John Lynch: Dee Ford isn’t sure he’s ready for start of next season

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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said Monday defensive end Dee Ford was not sure he was ready for the start of the 2021 season due to lingering back problems.

Via Eric Branch of the Chronicle of San FranciscoFord’s rehabilitation process from a back injury was a bit difficult. The injury has limited him to just one game played this season.

“I can’t tell you with great (certainty) that he’ll be ready for 2021,” Lynch said. “We are working hard – and he is working hard – to try to make it happen.

“When you’re dealing with a part of your body – your back – sometimes these things take longer. I think Dee is trying to stay encouraged. But I think it was a struggle for him. And we also try to stay encouraged. “

Since joining the 49ers in a Kansas City Chiefs trade ahead of the 2019 season, Ford has managed to appear in just 12 games for the team. Out of the 12 games he’s been in, he’s played over 50% of the team’s defensive shots just twice. Both games turned out to be the start of the season.

Ford suffered knee problems and a hamstring injury that limited his time on the court last year. He also had back problems which included a herniated disc and surgery for a lumbar discectomy.