[ad_1]
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Wednesday’s practice and provided an update on the first practice absences leading up to the regular season.
There don’t seem to be any long term issues ahead. Shanahan said that all players are expected to return by Week 1, although he has not provided any guarantees.
Quarterback Trey Lance did a few drills, but didn’t take any snaps or make any real throws as he healed a small chip on the index finger of his throwing hand. He was not included in Shanahan’s update.
Here’s what came out on Wednesday:
(AP Photo / Tony Avelar)
Aiyuk missed the preseason final as he aims to get his hamstrings back to 100%. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team slow down with him, even before the regular season opener. He’s one of their top two receivers and the payoff of bringing him back early in the year doesn’t outweigh the risk.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Armstead was given a day off to start the week before Week 1. The versatile defensive lineman struggled with injuries early in his career, but has played all 16 games in each of the past three seasons. Keeping him fresh will be key to the 49ers’ defensive front rebound this year.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
It’s interesting that Shanahan included the practice squad catcher in his injury update. He usually saves these updates for players on the active roster, which could indicate that the team is considering raising Benjamin from the practice squad for the first game of the season. He would be able to take the onus off Aiyuk’s punt return. He suffered a concussion in preseason and has yet to leave the concussion protocol.
Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Givens’ groin injury doesn’t appear to be serious. Shanahan said “it’s been a bit tight” so the 49ers “just kept him out for the interview.” With Maurice Hurst in the injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, the removal of another defensive lineman would be a blow to the inside of the defensive line. Givens getting on track by Monday to prepare for the first game would be ideal.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Shanahan said Greenlaw is in the same boat as Givens. The 49ers aren’t extremely deep at linebacker, so missing Greenlaw would be a tough way to start the year. Still, it looks like the 49ers are slowing down with more than a week to go. Greenlaw’s status will be worth keeping an eye on Monday.
(AP Photo / Josie Lepe)
Johnson was signed after Hurst and CB Davontae Harris moved to IR. He suffers from a hip problem and missed the last preseason game. The 49ers don’t have a ton of options around the corner, so having the veteran in good health could be important even if he’s not in line to start or play a big role in Game 1 of the season.
[ad_2]
Source link