The San Francisco 49ers have not missed a beat with rookie Brock Purdy taking over at quarterback following Jimmy Garoppolo breaking his foot early in their Week 13 matchup with the Miami Dolphins, 33-17. They picked up another dominant victory in Week 14, this time over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7.

This team is clicking on all cylinders as their star power is shining through and overcoming any issues that may persist. However, Sunday was a tough day when it comes to injuries for San Francisco.

All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a lower leg injury, which was diagnosed as an MCL and ankle sprain. The team is expecting him back on the field during the regular season, but he is likely going to miss some time.

While it is certainly encouraging that Samuel will be able to return at some point this season, the diagnosis for cornerback Dontae Johnson was not as positive. He is going to miss the remainder of the 2022 season after injuring his knee against the Buccaneers, which turned out to be an ACL tear.

Johnson has spent 7.5 of his nine seasons in the NFL with the 49ers after they selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In the last two seasons, Johnson was a key member of the 49ers’ special teams and a depth piece on the defense. This season, he was on the practice squad before being elevated to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6 and this weekend against the Buccaneers.

Johnson was injured while playing special teams, a tough blow given his role on that unit and the depth and experience he provides at the cornerback position. He has been a steady producer for the 49ers despite playing most of his career as a backup on defense.

With him now sidelined, San Francisco could look to bring in another veteran to shore up the depth of their team. There are likely a lot of players who will offer their services as the 49ers look like one of the true Super Bowl contenders in the NFL.