Challenge for Ben Bredeson.

Yeah, the Bucs are dealing with injuries, no question. But the 49ers are as well.

San Francisco had had a rash of injuries to its defense. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is out with an Achilles. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was lost for the year with a torn triceps. Safety Talanoa Hufanga has a bum wrist.

And that’s not counting the perpetually dinged-up yet ferocious edge rusher Nick Bosa. Cornerbcak Charvarius Ward is not expected to play today against the Bucs as his daughter’s funeral was Friday.

So yeah, the 49ers will be without a lot of guys.

That doesn’t mean San Francisco’s defense is toilet paper-soft, Bucs left guard Ben Bredeson told Joe last week. The 49ers are still physical.

“It’s an identity thing for them,” Bredeson said. “It’s still the NFL. There are a lot of good players. Even if a couple of guys get hurt, there are plenty of physical players in the league.

“We expect a physical game.”

Bredeson believed the Bucs will have their hands full with the 49ers front-seven.

“It’s obviously a good defensive front,” Bredeson said. “Especially the front-seven. They are fast and run to the ball really well.”

Still, the Bucs have one of the top rising offensive lines in the league the past few weeks. This will be a good test to see how far they have come.

Ira Kaufman Talks 49ers-Bucs, Bill Belichick Rumblings, Long-Range Optimism, Cornerback Situation, And More