Time for the 49ers to Sell? Absolutely Not

The 49ers roster has been decimated by injuries. It was bad before their Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers, and it became infinitely worse with the loss of Fred Warner. During the game, Warner appeared to injure his ankle — his foot twisted in a way that left little doubt the injury was serious. The following day, the worst was confirmed: Warner's season is over.

Losing Warner is devastating. Thinking about the sheer number of injuries the 49ers have endured this season is exhausting. But now is not the time to give up — despite what some so-called "49ers faithful" content creators are suggesting. Calls to sell talent and prepare for the future are premature, if not flat-out misguided.

The 49ers currently sit at 4–2, with a 3–0 division record. The Seahawks and Rams may share the same overall record, but the 49ers hold the tiebreaker in divisional play — and they've earned it under brutal conditions.

George Kittle was injured in Week 1. Nick Bosa went down in Week 3. Brandon Aiyuk hasn't seen the field. Ricky Pearsall has missed three games, counting Sunday night's game against the Falcons. Jauan Jennings has missed two. Brock Purdy missed five. Two starting offensive linemen are on injured reserve.

Despite being one of the most consistently injured teams in the NFL, the 49ers are still leading the division. They've done it with a backup quarterback — who's performing admirably — and a receiving corps cobbled together from free agents and depth players who weren't expected to see significant snaps.

Losing Nick Bosa hurts, but there's help on the way. General Manager John Lynch has confirmed that the team is pursuing a pass rusher to bolster the defense. Bosa's production can't be fully replaced, but it doesn't have to be. The offense has proven it can shoulder much of the load, as long as the defense can generate a few key stops.

The loss of Fred Warner, however, is even more impactful. His leadership and command of the defense can't simply be traded for. Unless Lynch can somehow bring back Azeez Al-Shaair, the team will rely on Tatum Bethune to step in. Bethune will need time to adjust, but the 49ers have a cushion. At 4–2 (3–0 in the division), they can afford some growing pains.

If the offense maintains its current output, San Francisco can still win eight or more games without a major defensive improvement. And as Bethune — or whoever fills Warner's role — develops, the defense will naturally improve down the stretch.

So how is this team still competing despite losing half its offense and several defensive anchors? Coaching.

Kyle Shanahan and his staff have built a culture that develops players and instills belief. Shanahan isn't afraid to start low-draft or undrafted players if they've earned it. He keeps the locker room loose but focused — whether it's blasting music at practice or showing footage of Fred Warner's first game to inspire his team, he finds ways to energize the team.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is equally vital. His energy is contagious. His players trust him completely, and that trust translates to effort — the kind of effort that wins games even when talent is thin. I like to imagine they'd run through a brick wall for him.

Yes, the 49ers are injured. Yes, their stars are aging. But that's exactly why selling now makes no sense. There are still 11 games left, plenty of time to get healthy, develop young talent, and prepare for a playoff push.

The window isn't closed — not by a long shot.

So, 49ers fans, imagine Robert Saleh standing in front of you, his voice booming through the locker room. Are you really going to tell him to give up?