The San Francisco 49ers host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, and they likely will face Julio Jones & Co. without cornerback Richard Sherman. The 49ers CB suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury in Week 14 and could miss a couple weeks, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. He is not expected to play this week, and Pelissero tweeted “perhaps beyond.”
The injury is a tough blow to the 49ers secondary, and opens the door for the Falcons passing attack. The Falcons are coming off a blowout of the Carolina Panthers in which Calvin Ridley caught five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, and Julio Jones caught five passes for 66 yards. Olamide Zaccheaus led the team with 93 yards on a single long touchdown reception.
The 49ers defense had impressed prior to a shootout win over the Saints in Week 14. The 49ers pass rush remains intact, but the loss of Sherman is a blow to the secondary. Jones is a must start even if Sherman were healthy. Ridley will be someone to track due to the abdominal injury he suffered on Sunday. If Ridley is active, he is potentially worth a start as well.