The San Francisco 49ers were ravaged by injuries again in 2018. Several key players at critical positions ended their respective campaigns on the Injured Reserve List. Here's a look at those names.
*1. QB Jimmy Garoppolo *
This is the one that stung the most for 49ers fans. Garoppolo went down in the closing moments of the team's Week 3 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs with a torn ACL. He threw for 718 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in three games before landing on Injured Reserve. Kyle Shanahan said that he's hopeful Garoppolo will be able to resume throwing during OTAs.
*2. RB Jerick McKinnon *
Shanahan had big plans for McKinnon in 2018. Much of the offense's gameplan was going to be centered around the coveted free-agent acquisition. Unfortunately McKinnon tore his ACL on the day of final roster cuts. The running back has made it clear on social media that he's eager to return in 2019.
*3. WR Dante Pettis *
Pettis came on strong down the final stretch of his rookie season before suffering a second knee injury. In a four-game stretch from Weeks 12-15, Pettis racked up 17 receptions for 338 yards and four touchdowns. The good news is that the former Washington standout should be full go by the time the offseason program rolls around. Fans will be hoping he's able to make a Year 1 to Year 2 jump similar to George Kittle. Pettis will have every opportunity to earn a sizeable role in 2019.
4. WR Pierre Garçon
Garçon, much like the rest of the 49ers receivers, had a hard time getting things going in 2018. A nagging knee injury limited the veteran wideout to 24 catches for 286 and one touchdown in just eight games.
_5. RB Matt Breida_
Speaking of nagging injuries, Breida fought through a sprained ankle all season long and still put up big numbers. He played in 14 games and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Breida finished the season with 814 rushing yards and three touchdowns to go with 27 receptions for 261 yards and two more scores through the air.
*6. CB Ahkello Witherspoon *
Witherspoon had an up-and-down sophomore campaign. He was in and out as the starter opposite Richard Sherman due to injuries and poor play. Witherspoon was coming on late before a knee injury ended his season after 14 games. He recorded 37 tackles, four passes defended and one fumble recovery. Witherspoon is looking at a training camp competition in order to earn his starting job back in 2019.
*7. S Adrian Colbert *
Colbert played in seven games and recorded 21 tackles before going on IR with a high-ankle sprain.
*8. DB Jimmie Ward *
Ward is the only player on this list who is an impending unrestricted free agent. The 49ers picked up Ward's fifth-year option in 2018, and it will be interesting to see what they decide on the veteran defensive back this offseason. Ward played in nine games this season (seven starts), forced one fumble and recorded 24 total tackles.
9. S Jaquiski Tartt
Tartt battled through an ongoing shoulder injury for much of the season. He played in eight games and defended two passes while totaling 42 tackles.
10. RB Raheem Mostert
A fluke forearm injury ended Mostert's breakout season. The running back became a focal point on offense for the first time in his career. He racked up 261 rushing yards and one touchdown -- a 40-yarder against the Oakland Raiders -- in addition to his continued strong play on special teams. San Francisco's running back room will be crowded next year with the return of McKinnon and the late emergence of Jeff Wilson Jr. However, if the 49ers opt to bring back the upcoming restricted free agent, Mostert showed that he's more than capable of being a dependable playmaker on offense.
11. CB Emmanuel Moseley
If we were to debate which player was the unluckiest in 2018, Moseley would have a strong case. Moseley suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his NFL debut against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9, just days after being promoted to the active roster from the practice squad. He recorded one tackle in his brief appearance.
12. LB Brock Coyle
Coyle suffered a head/neck injury in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings and missed the rest of the season. He entered the season as the starting WILL linebacker in place of the suspended Reuben Foster. Coyle recorded six tackles in his lone game of the season.
13. LB Dekoda Watson
A hamstring injury cost Watson the team's first eight games of 2018, and he played in just four contests before suffering a season-ending calf injury. He posted two sacks (both against the Raiders), six total tackles and a forced fumble.
