The San Francisco 49ers have played the majority of the young season without their most important players, and that trend continued in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Missing stars like tight end George Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy, and wide receiver Jauan Jennings, the Niners defense subsequently suffered a major loss when defensive end Nick Bosa left the game with a knee injury and did not return.
But, just as they have done each week so far, the hodgepodge of San Francisco backups put together a strong winning effort, eking out a 16-15 victory over the red birds that gave the 49ers sole possession of first place in the NFC West.