Rams pregame: Bosa, Ward, Hufanga suiting up for defense
INGLEWOOD — The 49ers are down multiple offensive weapons but their defense has a full complement of starters for today's game against the Rams.
Defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee) both are suiting up after being listed as questionable due to injuries that surfaced from this past week's practices.
Also, safety Talanoa Hufanga is active for his first game back from an anterior cruciate ligament tear 10 months ago.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy and the offense must make due without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf), not to mention running back Christian McCaffrey, who is on Injured Reserve and won't make his season debut until next month at the earliest.
Kittle (hamstring) got downgraded to out Saturday, a day after Samuel (calf) was ruled out. This is the 18th game each has missed in their respective careers; Kittle is in his eighth season, Samuel in his sixth.
Brayden Willis was elevated from the practice squad Saturday to help Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges cover for Kittle. Also up from the practice squad is Sam Okuayinonu, a defensive end who figures to work into the rotation to help Yetur Gross-Matos and Robert Beal serve as relief for Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
INACTIVE LIST
Joining Kittle and Samuel on the 49ers' inactive list are cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., linebacker Tatum Bethune and offensive lineman Ben Bartch.
QUARTERBACK QUARTET
Dobbs will serve as the No. 3 emergency quarterback for the third straight game, behind Purdy and Brandon Allen. With Tanner Mordecai on the practice squad, the 49ers are one of seven teams to have four quarterbacks under contract.
Only the Colts and the Eagles have a similar situation as the 49ers with their QB4 being on the development squad; the Dolphins, the Commanders and the Vikings each have a quarterback on Injured Reserve; and, the New Orleans Saints have four quarterbacks on their 53-man active roster, though one is injured versatile weapon Taysom Hill.
