Santa Clara, California – The San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant setback on their defensive line with the news that Javon Hargrave is likely out for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season due to a torn triceps sustained during the team’s recent 27-24 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his disappointment over Hargrave’s injury, noting the impact the defensive player had been making in his second season with the 49ers. Shanahan described Hargrave as one of the team’s best players who was poised to have a standout year, especially after his performance in the game against the Rams.
With Hargrave’s absence, the 49ers are exploring options within their practice squad for potential replacements. Yetur Gross-Matos is being considered to transition to the interior of the defensive line, according to Shanahan. The team is evaluating multiple players to address the gap left by Hargrave’s injury, including Sam Okuayinonu, T.Y. McGill, Alex Barrett, and rookie Evan Anderson.
As the 49ers navigate their defensive line depth following Hargrave’s injury, they are also exploring free-agent options such as Hassan Ridgeway and Al Woods. The team is unlikely to make a high-cost acquisition for a new defensive tackle, given the existing salary structure of the team.
The 49ers’ focus will be on maintaining a competitive defense despite the setback, with Shanahan and the coaching staff strategizing on the best approach moving forward for the remainder of the season. The team’s resilience and ability to adjust to challenges will be put to the test in the coming games as they seek to overcome the loss of Hargrave.
Ultimately, the 49ers are determined to maintain their strong defensive presence on the field and continue their pursuit of success in the NFL. The team’s commitment to adapting and overcoming obstacles will be vital as they face upcoming opponents without Hargrave anchoring their defensive front.