In the first joint practice between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud ended up breaking his wrist while attempting to catch a pass thrown to him. This is the first significant injury to a main player on the 49ers this year. McCloud is the top return man for the 49ers, but now will be missing numerous weeks. Here is a look at Ray-Ray McCloud’s injury and what is next for the San Francisco 49ers.
Ray-Ray McCloud’s Injury
49ers WR Ray-Ray McCloud III (3) – Chris Unger/Getty Images
McCloud is the primary return man for the 49ers. He was already listed as the main guy for both punt and kick returns on the first unofficial depth chart for the 2023 season. The injury to McCloud will require surgery, and he is expected to miss up to eight weeks. The injury occurred when Sam Darnold threw a deep pass during their practice with the Raiders.
The ball ended up being intercepted, but McCloud ended up getting the worst of it. He is still set to return to the team this year and still will have the majority of the season to play, but this is still major considering he is the team’s return man.
According to Cam Inman, the receiver’s surgery for his wrist is set for Friday, August 11th. While he can return to the team, the 49ers will need to decide how to handle this situation. If they put him on the injured reserve list, he would end up being one of the few players to be taken off of IR. Would the team want to use that designation on McCloud right away?
The team may wait before officially placing him on IR. The eight-week timetable is from the date of the injury, not eight weeks of the season. This could bring him back by October. The first step is for him to have the surgery and then receive a more accurate return date.
Who Takes Over?
Former Michigan Wolverines WR Ronnie Bell (8) – Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Now that Ray-Ray McCloud will be out for around two months, the team needs a new return man. On the first depth chart, the next man up was Willie Snead, with Ronnie Bell right behind him. Potentially second-year player Danny Gray could compete for the spot. Head coach, Kyle Shanahan, spoke to the media following the joint practice and did state it would be an open competition. As much as no one ever should wish injury on a player, this is a great opportunity for the rookie, Bell, to stand out in practices.
McCloud did not receive on the offense too many times in the 2022 regular season. This, luckily means the team will not have to stress too much about replacing him there. It will mainly be focused on the return game. Now, this will be something to watch for throughout the preseason games this year.
Other 49ers Injuries to Monitor
49ers WR Ray-Ray McCloud (3) – Michael Owens/Getty Images
While McCloud’s injury was the worst of it, there were other players that either did not practice or ended early. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw left practice early with a hamstring injury. Hopefully, it is just a pull, and he will be back quickly. Defensive end Drake Jacks also has a hamstring injury. While he did not practice, he was spotted watching. Tight end George Kittle has an abductor injury which is keeping him out of practice for a week. Although it is not serious, wide receiver Danny Gray was sore and held out of practice to avoid anything worse happening.
Hopefully, these other injuries are minor, and the players can come back stronger. The first preseason game will be this Sunday against the Raiders. Shanahan rarely plays starters in the preseason, and as it is the first game, none will be expected to play. What can be watched is who is returning the punts and kick-offs. The hope will be that Ray-Ray McCloud has a successful surgery and the rest of the team remains healthy.
