Patriots have another big injury to monitor ahead of Week 4 matchup with 49ers

The NFL has potentially had the worst start to a season in recent memory, with players suffering what seems like a record number of significant injuries in just the first three games. Countless top names are sidelined for the foreseeable future, with one of the teams most impacted being the Patriots Week 4 opponent, the 49ers.

The Super Bowl favorite out of the NFC has been hit with an injury bug at the beginning of the season, with injuries to tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Making matters worse, they also just lost starting defensive lineman Javon Hargrave for the remainder of the season, capping off an unfavorable start to their path back to the playoffs after losing to the Chiefs in last year's Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, the 49ers' luck continues to run thin as they add another crucial injury to the list of players the Patriots will need to monitor before their matchup on Sunday.

The Patriots could face a heavily depleted 49ers team in Week 4

On top of losing some of their best offensive weapons for the next few weeks, San Francisco is now dealing with a back injury to their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy. He is said to be day-to-day this week, which is the least ideal scenario, considering how many players they have already lost. If they're now without their quarterback, the Patriots might have a shot to steal a win.

Although it's unlikely, especially since they're already 10.5-point underdogs as it is, a back injury is significant enough to keep a quarterback sidelined.

Risking further damage is not something head coach Kyle Shanhan would likely be willing take, but with a 1-2 record and a determined quarterback, Purdy might do all that he can to be on that field in Week 4, which would erase any chance the Patriots might have.

They showed they aren't equipped to handle a team with a mobile quarterback in their lackluster effort against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. Although being down some firepower hurts the 49ers, the Patriots defense didn't prove they can slow down an offense half-talented last week.

It will inevitably be an injury worth monitoring in the days leading up to the departure for Santa Clara on Friday and could drastically alter their game plan if Purdy is ruled out.

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