The San Francisco 49ers’ special teams unit underwent an upgrade with new coordinator Brant Boyer. Now, perhaps this wasn’t enough. Earlier this month, coach Kyle Shanahan replaced Jake Moody with new kicker Eddy Piñeiro. This is for one reason, which is to elevate the team. Cut to September 28, Shanahan is admitting his mistakes that led to the team’s first loss this season.

HC Shanahan said, “I take responsibility for the special teams mistakes because it is my job to oversee everything. We need to get it corrected, and that’s on me.”

Key pieces from the special teams may have changed, but shockingly, the issues have remained the same. The same as the season under former coordinator Brian Schneider. On a kick return, running back Bhayshul Tuten gained 54 yards, giving the Jacksonville Jaguars a strong field position. Later, late in the third quarter, wide receiver Parker Washington took a punt back 87 yards for a touchdown, sealing the game for the Jaguars.

As the unit continued to struggle in Week 4, there were issues in punt and kickoff coverage, mistakes on returns, and overall disjointed play. Apart from these mistakes, the 49ers also faced a massive hurdle due to the official’s call.

Despite the injury woes, the 49ers had managed to keep up. They entered Week 4 as strong contenders, thanks to the coach’s strategies. Even Jaguars coach Liam Coen had warned his locker room about how the 49ers could pose threats, particularly to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Coen also praised Shanahan for his “patient defense.” Lawrence had the same take on the 49ers.

“They’re so consistent and they’re really disciplined,” Lawrence shared. “They fly around sideline to sideline, and make a lot of plays with that front group – and on the back end, they’re really disciplined. They’re really smart. You will have some opportunities down the field, but it’s really taking that profit every time and being able to check the ball down.”

The picture looks different now. The defense struggled against the Jaguars after the team lost edge rusher Nick Bosa. Lawrence wasn’t sacked at all, as he had plenty of time to throw the ball. The 49ers’ defense also allowed 77 rushing yards to running back Travis Etienne in the first half alone.

Not to mention, the 49ers still have to deal with the injuries.

Kyle Shanahan needs to deal with the 49ers’ injury issues

It’s the injury trouble for the 49ers again. This week, the 49ers seem to have taken another blow. Shanahan revealed that after the loss, quarterback Brock Purdy had slight soreness in his toe. He earlier missed two games for his turf toe injury.

While coach Shanahan took the blame for the special team, Purdy also took accountability while calling out the issues with the offense. In his absence, quarterback Mac Jones or Adrian Martinez is likely to take the job. If Purdy can’t return in time and Jones and Martinez struggle, there’s a chance that the 49ers might need a new QB

Another disappointing development includes wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who seemingly suffered a knee injury during the game. As per Shanahan, the WR may have a minor PCL injury, which could keep him out of this week’s matchup. This is another major blow to the WR’s group after the previous hits, which have still been impacting the team.

Wide receivers, Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore will have to step up.

Coach Shanahan’s squad has already been tested this season, but these new issues make the upcoming stretch of games even more daunting.