Why the 49ers Keep Finding Ways to Win, No Matter Who’s Missing

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Christian McCaffrey steps up in a depleted 49ers offense. [photo credit: Christian McCaffrey Instagram]

by Vincent Juico

A 4-1, injury-riddled, and injury-plagued NFC West-leading team, running out backups who’d start on other rosters — that’s what the San Francisco 49ers looked like heading into Thursday night. Yet somehow, they still pulled off another one. The 49ers edged the Los Angeles Rams, 26–23, in overtime on Thursday Night Football, improving to 4–1 and staying perfect in the division.

It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t need to be. This was the kind of game that shows who you are when everything around you starts falling apart. San Francisco’s win spoke volumes about depth, coaching, and belief — three things this franchise keeps leaning on whenever the injury report starts to read like a roster sheet.

The defense, as usual, carried the fight. Even without Nick Bosa and Upton Stout, the group dug in and came up with stops when they mattered most. They bent at times, sure, but they didn’t break. And in a game like this, that was enough.

Offensively, it was about surviving. With their top three wideouts and George Kittle sidelined, Mac Jones had to make do with what he had — and he did. Nothing fancy, just smart decisions and quick throws. Christian McCaffrey filled in the gaps, again proving he can do a bit of everything. The playbook felt thinner, but the execution was sharp enough to keep the Rams guessing.

The defense had the final say. Rookies and practice-squad call-ups played beyond their experience, while corners Lucas and Lenoir held the line in coverage. A key 4th-and-1 stop and a late fumble recovery sealed it — moments that turned what could’ve been a loss into a statement.

This wasn’t about domination. It was about composure and toughness — two things that can’t be taught on paper. The 49ers didn’t win because they were at full strength; they won because they refused to fold.

At 4–1, San Francisco isn’t just surviving the injury storm. They’re proving that even when the names change, the standard doesn’t.

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Vincent Juico

Vincent works as a Resident Services Coordinator for The Pacifica in Auckland, New Zealand where he has been based since 2022. He is also a Sports Columnist for the Business Mirror.