly are the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff race, so these next few games matter. And in two weeks, they'll have to face the Baltimore Ravens, who are Super Bowl contenders. The 49ers could lose that game if they don't have Hargrave.
If Hargrave and Armstead both miss next week's game against the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers starting defensive tackles most likely will be Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens, who both are starting-caliber players. So the 49ers will be in good hands. But they're losing depth. Those two will need support.
Expect the 49ers to be extremely cautious with Hargrave the next few weeks. Hamstring injuries can get worse if players rush back to action too soon, and the 49ers can't risk losing Hargrave for the playoffs.
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