The biggest threat to the 49ers' playoff hopes

CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles recently identified the biggest weakness for every NFL contender, and for the San Francisco 49ers, it's not a position group or coaching scheme—it's injuries.

San Francisco is only three games into the 2025 NFL season, yet the team has already been hit hard by several key injuries. The latest came during Sunday's 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals, when star pass rusher Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL, bringing an end to his season.

The 49ers were already without quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Jauan Jennings on Sunday. Tight end George Kittle has also been sidelined, while wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues his recovery from last season's ACL and MCL injuries.

Despite these setbacks, SportsLine lists the 49ers' playoff chances at 74.8%, likely bolstered by their undefeated 3-0 start and early lead in the NFC West. Still, overcoming the injury challenges will be challenging.

"Nick Bosa's ACL. George Kittle's hamstring. Brandon Aiyuk's ACL," Pereles wrote. "Those are the most notable ailments among many for the 49ers. Bosa's really hurts: He had two sacks and a 15.4% pressure rate, and his presence freed things up for other players. Bryce Huff, for example, is off to a really strong start. Now, he'll not only have to play more (even though he's really a pass-rush specialist), but he'll face more attention when he is in there. San Francisco is relying on a lot of youngsters and journeymen now in its pass-rush department."

In addition to Huff, the 49ers drafted Mykel Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and will rely on veterans like Yetur Gross-Matos and Sam Okuayinonu to step up with Bosa sidelined.

Pereles also offered a silver lining: "The good news is Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings could be back soon."