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As if the San Francisco 49ers thought the injury plague was far behind them, that all changed on Monday during an organized team activity.
Offensive lineman Justin Skule suffered a torn ACL while safety Tarvarius Moore tore his Achilles, Matt Borrows of The Athletic reported on Tuesday.
Skule and Moore are joining running back Jeff Wilson Jr. on the injured list, who tore his meniscus last month while getting out of a chair during a weight training session. Wilson will miss at least the first six weeks of the season. As for the other guys, both injuries have been established as season-ending injuries, according to ESPN.
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49ers Depth Chart Outlook Without Skule and Moore
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GettyOffensive tackle Justin Skule #67 of the San Francisco 49ers in action.
Skule was originally a sixth-round pick in 2019 by the Niners and started eight games during his rookie campaign when Joe Staley was injured.
This past season, he had four starts at guard and was expected to play some backup swing tackle this year behind Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey. With mandatory minicamp kicking off today, Skule was on top to battle with Shon Coleman for the swing man job.
On the defensive side of the ball, Moore was expected going to compete at safety with starters Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward. He had been already been working with the starters during open practices this spring while Tartt is sidelined with a toe injury.
Moore was a third-round pick by the 49ers in 2018 and has played every game over the past three seasons with 13 starts. He has played a key role on special teams and started eight games in 2020 where he had 52 tackles, one pass defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Without Moore, the Niners will turn to veterans Jaquiski Tartt, Tavon Wilson, Marcell Harris, rookie Talanoa Hufanga, and newly signed safety, Tony Jefferson.
How Jefferson Might Save the Niners
GettyQuarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws as he is hit by strong safety Tony Jefferson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens.
At a low cost, the Niners signed Jefferson on Monday.
Jefferson originally went undrafted in 2013 and spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before signing in Baltimore in 2017. In seven seasons thus far, the strong safety has recorded 451 tackles, 8.5 sacks and four interceptions.
The 29-year-old is coming to San Francisco after not playing football in almost two years due to an ACL and LCL tear in 2019. Before his injury, Jefferson was en route to a record season with the Baltimore Ravens after breaking broke up five passes on seven targets.
He worked out for the 49ers back in April, so he’s done enough to impress the coaches to still be on the radar for quite some time. Of course, he’ll have some competition with Wilson and Harris if he plans on making the final roster.
With injuries already striking the 49ers, Jefferson could save the day at some point as a well-seasoned veteran, who is less likely to make the mistakes as the less-experienced safeties might.
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