10 Problems the San Francisco 49ers Could Face Next Season
4. Injuries
Unfortunately, the 49ers suffered several key injuries near the end of last season. The Niners will need the following players to come back from their respective injuries successfully in order to contend for a Super Bowl again.
November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) scores a touchdown against Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kendall Hunter tore his Achilles in Week 12, and he’s supposed to be ready for training camp. Hunter will be a key part of next season’s Niners team, so, hopefully, he can come back at full strength.
Kyle Williams tore his ACL on the same play that Hunter got hurt on. He also is expected to be back for training camp, and if he is fully healthy, he could compete for kickoff and punt returning duties now that Ted Ginn Jr. signed with the Carolina Panthers. Williams returned kicks and punts in 2012, and he likely will in 2013
Mario Manningham tore his ACL and PCL in Week 16’s loss to the Seahawks. Manningham is expected back near the end of training camp or the beginning of the season. The 49ers are hoping he comes back healthy, so he can be the Niners’ third receiver behind Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin.
Parys Haralson suffered a torn triceps in the 2012 preseason, and he will be needed to provide some depth at outside linebacker behind Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks.
Aldon Smith had surgery for a torn labrum in late February and will hopefully be back by training camp. After the initial shoulder injury, his numbers took a downturn, which really hurt the Niners late in the season.
Justin Smith’s recovery is probably the most important out of all these players. He tore his triceps in Week 15, and the Niners’ defense struggled greatly in his absence. Even though Smith returned in the playoffs, he wasn’t 100%, and the defense wasn’t great in the playoffs. He’s expected to be back at the beginning of training camp.