The air in Santa Clara turned heavy Tuesday morning — not with fog, but with frustration. The 49ers, already juggling depth issues, learned they’ll be without two of their most vital players for multiple weeks: their top pass-rusher and a starting offensive lineman. For a team built on dominance in the trenches, this is no small storm — it’s a seismic jolt to their foundation.

Brendel, on the other hand, went down earlier with an injury and was replaced by veteran Matt Hennessy. Hennessy allowed just one pressure in 20 pass-blocking snaps on Sunday, making his stance for the starting center role. He’ll likely get that now with Brendel out.

In other news, Shanahan said the team will continue to monitor quarterback Brocky Purdy, who has a toe injury, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has been battling a knee issue. Purdy may be a longshot to go again this week though.

Elsewhere, Shanahan said that cornerback Renardo Green does not have turf toe, but will remain day-to-day with a toe injury.

Sources confirmed that the defensive standout suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s bruising matchup, while the lineman sustained a knee injury late in the second quarter. Neither will require surgery, but both are expected to miss several games — a blow that alters the team’s rhythm just as they were finding midseason form.

Injuries have long haunted the 49ers, but this one hits differently. Their pass rush, the heartbeat of the defense, has been the team’s identity — its relentless pressure dictating games, its stars feeding off each other’s energy. Without that edge presence, the defense loses not only sacks but swagger. And on the offensive side, the absence of a key lineman leaves Brock Purdy exposed in moments that could define the season.

Fans on social media reacted swiftly, many recalling how similar injuries derailed past playoff runs. “Every year it’s something,” one frustrated supporter posted. “This team can’t catch a break.” Others, though, clung to faith in the coaching staff’s resilience — a group that’s weathered storms before and emerged stronger.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, addressing reporters, didn’t mince words. “We’re built to handle adversity,” he said. “That doesn’t make it easier, but we have depth for a reason. It’s next man up.” Yet behind the stoic tone, the strain was visible. Shanahan knows these are not replaceable roles — they’re the heartbeat of both lines.

For now, the 49ers will rely on rotational players to step up. Young defensive ends will have their first real chance to prove they can create pressure, while the offensive line may shuffle positions to keep continuity intact. The coaching staff has already hinted at schematic adjustments to protect Purdy and maintain balance in the run game.

The timing couldn’t be worse. The 49ers are entering a stretch against three playoff-caliber opponents — games that could decide seeding and confidence. One slip could turn a promising season into another “what if” chapter in San Francisco lore.

But if there’s one thing this franchise knows, it’s resilience. The 49ers have rebuilt from heartbreak before — from devastating Super Bowl losses to season-ending injuries to stars. And each time, the message remains the same: the standard doesn’t change.

The next few weeks will test that belief more than ever. The challenge isn’t just physical; it’s psychological. Can the locker room hold its faith when the pillars fall? Can backups rise not just to fill shoes, but to restore rhythm?

As Shanahan and defensive coordinator Nick Bosa’s unit look to patch the cracks, fans brace for turbulence — but also hope. Because for the 49ers, adversity has never been the end of the story. It’s just the beginning of another test of character.

Follow for updates as the 49ers navigate their toughest stretch of the season.