The San Francisco 49ers entered 2025 battling the same demon that haunted them last season, injuries. A year after the injury bug derailed their campaign, the Niners have somehow managed to grind through the setbacks and sit at 4-2 after six games.
But staying in the playoff race means getting reinforcements back soon. That’s where things got complicated on Friday.
Advertisement
MORE: New Orleans Saints stars show surprising loyalty despite swirling NFL trade rumors
The 49ers placed veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on injured reserve due to a stubborn calf injury. The two-time Super Bowl winner’s recovery wasn’t progressing as hoped, forcing San Francisco’s hand. He was expected to miss at least four games, but Saturday brought worse news.
“The 49ers have released WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling from IR with an injury settlement,” Ari Meirov shared on X.
Advertisement
Valdes-Scantling’s journey to San Francisco had been anything but smooth. After closing the 2024 NFL season strong with the New Orleans Saints, he signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason.
He didn’t stick there either, landing on San Francisco’s practice squad before Week 1.
Advertisement
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walks the sideline during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
When Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing all went down early, Valdes-Scantling suddenly became essential. He appeared in five games, recording four catches for 40 yards. Those numbers won’t impress anyone, but his presence filled a critical void.
Now that void just got bigger. San Francisco’s receiver rotation was already stretched thin. Losing Valdes-Scantling doesn’t just remove depth, it removes the safety net the 49ers desperately needed while waiting for their stars to return.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
GAMEDAY:Where Is ESPN College GameDay This Week? 2025 Week 8 Location & Guests
NFL:NFL announcer schedule & pairings for Week 7 of 2025 season
MLB:Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani sets MLB, team records in NLCS Game 4
NCAAF:3 teams with most to prove in Week 8 of the 2025 college football season
SPORTS MEDIA:Who is Kylan Darnell? What to know about SEC Nation special guest
VIRAL:NHL reporter Anna Dua laughs off viral faceplant in front of Rangers