Patriots luck out with big injury news ahead of Week 4 matchup with 49ers

After an embarrassing loss to the Jets on Thursday Night Football, the Patriots are not getting a break from the tough competition, as they will face the 49ers on the road next Sunday. The reigning NFC West champions continue to wreak havoc on teams across the league with their loaded roster and are expected to do that, and then some, against the Patriots in Week 4.

It's a rough follow-up for New England, who would prefer to face a team that gives them a solid opportunity to rebound from one of the worst games in recent memory.

However, they did receive some good news regarding the 49ers' offense leading up to their matchup, which might make their day slightly easier, even if a similar situation in New York didn't seem to be enough.

Injuries to some of the Jets' best players, like LBs Jermaine Johnson and C.J. Mosley, provided a bit of optimism for the Patriots offense. With so much riding on the run game's success, having the best run stuffer not on the field was a good thing.

But it didn't exactly go that way, which makes it difficult to believe more substantial injuries on the 49ers will be any different.

Key injuries on the 49ers offense should be a big help for the Patriots struggling defense

One of the biggest surprises to kick of the 2024 season was running back Christian McCaffrey being placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games before returning. The five time Pro Bowler is a dominant force on any offense and has proven to be the dual threat weapon offense's wish they could have, so his absence makes for a bit of an easier day for New England.

McCaffrey's backup, Jordan Mason, has been very successful in the meantime, however, and could pose a problem for the Patriots front seven. With Ja'Whaun Bentley sidelined, the run defense looks almost nonexistent, which isn't great when facing a team like the 49ers.

However, with three games under Mason's belt as the starting running back, they know who they'll be preparing for far more. He's much more of a true runner than McCaffrey, who is used in the passing game, making it a bit easier to practice for what's to come throughout the week.

They might also be fortunate enough to face a TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel-less 49ers team who did not play in Week 3 against the Rams on Sunday. If the Patriots could face an offense without three of their best players, there's no better scenario imaginable.

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