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Who has been the unsung hero this season for the 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers have already uncovered an unsung hero this season, as depth players continue to rise to the occasion amid a wave of injuries. Defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez has stepped in after key starters Alfred Collins, CJ West, and James Thompson Jr.

went down, forcing coordinator Raheem Morris to adapt. Valdez’s impact has been immediate—he’s won or influenced 40% of his snaps, including a game-saving stop that drew a flag and disrupted the opposing offense.

Meanwhile, the offensive line remains a rock, with Brock Purdy facing pressure on just 33.3% of dropbacks, the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL, while Christian McCaffrey’s 1.72 yards before contact rank fifth in the league. Though the unit rarely garners headlines, their stability has been critical to the 49ers’ 4-0 start, even as the defense navigates a pass rush void without its usual anchors.

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