San Francisco 49ers Sign Pro Bowler Ezekiel Ansah, Confirm Torn ACL For Nick Bosa

There’s a whole heck of a lot going on surrounding the San Francisco 49ers following their blowout 31-13 win over the hapless New York Jets on Sunday.

Most of that has to do with myriad injuries the team suffered in said win, including a torn ACL for reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa.

San Francisco made that announcement on Monday and is now preparing for life without Bosa. That includes signing former Detroit Lions Pro Bowl edge rusher Ezekiel Ansah.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, San Francisco has signed Ansah to a one-year, $3 million contract.

Ansah, 31, was a top-five pick of the Detroit Lions back in 2013. He’s fallen on hard times with injuries in recent seasons, but was among the most effective edge pass rushers in the game when current 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek served in the same role with Detroit. He recorded 14.5 sacks in 2015 and 12 sacks back in 2017.

The former BYU standout had worked out for San Francisco multiple times over the past few weeks due to other injuries along the 49ers’ defensive line. However, with news of Bosa’s season-ending injury, general manager John Lynch and Co. had to make a move.

Given that fellow Pro Bowl edge rusher Dee Ford missed Week 2’s game against the Jets, there’s a good chance San Francisco looks to add another pass-rush threat in free agency. Clay Matthews becomes an option to join Ansah in Northern California.

All of this comes with San Francisco being hit hard by the injury bug. Let’s break down some of these injuries below.

Nick Bosa Has Torn ACL

As noted above, an MRI on Monday confirmed that the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s game against the Jets. He’s lost for the remainder of the season.

With Bosa sidelined, San Francisco will be relying on the likes of Arik Armstead and Dee Ford (should he return) to provide a pass-rush threat moving forward. Ansah will also figure into the equation.

Solomon Thomas Also Has Torn ACL

This is more bad news for the 49ers. An MRI revealed later on Monday that Thomas joined Bosa in suffering a torn ACL against the Jets. Thomas, 23, has been considered a bust since San Francisco made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s recorded a total of six sacks in 48 career games.

With that said, this will impact San Francisco’s depth big time. That’s especially true with D.J. Jones’ status for Week 3 up in the air due to injury. Rookie first-round pick Javon Kinlaw and the lesser-known Kevin Givens must step up from here.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s Injury Seems Short Term

It was noted on Sunday that Garoppolo suffered a high-ankle sprain in the first quarter of the 49ers’ win over New York. While the quarterback did remain in the game throughout the first half, he did not rejoin his team in the third quarter.

Typically a high-ankle sprain could be up to a six-week injury. With that said, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted on Monday that Garoppolo could very well play next week against the Giants. That was confirmed by other reports indicating that Garoppolo’s injury is considered day-to-day.

After some major struggles in Week 1’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Garoppolo completed 14-of-16 passes with two touchdowns in Sunday’s win over the Jets. If he’s unable to go Week 3, Nick Mullens will get the call.

49ers Injury Updates At Running Back

After breaking off an 80-yard run to open Sunday’s game, Raheem Mostert exited with an MCL sprain to the knee. Mostert is highly unlikely to be available for next week’s game against the Giants. In reality, it seems to be a multi-week injury.

Meanwhile, Tevin Coleman suffered a knee sprain late in Sunday’s game. Shanahan noted on Monday that he’s “very concerned” with the severity of the injury. MRI results will dicate how long Coleman is out for. Though, it’s likely a long-term injury.

As of right now, Jerick McKinnon would be the lead back against the Giants next week with former undrafted free agent Jeff Wilson backing him up. It seems highly likely that rookie undrafted free agent JaMycal Hasty will be promoted from the practice squad for Week 3.

If Coleman’s injury is indeed long-term, San Francisco might hit the open market for a replacement. Fellow former Falcons back Devonta Freeman could be an option.

Previous Injuries

All-Pro tight end George Kittle missed Sunday’s game with a knee sprain. While there was hope that he’d be able to go for Week 3, concerns over field conditions at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey could play a role here.

Future Hall of Fame cornerback Richard Sherman is out at least two more games after he was played on injured reserve with a calf injury following San Francisco’s season opener.

Pro Bowl edge rusher Dee Ford missed Sunday’s game with neck spasms. As the 49ers noted, further tests revealed that Ford is dealing with a back issue, too.