[ad_1]
SANTA CLARA – The 49ers play three pre-season games in ten days, which in part influenced their decision not to rush players into the field for Saturday's game against the Chiefs.
When asked if his struggling defensive team, Dee Ford, would make his pre-season debut in front of his former team, defense coordinator Robert Saleh explained that it was not necessary to hasten the return of the pass.
"Dee Ford, just like the other guys who have not been able to leave, is in no hurry, especially the short week," Saleh said. "The Monday night game on the road and the road resume Saturday.
"For Dee, it's just going to see the performance staff again, see where they are. If he is able, great. Otherwise, there is no urgent need. Again, it's up to the performance staff and how it's going.
Ford received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his knee in early August to help him cope with recurrent tendonitis. He has not had any team training since the procedure, but Saleh is confident that Ford will be able to intervene once in good health without wasting time.
"Yes, of course," Saleh said. "Dee Ford's position here is less painful mentally than that of the leaders."
The team also does not want to reverse safety, Jimmie Ward, who broke his collarbone 12 weeks ago. While the average clavicle recovery time is six to eight weeks, the team is cautious with Ward – who has had several injuries during his career in the NFL.
Saleh and the rest of the coaching staff have confidence in Ward's ability, as they do with Ford.
"For Jimmie, it's no different than it was like it was the first day of the camp," said Saleh. "So, he's coming, he's going to train, he's going to have his representatives come in and we're going to talk about his plan during the week for the game, but let's see where he is.
"But, I think mentally, everything will be fine, he has attended all the meetings, he has gone through all the stages, he has been individual, he has attended all the visits, so it will be a quick adjustment for him."
[RELATED:[RELATED:[ENRELATION:[RELATED:The decision of the 49th quarterback of the 49ers will not be taken before the final cup]
The match in Kansas City, however, will serve as the debut for pre-season defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Alexander has just suffered an injury to the ACL and has made great progress in his rehabilitation, and Saleh has taken note.
"You know what, I assign him one, with his work ethic, two to the performance staff and the plan he has designed for him and to all who execute it," Saleh said.
"He's coming well. He's made great progress since his first day of training so far, so I'm excited to see him out and see what he's doing for his first game. This is not a pressure for him to be excellent, an All-Pro during his first preparatory action, it's just going there, invite his reps to play and get back to play football. "
[ad_2]
Source link