SAN FRANCISCO, CA (The Spread) – With yet another player deciding to suddenly retire, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a bind.
Linebacker Chris Borland announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday despite playing just one season in the league. The 49ers’ third-round pick a year ago has decided to call it quits in fear of his health and the safety issues that come with playing in the NFL.
“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” the 24-year-old said. “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
Borland has been diagnosed with two concussions in his lifetime but he may have suffered more playing for Wisconsin and then one year in San Francisco. Borland’s decision now leaves the 49ers’ defense ravaged with holes in wake of Patrick Willis’ retirement and Justin Smith’s potential retirement. Edge rusher Aldon Smith and inside linebacker Navarro Bowman remain, but Smith has had a multitude of off-field issues and Bowman missed all of 2014 rehabbing a knee injury suffered in the NFC title game against Seattle two seasons ago.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the 49ers are currently 33/1 long shots to win the 2016 Super Bowl.
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