SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Injuries were always going to impact the initial meeting between the Cardinals and 49ers this season, but an under-the-radar malady is a blow to the Cardinals' offense.
Starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is inactive with a knee issue, meaning Kelvin Beachum will slide into the role at Levi's Stadium. The Cardinals elevated veteran offensive lineman Jake Curhan on Saturday to help with depth.
As expected, cornerback Will Johnson is also inactive with a groin injury, but fellow cornerback Max Melton is active. Rookie Denzel Burke is expected to start in place of Johnson, with Garrett Williams already out and on IR with a knee injury. Cornerback Elijah Jones will be active for the first time this season.
The team's full inactive list:
- CB Will Johnson (groin)
- RB Bam Knight
- LB Xavier Thomas
- OL Paris Johnson Jr. (knee)
- OL Will Hernandez (knee)
- WR Xavier Weaver
For the 49ers , both quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (knee) are inactive. Mac Jones will start at quarterback for San Francisco. Tight end George Kittle is already on IR.
