Injuries plague every team during an NFL season. But few teams have been as beaten up in 2025 as the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You just wouldn’t know it in the standings until their crucial Week 6 contest.
San Francisco entered Sunday atop the NFC West at 4-1 despite starting quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) remaining sidelined for the fourth time in six weeks, and even emergency backup Mac Jones, looking for his fourth straight win in relief of Purdy, was listed as questionable on this week’s injury report with two illnesses. The Buccaneers are also hurt, with quarterback Baker Mayfield missing three of his top weapons, running back Bucky Irving and receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Still, Tampa Bay hopes to continue leading the NFC South race after also winning four of its first five matchups.
Sunday’s clash in Tampa therefore constitutes perhaps the truest battle of attrition in the NFL. Which injury-tested range is built to last? Which NFC contender can overcome not only another playoff hopeful, but also a multitude of inside blows? Regardless, this is a must-win game because of the implications it is expected to have on the conference playoff picture. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis.