Published Oct 19, 2025 • 28 mins ago

It was supposed to be just another regular-season battle, but the San Francisco 49ers’ trip to Atlanta took a tense turn before kickoff. Center Jake Brendel was officially ruled out, while cornerback Samuel Womack Green was listed as questionable to return after a sideline scare that left teammates visibly shaken. For a team built on precision and chemistry, two sudden blows in the same afternoon raised real concerns — not just about this game, but about what it means for the weeks ahead.

The news on Brendel hit early Sunday morning, hours before the 49ers took the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The veteran center, who’s quietly been the heartbeat of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive line, was ruled out with a lingering shoulder injury that worsened during Thursday’s practice. Without him, San Francisco’s offensive rhythm — especially in the run game — was immediately under scrutiny. Brendel’s reliability in both protection and pre-snap communication is hard to replicate, and his absence forced backup Jon Feliciano into a critical starting role.

“Jake’s one of those guys you don’t notice until he’s gone,” one linemate said quietly before the game. “He makes the whole thing work.”

Meanwhile, Green’s situation unfolded mid-game — and it changed the energy in an instant. In the second quarter, while breaking up a deep pass to Drake London, Green landed awkwardly on his right leg. The corner stayed down for several moments as trainers rushed to the field. The stadium fell silent, and the Falcons’ offense huddled in respectful pause as Green was evaluated. Moments later, he was helped off the field, limping but refusing the cart. He disappeared into the tunnel with the team’s medical staff, his helmet clutched tightly in frustration.

The 49ers later updated that Green was “questionable to return” with a lower-leg injury. The announcement offered a glimmer of hope — but anyone who saw his reaction knew the concern was real.

Injuries are nothing new for San Francisco this season, yet this one stung differently. The defense, already stretched thin after losing key veterans earlier in the year, could ill afford another hit in the secondary. Green had emerged as one of the most improved players on the roster — faster, sharper, more confident in man coverage. His loss would mean reshuffling responsibilities and exposing younger backups to Atlanta’s explosive passing attack.

On social media, fans immediately voiced both worry and frustration. “Every week it’s someone new,” one comment read on X. “We can’t catch a break.” Another fan posted a slow-motion clip of Green’s landing with the caption: ‘It didn’t look good. Praying it’s just a sprain.’

The game itself reflected that emotional tension. With Brendel sidelined, quarterback Brock Purdy faced increased pressure from Atlanta’s front, forcing him to adjust protections and make quicker reads. The timing between him and running back Christian McCaffrey — usually flawless on zone reads — showed subtle signs of disruption. Feliciano held up admirably, but the offensive flow never fully settled.

Jake Brendel went down in the second quarter and was immediately attended to by medical staff. Matt Hennessy replaced him, while Brendel was taken to the medical tent for evaluation.

The 49ers later ruled Brendel out for the remainder of the game with a hamstring injury.

CB Renardo Green (toe, questionable)

Renardo Green exited in the first quarter and was replaced by Darrell Luter Jr. He was examined in the medical tent and remained on the sideline. The 49ers have listed him as questionable to return due to a toe injury.

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