Braylon Edwards Injury Update: San Francisco 49ers Desperately Need WR Back

The San Francisco 49ers desperately needs Braylon Edwards back as soon as possible.

The 49ers put up a hell of a fight against the Dallas Cowboys, but they crumbled late in the game. The defense did a fantastic job throughout, but the offense couldn’t keep the pressure on Dallas’, which ultimately cost them the game.

One has to believe that if Edwards was there to stretch the field and serve as a true No. 1 option for QB Alex Smith that the 49ers would have started the season 2-0 and in position to win the wild, wild NFC West.

Edwards was injured in the first quarter and we have yet to hear what is going on with the injury other than that he was expected to have an MRI today, according to Comcast Sports’ Matt Maiocco.

His words to Maiocco were reassuring, but the injury was devastating enough that Edwards didn’t even attempt to come back in the game. The fact that he tweeted this, though, must lead 49ers fans to worry.

San Francisco can’t afford to lose another top-flight, highly talented wideout. The organization is already dealing with Michael Crabtree and his lingering foot injury. He’s failed to live up to his hype and potential as a first-round selection.

Edwards is currently fighting for a hefty and long-term contract next offseason. He is currently working for peanuts and deserves his contract. If the injury forces him to miss an extended period of time, he won’t be able to cash in like he expected.

More importantly for San Francisco, they won’t have the opportunity to deploy a highly motivated and determined potential Pro Bowler on offense. The 49ers need Edwards on the field if they want to make a run at the NFC West division title.

Without him and Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis will be the only reliable receiver for Smith. San Fran would be forced to start a motley crew of WRs in Kyle Williams, Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn. Needless to say, that’s not going to propel the 49ers to the top of the division.