What's the 49ers' biggest need heading into Week 5?

The San Francisco 49ers struggled to generate an impactful pass rush in Week 4's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and a season-low five pressures. This marked the first game without defensive end Nick Bosa, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.

While many believe the 49ers should prioritize bolstering their pass rush, CBS Sports' Josh Edwards identifies a different area of concern heading into Week 5. According to Edwards, the 49ers' wide receiver group is the team's biggest position need — a perspective reinforced by the latest injury report.

"San Francisco continues to deal with a mountain of injuries," Edwards wrote. "Quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and the wide receivers have been most affected, but safety Malik Mustapha and edge rusher Nick Bosa are also on Injured Reserve."

Purdy has been ruled out of Thursday night's NFC West clash with the Los Angeles Rams, leaving Mac Jones to make his third start of the season. Two key offensive weapons, wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, are also unavailable.

Veteran receiver Brandon Aiyuk is eligible to start practicing, but the 49ers have yet to open his return window. Aiyuk is still recovering from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October 2024 and doesn't appear close to returning to full strength.

"He's working hard, and we'll just continue to do that, and we'll be a better team when Brandon's out there," general manager John Lynch recently said. "And so, we look forward to that day, but it's not close. But when we have some more information on that, we'll be forthright with it."

Edwards points to the absence of Aiyuk and setbacks for Pearsall and Jennings as the primary reason the wide receiver unit needs reinforcement. While the team did bring in Kendrick Bourne to provide depth, the real solution may come down to health.

The 49ers need better luck in avoiding injuries, and their star trio getting back to 100% will go a long way to ensuring whoever is at quarterback has the playmakers to keep the offense rolling.