The San Francisco 49ers face significant setbacks as key players Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are placed on Injured Reserve following injuries sustained in their loss to the Buffalo Bills. McCaffrey, who suffered a PCL injury, is expected to be out for six weeks, while Mason is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Defensive lineman Kevin Givens also heads to IR with a torn pectoral muscle. These injuries leave the 49ers with rookie Isaac Guerendo as their primary running back, prompting potential roster adjustments.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates on several injured players, including Brock Purdy, who is recovering from a shoulder issue. Purdy did some light throwing without pain and will continue to be monitored, with Brandon Allen as a potential starter if Purdy's condition doesn't improve. Other players like Trent Williams and Nick Bosa remain day-to-day, while Jon Feliciano's season is over due to a knee injury. The team plans to open the practice window for LB Dre Greenlaw this week.
The San Francisco 49ers have updated their injury report, adding rookie safety Malik Mustapha with a calf injury, while key players like Trent Williams, Renardo Green, and Dee Winters fully participated in practice. The team has signed Tashaun Gipson to the practice squad to bolster their defense. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects Christian McCaffrey to make his season debut this Sunday, noting his impressive performance in recent practices.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is faced with the challenge of balancing rest and readiness for his players in the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. With the 49ers having secured the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye, Shanahan must decide how much to play starters to maintain their sharpness for the postseason while also protecting them from injury. The team's injury situation complicates decisions, as resting some players could overburden others, potentially leading to fatigue or injury. Shanahan's approach will be to prepare the team to play the whole game but hopes to pull starters out sooner if possible, ensuring the team's best chance to reach the Super Bowl since 2019.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan faces the challenge of balancing rest and readiness ahead of the playoffs, with considerations on resting older players and managing injuries. The team is in a better position than last year, with fewer injuries and more return-from-IR designations available. Key players like Christian McCaffrey and Arik Armstead are out for the upcoming game against the Rams, and the team may give more playtime to backups and practice squad members to avoid further injuries while keeping the team sharp for their playoff run starting January 20 or 21.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had to adjust his strategy for the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams after securing the No. 1 seed earlier than expected due to the Arizona Cardinals' upset over the Philadelphia Eagles. Initially planning to rest starters, Shanahan realized the logistical challenges of fielding a team without risking injury or overworking players. He confirmed that quarterback Brock Purdy would not play, giving Sam Darnold the opportunity for reps before the playoffs. Shanahan emphasized the need to balance player safety with maintaining game readiness as the team prepares for the postseason.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is keeping left tackle Trent Williams in a game-ready mindset despite the team having secured the NFC's No. 1 seed, to avoid regression from inactivity. While some key players like quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey will rest during the Week 18 game against the Rams, Williams is expected to play to maintain his performance level. Shanahan emphasizes the importance of not taking extended time off, especially for a veteran player like Williams, who has been selected for his 11th NFL Pro Bowl. Shanahan is balancing the team's health with the need to keep players sharp for the upcoming playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has decided to play most of his starters in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams, despite the Rams likely resting key players due to injuries. Shanahan's decision is influenced by the 49ers' own injury situation, which limits the number of players he can rest. He believes that having two consecutive weeks off is not beneficial for the team's performance and emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum going into the playoffs. Shanahan is also considering the logistics of the 53-man roster and the rules regarding practice squad players, which further constrain his options for resting starters.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is weighing the pros and cons of resting starters versus playing them in a seemingly inconsequential Week 18 game, after securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He acknowledges the complexity of the decision, considering the need to maintain practice routines and avoid bad habits, while also not risking injuries to key players. The decision is nuanced, involving discussions with coaches and players, and aims to find the right balance to ensure the team is primed for playoff success without unnecessary risks. Shanahan's deliberation comes in the context of recent injuries like Bradley Chubb's, highlighting the potential costs of playing starters in games with no playoff implications.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is managing the team's approach to rest and practice ahead of their Divisional Round game after securing a first-round bye in the playoffs. Shanahan plans to rest some players during the final regular-season game but must balance the need to maintain performance levels and avoid injuries. Left tackle Trent Williams received high grades for his recent performance, while running back Christian McCaffrey will miss Week 18 with a mild calf strain. Decisions on player rest will be made throughout the week, considering practice schedules and individual health. Shanahan was noncommittal on quarterback Brock Purdy's participation against the Rams, and cornerback Ambry Thomas is set for surgery but should return for the playoffs. The 49ers clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed, allowing them a double bye week before hosting a Divisional Round game.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is contemplating the balance between resting players and avoiding rustiness with the team having secured the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed and a first-round bye. While the bye week offers an opportunity for players like Christian McCaffrey to recover from injuries, Shanahan is wary of the potential for developing bad habits and the risk of other players getting injured due to increased practice loads. Decisions on player availability for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams have not been finalized, as the team still needs to dress 48 players on game day. Shanahan acknowledges the historical advantage of top seeds in the playoffs and aims to maintain momentum heading into the divisional round.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his fatigue over repeated questions regarding quarterback Brock Purdy's unusual four-interception game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the setback, Shanahan praised Purdy's overall performance and accountability throughout the season. Purdy, an MVP candidate, has had a strong record with the 49ers, boasting a 16-4 start record and a high career QB rating. Shanahan emphasized Purdy's resilience and ability to self-reflect without blaming others, suggesting that the recent game's turnovers were an anomaly in an otherwise impressive season.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expressed fatigue over discussing quarterback Brock Purdy's four interceptions from a recent loss to the Ravens. Shanahan praised Purdy's response to the mistakes, highlighting his humility and competitive nature. Despite the turnovers, Shanahan emphasized Purdy's accountability and self-critique, which are seen as positive traits as the team aims to secure the top seed in the NFC. Shanahan also avoided discussing his history with the Washington franchise, which has been a source of exhaustion for him.
