NFL Rumors: 49ers Defensive Lineman Won't Play in Week 7

The San Francisco 49ers' lack of available depth along the defensive line cost them dearly in their Week 6 28-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, their issues up front could linger into next week. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead remains sidelined with a foot injury.

I asked Kyle Shanahan about the potential return of Arik Armstead:

"I'd be very surprised if he's back this week."

Not good news for a 49ers team that really struggled at defensive tackle in Atlanta. Seems like post-bye return for AA more likely
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 17, 2022

Armstead has missed the past two weeks with a plantar fasciitis issue. His absence, compounded by the unavailability of fellow defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Javon Kinlaw, came to a head Sunday afternoon, enabling a shocking win for the Falcons. The 49ers allowed a season-high 163 yards rushing and permitted quarterback Marcus Mariota to complete 13 of his 14 pass attempts.

The San Francisco 49ers enter a pivotal stretch of their schedule this week, facing the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. It's possible they'll delay Armstead's return until after their Week 9 bye in hopes of assuring his health for the back half of the season.

Arik Armstead has 5.5 sacks in these last 3 must-win games. Of those 5.5 sacks, all but 1 came on third down. The 1 that didn’t, ended the Rams’ drive and sent the game into OT. Talk about being clutch…sheesh. #49ers pic.twitter.com/KAEXgqY1DB
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 26, 2022

Armstead joined the 49ers as their 17th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has tallied 28.5 sacks in 98 appearances for the team. He notched a career-high 2.5 sacks in the 49ers' crucial Week 17 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams last season, earning his team a playoff berth that would eventually lead to an NFC Championship game appearance.

With Armstead likely out against the Chiefs, the 49ers will need Bosa and Kinlaw to return if they want to avoid a catastrophe like Sunday's effort against the Falcons.