Week 6’s matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is shaping up as a battle of attrition, with both rosters ravaged by injuries that will define the contest. The game exemplifies the brutal reality of the current NFL season, where feeling sympathy for injury-plagued teams has become almost pointless; everyone’s banged up. Every week brings another wave of starters hitting injury reports, and Week 6 offers no respite from the carnage.

Let’s start with Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ final injury report heading into the weekend is messy. 11 names, 6 layers officially ruled out. And none of it hits harder than what it means for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield’s been playing really well this season. Through five games, he’s thrown for 1,283 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception. Add in 104.4 QBR. Those are MVP-level numbers, no question. But now he’s heading into a road game without his biggest weapons.

He’ll be without receivers Mike Evans, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin Jr., who has a fibula issue, both of whom have been ruled out. Running backs Bucky Irving, sidelined by foot and shoulder injuries, and Josh Williams, who is in concussion protocol, will also miss the game.

Irvings’ absence is a concern. After a breakout season last year, where he rushed for over 1,100 yards, this year’s been a struggle. He already missed Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, and now he’ll sit again. As for Evans, he hasn’t played since Week 3. It’s a big loss for Mayfield, but not bigger than Godwin’s absence.

Godwin had just returned in Week 4 after missing a month recovering from last year’s season-ending injury. The timing was good; Evans went down the same week, and the Bucs’ offense was hanging by a thread after losing offensive linemen Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch. Losing him again amidst a myriad of broken players? Nightmarish.

Cornerbacks Zyon McCollum, recovering from a thumb injury, and Benjamin Morrison, nursing a hamstring problem, are also out. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday due to a right shoulder issue. Linebacker Lavonte David remained limited through the week with a knee concern. Cornerback Jamel Dean returned to full practice participation by Thursday after being limited early in the week and is expected to play.

Defensive back Christian Izien, who has been dealing with a quad injury, is listed as questionable after finishing the week as a full participant. Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, slowed by a knee issue earlier in the week, practiced fully by Friday and is expected to be available.

But the good news for the Bucs is, the 49ers aren’t looking any better.

The 49ers are facing their own crisis

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is dealing with a similar crisis. San Francisco’s injury report has 12 players listed, and just like the Bucs, six are already ruled out. Quarterback Brock Purdy will not play after missing the entire week of practice due to a toe injury.

The 49ers will also be without wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jordan Watkins, both dealing with lower-body injuries, as well as defensive linemen Yetur Gross-Matos and Kevin Givens, who are sidelined with knee and hand issues, respectively. Defensive lineman Robert Beal Jr., who had been battling an ankle injury, was waived on Friday.

With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers will have to turn to Mac Jones again… who’s also questionable. Jones has been battling it out through his own injury, and if he’s forced to start again, he’ll have to rely on backup receivers like Kendrick Bourne, especially if both Pearsall and Jauan Jennings (also questionable) can’t go. The fans will be hoping for Jennings to suit up somehow. But because he was limited in Friday’s practice, it doesn’t look too good.

The 49ers enter Sunday’s game with a concerning quarterback situation, as both Brock Purdy and Mac Jones are dealing with injuries. Purdy is out with a lingering toe issue, while Jones is listed as questionable with knee and oblique concerns. With both signal-callers limited, San Francisco’s offensive rhythm could be severely impacted, putting added pressure on their backups and reshaping game plans heading into a critical matchup against the Buccaneers.

A handful of players are officially listed as questionable, including defensive lineman Alfred Collins, wide receiver Jauan Jennings, defensive lineman Kalia Davis, cornerback Upton Stout, and safety Malik Mustapha. Mustapha’s been sidelined since re-aggravating his ACL injury late last year, and his comeback is much anticipated.

Pearsall’s absence is a big blow. He missed the Niners’ Primetime clash with the Los Angeles Rams last week after hurting his knee against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and while GM John Lynch sounded cautiously optimistic earlier in the week, the official report shut that hope down fast.

On a positive note, running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams are expected to play after taking rest days earlier in the week. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, defensive lineman C.J. West, punter Thomas Morstead, and defensive end Mykell Williams were full participants and will be available for Sunday’s matchup.

With both the 49ers and Buccaneers missing several key starters on offense and defense, Sunday’s matchup could come down to depth and execution. The team that manages its injuries better will probably walk away with the win.