Packers vs. 49ers: Matt Breida won’t play tonight, per report
The San Francisco 49ers will reportedly be without running back Matt Breida in tonight’s game.
The Green Bay Packers defense faces a tough challenge up against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
The 49ers’ rushing offense has been dominant this season, and the Packers defense will need to be much improved against the run.
But the 49ers will be without Matt Breida, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
49ers’ RB Matt Breida, nursing an ankle injury, will not play tonight vs. Packers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2019
It was unlikely he’d be active for this game, as he was one of three 49ers players listed as doubtful on the injury report earlier this week. Edge rusher Dee Ford and kicker Robbie Gould are also expected to miss the game.
Breida is an important part of the 49ers offense. When healthy, he forms a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield with Tevin Coleman. In nine games, Breida has 542 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as 110 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The 49ers still have a lot of talent at running back, led by Coleman. Coleman has 409 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 154 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Raheem Mostert will likely get plenty of snaps, too. He has 348 rushing yards with two touchdowns, and 89 receiving yards and a touchdown so far this season.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine may decide to stack the box in an attempt to take away the 49ers’ biggest strength, forcing their offense to go through quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. If they have tight end George Kittle back, or wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Deebo Samuel, the Packers will have a lot to deal with defensively.
Stopping San Francisco’s ground game won’t be easy for Green Bay’s defense. But the 49ers will be without one of their best running backs on Sunday night.