49ers Getting Key Starters Back Against Chiefs

San Francisco obviously got a big boost in acquiring former Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey this week, although his impact for Sunday afternoon’s matchup against the Chiefs is still yet to be determined. Well, the good news keeps rolling in for the 49ers as three starters in defensive end Nick Bosa, offensive tackle Trent Williams, and safety Jimmie Ward are all set to play this week as the team hosts Kansas City, according to a tweet from NFL Network’s Taylor Bisciotti.

Bosa returns to the lineup after missing last week’s game, a loss to the Falcons, with a groin injury that knocked him out in the first half of the team’s win over the Panthers in the week prior. Bosa should return his normal dominance to the Niners defense. In five games this year, Bosa has 6.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits. His presence will be a big boost against the wily Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

San Francisco hasn’t seen Williams on the field since the star tackle went to the locker room in the third quarter of a Week 3 matchup against the Broncos. The 49ers offense has been relying on backup swing tackle Jaylon Moore during Williams’ absence, and, while he has filled in admirably, the return of the nine-time Pro Bowl tackle, Williams, will be a welcome addition.

While the 49ers have also been utilizing and enjoying the depth of their safety position, they will welcome the return of safety Jimmie Ward. The ninth-year veteran has enjoyed a starting role in San Francisco since 2015 with only injuries here and there limiting his playing time. Ward had returned from injured reserve against the Panthers, after missing the first four weeks of the season, but suffered a broken hand on the opening kickoff and left the game. After sitting out last week, the Niners are ready to put Ward back on the field. He’ll sport a full club cast on his left hand and, depending on how he’s feeling on the field, they’ll likely be careful with his return to avoid any more stints on the injured lists, meaning Tashaun Gipson, who has been starting in Ward’s absence, could still see some significant snaps.

While we still can’t be sure just how much McCaffrey will be a part of San Francisco’s gameplan, the addition of Bosa, Williams, and Ward bodes well for the 49ers’ chances against one of the juggernauts of the AFC.

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