San Francisco 49ers: Key Matchups for Week 4 vs. Eagles

49ers vs. the injury bug

Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a first down pass from Colin Kaepernick (7) (not pictured) in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

This has been a matchup that the 49ers have not fared well in thus far. The defensive front-seven has been ravaged, as NaVorro Bowman (knee) and Glenn Dorsey (bicep) are dealing with serious injuries, and Aldon Smith is, well, we know that story. Ray McDonald also suffered a dislocated finger in week 3 against Arizona, and is listed as questionable for week 4.

Tramaine Brock injured his toe in the Dallas Cowboys game, and has missed the last two contests. His presence has been sorely missed as Jay Cutler and Stanton have exposed a weak secondary. Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward need Brock to return to take some of the pressure off of them.

Tackle Anthony Davis and tight end Vernon Davis are both questionable for the game against Philly. Coach Harbaugh is optimistic for Vernon to play on Sunday, which will be a big boost to the offense, both in the passing and run games. The 49ers waiving tight end Asante Cleveland seems to prove that Vernon is ready to go.

Davis practiced on Wednesday for the first time all regular season. Alex Boone missed the first game of the year after not practicing through most of camp, and it seems possible that Coach Harbaugh will take a similar route with Davis. If he does, Jonathan Martin will take starting duties at right tackle again, which brings us to the next point.