Breaking News: Key injury setback presents a formidable challenge for the 49ers’ defense.

Suggesting that the 49ers’ defensive line will be fine without Javon Hargrave would be misleading. Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, is expected to be placed on Injured Reserve after sustaining a triceps injury during last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. His role as a cornerstone of the defense and a leader on and off the field makes his absence a significant loss.

While Hargrave’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the defensive front, Nick Bosa, the team’s star pass rusher, is more affected by the lack of Hargrave’s presence than by concerns over his replacement.

“We’ve all trained together, so whoever steps in will be ready,” Bosa said on Wednesday. “We went through camp as a group. What we’ll really miss is having ‘Grave around. We always have breakfast together as a D-line, and he’s the one bringing the laughter and smiles.”

Hargrave’s positive attitude has been credited with keeping the team’s spirits up at Levi’s Stadium, despite their rocky start to the 2024 season.

One of the defense’s major issues this season has been the lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Although the 49ers had a top-10 pass rush over the past two seasons, they’ve only managed eight sacks in their first three games this year. Hargrave, who has a career total of 45 ½ sacks, accounted for one of those eight.