The San Francisco 49ers were unable to adjust to the large list of injuries the team sustained throughout this season, leading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beating them in a 30-19 shootout in Week 6.
Although the loss in the game was unfortunate, the real worry for the 49ers was with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, who was rolled up on and suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
San Francisco is now down their two best defensive players for the season after Warner’s injury on Sunday, and Nick Bosa tore his ACL back in Week 3. There’s an obvious need to adjust in the 49ers depth chart, so what can they do moving forward to try and replace these big-name players?
Insider: 49ers could make calls with Bengals for DE Trey Hendrickson
Some surprising quarterback play from backup QB Mac Jones has helped the 49ers to a 4-2 record through six games, but how long can this hold up after dealing with so many injuries?
The Athletic‘s Dianni Russini expects the 49ers to take a peek at the trade market. More specifically, Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson, 30, is coming off a 2024 season where he led the NFL in total sacks (17.5), and is continuing his ways on a struggling Bengals team. Through six games this season, he has four sacks in 2025.
MORE: 49ers’ Fred Warner comes down with scary injury in game against Buccaneers
Although the Pro-Bowl pass rusher picked up a back injury in Week 6 that resulted in him not returning to the Bengals’ 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers, his expiring contract at the end of 2025 could be a short-term replacement for Nick Bosa for the rest of the season.
It’s only a matter of time before the 49ers make a move on the trade market, and if Hendrickson’s recent injury isn’t long-term, he could be a player who can change the vibes within San Francisco’s locker room for the rest of 2025.
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