4 San Francisco 49ers players potentially coming back from injury after bye week

The San Francisco 49ers are set to benefit from their Week 14 bye, coming after a grueling 13-week stretch. This break provides an opportunity for injured players to begin recovery and potentially rejoin the team for the critical final portion of the season.

Several players are expected to return either immediately after the bye or shortly thereafter. Specifically, four athletes on the injured lists are eligible to resume practice and possibly re-enter active play. With the bye week and an added Monday practice after Week 14, the team can initiate 21-day practice windows for these players. After this period, they must either be activated to the roster or placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Heres a closer look at the four 49ers who could make a comeback following the break:

• Gross-Matos: Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated hopes of having Gross-Matos back from his hamstring injury in time for Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans. Despite managing a knee issue earlier in the season, Gross-Matos struggled with a hamstring injury in Week 5. A healthy return would bolster the teams defensive line with versatile depth.
• Brandon Aiyuk: Aiyuks future with the team remains uncertain. Shanahan described his status as week-to-week, emphasizing that the team is waiting until he is fully comfortable before reopening his practice window.
• Cowing: The second-year player has been sidelined all season due to a hamstring injury sustained in the preseason. Updates suggest he is likely to resume practice after the bye, offering potential contributions to the teams lineup.
• Rourke: The rookie quarterback has been recovering from an ACL tear sustained in college while on the Non-Football Injury list. Shanahan stated that Rourkes 21-day practice window would eventually be opened, allowing the team to evaluate his readiness. Given the current quarterback depth with Mac Jones as backup and Adrian Martinez on the practice squad, its possible the 49ers may let Rourkes window lapse before making a final roster decision.

The bye week offers a prime opportunity for the 49ers to assess the health of these key players and strengthen their roster as the season enters its final stretch.

Analysis: San Francisco 49ers Utilize Bye Week Strategically

The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 14 bye comes at a critical juncture, allowing the team to address multiple injury concerns before the season’s final stretch. With four players eligible to return to practice, the organization can initiate 21-day practice windows, providing flexibility for roster decisions.

Defensive lineman Gross-Matos is expected to return against the Tennessee Titans, potentially restoring depth and versatility to the defensive front. Brandon Aiyuk remains a “week-to-week” evaluation, with the coaching staff prioritizing full readiness before resuming practice. Cowing, sidelined all season, is likely to rejoin practice after the bye, offering additional options in the lineup. Rookie quarterback Rourke’s situation remains uncertain, as the team balances his ACL recovery against current depth at the quarterback position.

Overall, the bye week gives the 49ers a structured opportunity to manage injuries, evaluate returning players, and optimize their roster for the decisive final games of the season.

Sources:

• 4 49ers who could return from injured lists after bye week

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.