In Week 4, 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman suffered a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season.
In Week 5, quarterback Blaine Gabbert had another forgettable performance and was subsequently demoted.
In Week 6, running back Carlos Hyde sustained a shoulder injury and head coach Chip Kelly said Wednesday it would be a “stretch” for him to play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
What’s the connection? The injuries — or ineffectiveness — come at positions the 49ers didn’t seriously address in the draft or free agency despite glaring needs at each spot.