Javon Hargrave Out for Season with Triceps Injury
The injury bug continues to wreak havoc on the 49ers' roster, as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has been diagnosed with a partial tear in his triceps, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Hargrave, a critical force on the interior of San Francisco’s defensive line, will leave a significant void as the team faces the uphill battle ahead.
Hargrave has been a model of durability throughout his career, missing only a few games up until this point. The 49ers signed him to a four-year, $84 million deal before the 2023 season, with $40 million guaranteed, recognizing his value as a dominant defender. He quickly made an impact, building on a Pro Bowl season in 2022, where he recorded 7.5 sacks and 48 quarterback hurries. His rare ability to disrupt the passing game from the defensive tackle position made him one of the league’s top interior linemen.
This week, the 49ers will face the New England Patriots in a game where they are still favored, but Hargrave's absence creates added challenges. The Patriots rely heavily on their rushing attack, and with San Francisco already showing vulnerability against the run, losing a key piece like Hargrave could tilt the matchup. The 49ers' defense will need to tighten up against the run and force the Patriots to lean on quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Patriots, 10.5-point underdogs, will look to exploit San Francisco's weakened defensive front when the teams meet at Levi's Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST.