Tag: 49ers injury news

What to make of Christian McCaffrey’s absence from 49ers practice

Christian McCaffrey wasn’t in practice Wednesday, but there’s no real cause for concern.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey sat out the team’s practice Wednesday in the lead up to a Week 12 showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

This is a slight departure from McCaffrey’s routine during his first two weeks back with the club after a nine-week absence due to Achilles tendinitis. During those first two weeks he was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday before getting a full practice in Friday.

Wednesday of Week 12 was a little different. The 49ers listed McCaffrey as a non-participant. His Achilles injury is still listed, but they also specified that his absence was for rest and was not injury related.

It makes sense that the team would rest McCaffrey given his workload in a Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He played 59 snaps and notched 19 carries along with four receptions. The 23 touches were four more than his 19 the week prior.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the team plans to continue utilizing McCaffrey as much as possible in games, so an additional day off during the week would behoove a team trying to manage an Achilles issue for its superstar running back.

Chances are McCaffrey is back Thursday and ready to suit up Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

If he isn’t back Thursday, there may be a bigger issue. For now, his absence is simply a rest day.

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49ers 1st Week 12 practice report littered with injured stars

The 49ers practice report to open Week 12 is rough:

The San Francisco 49ers can’t seem to escape the injury bug in the 2024 season.

Their first practice participation report of Week 12 featured nine players either out or limited due to injury. Of those nine, five are starters who were either All-Pros or Pro Bowlers just last season.

Most teams by this point of the season have multiple players banged up and dealing with injuries, but for the 49ers it seems as though all of their most important players have dealt with injuries of varying degrees of severity at some point during the year.

With another huge game coming up and their playoff hopes potentially on the line, the 49ers need to hope their injury luck turns around quickly in the lead up to Sunday’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

Here’s Wednesday’s participation report:

Did not participate

LB Tatum Bethune (knee)
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
DT Kevin Givens (groin)
RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, rest)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)

Bethune sprained his MCL in Week 11 and figures to miss multiple weeks. Bosa played through his hip injury two weeks ago and now appears to have caused additional damage that puts his chances to play against the Packers in jeopardy. Givens was seen getting work in on a side field late last week, which gives some optimism of an eventual return. A non-participation for him isn’t a great sign for his chances to play this week. McCaffrey will likely be out or limited of every practice as part of the team’s management of his Achilles injury, while Williams is nursing an ankle issue he played through last week.

Limited participation

WR Jacob Cowing (concussion)
C Jon Feliciano (knee)
TE George Kittle (hamstring)
QB Brock Purdy (right shoulder)
CB Charvarius Ward (not injury related – personal matter)

Cowing sustained a concussion on a punt return last week. He’ll need to clear concussion protocol to suit up in Green Bay. Feliciano may be an answer for the 49ers on the offensive line, but he’s yet to be activated off IR. Kittle told reporters he’s confident he’ll play in Week 12, but they may still limit him during the week as a precaution. Purdy sustained a shoulder injury in Week 11 that will require some management during the week by San Francisco. That he was limited is a good sign. Ward was also back on the practice field after time away from the team to work through a personal tragedy.

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49ers optimistic about George Kittle’s return vs. Packers

George Kittle back?

The San Francisco 49ers had to navigate Week 11 without All-Pro tight end George Kittle. It sounds like they may get him back in Week 12 when they visit the Green Bay Packers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday spoke with reporters in a conference call and had a positive update on the superstar tight end who was out of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a hamstring injury.

“He should practice on Wednesday,” Shanahan said. “I know it was close yesterday, so I think he should be good for practice on Wednesday.”

Kittle sustained what Shanahan called ‘hamstring irritation’ during the team’s Week 10 game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The head coach sounded optimistic in the lead up to Week 11 that Kittle would be able to play. The TE missed Wednesday’s practice before getting limited sessions in Thursday and Friday. He was officially questionable before getting ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team announced its inactives.

The 49ers struggled on offense without Kittle. They averaged 4.9 yards per play in their least efficient outing of the year. In the passing game they badly missed Kittle as a safety valve and explosive play creator. Their longest pass play of the game was 22 yards and only Jauan Jennings had more than 27 receiving yards.

Urgency is even higher now for the 49ers after Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks, and getting a player like Kittle back for their showdown with the Packers would be a huge boost for an offense that needs it.

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49ers injury updates aren’t great news for QB and ailing superstar DE

The San Francisco 49ers have injury issues at two of the most important positions on their roster entering Week 12.

The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a handful of injuries following a disastrous Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

A pair of those injuries are to key starters for the 49ers as their margin for error in the race for the postseason shrank to almost nothing.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday told reporters in a conference call that defensive end Nick Bosa is dealing with hip and oblique injuries. The team will evaluate Bosa throughout the week, and Shanahan said it’s possible Bosa could suit up for Sunday’s game against the Packers in Green Bay.

Quarterback Brock Purdy also showed up in Shanahan’s Monday update after not being there immediately after Sunday’s game. Shanahan said Purdy is day-to-day with right shoulder soreness. This is the second time Purdy has been banged up during a game this season and was considered day-to-day during the week. He also hurt his back against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, but was a full participant in practice for all of Week 4.

Both Purdy and Bosa’s statuses on the practice reports starting Wednesday will be worth monitoring closely.

Shanahan also said rookie wide receiver and punt returner Jacob Cowing is in the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head on a punt return. If he can’t clear the protocol, the team may turn to second-year WR Ronnie Bell or rookie WR Ricky Pearsall to take those punt return snaps.

Rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune was also hurt early in the game on kick coverage. He’s working through a sprained MCL that will keep him out awhile per Shanahan.

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49ers injury update: George Kittle inactive vs. Seahawks

No George Kittle for the 49ers today.

The San Francisco 49ers have officially ruled out tight end George Kittle for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Kittle suffered a hamstring injury in Week 10 that head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t seem concerned about when he spoke with media Monday. Shanahan said Kittle would miss Wednesday’s practice as part of the management of that injury. Kittle returned to action Thursday and Friday, but isn’t able to play Sunday.

His absence will be welcome news for the Seahawks after he got them for a pair of touchdowns in the 49ers’ win over Seattle back in Week 6.

Here are the 49ers Week 11 inactives:

QB Josh Dobbs (QB3)
CB Charvarius Ward (Personal)
TE George Kittle (hamstring)
DL Kevin Givens (groin)
OL Ben Bartch
DL Khalil Davis
WR Ronnie Bell

Not among the inactives are defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams. Bosa is working through a hip injury, while Williams missed the entire week of practice because of an ankle issue.

Bosa told reporters his hip injury bothered him a lot in the team’s Week 10 victory in Tampa Bay. He had a light week of practice that allowed him to be ready for Sunday. Don’t be surprised if he winds up on a shorter rotation than normal while he manages his injury.

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49ers roster moves good news for defensive line ahead of Week 11

49ers roster moves ahead of Week 11:

The San Francisco 49ers are getting a key piece of their defensive line back ahead of their Week 11 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks.

Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos has been activated off IR according to an announcement from the team. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. were both placed on IR, and punter Pat O’Donnell was promoted from the practice squad.

Wishnowsky is dealing with a back injury that initially cropped up in training camp and forced him to miss the preseason. He’ll now be out at least four weeks before he’s eligible to return. The team signed O’Donnell to the practice squad early in the week, signaling bad news for Wishnowsky’s status.

The Gross-Matos return could be significant for a 49ers defensive end rotation that has struggled to produce this season. Gross-Matos tried playing through a knee injury he suffered in training camp, but eventually it landed him on IR. That knee issue may have slowed him down some because in three games he posted only one tackle, one quarterback hit and five pressures according to Pro Football Focus.

Ideally Gross-Matos will fit as a defensive end who can also rush the passer from the interior. His return may help make up for the lack of acquisitions on the defensive line at the trade deadline. Sunday will mark his first action since the 49ers’ Week 4 win over the New England Patriots.

San Francisco also brought up cornerback Nick McCloud from the practice squad on a standard elevation. McCloud is a standout special teams player who will replace Luter who is now out for at least four weeks after suffering a pelvis injury in the lead up to Week 11.

Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson was also elevated from the practice squad to provide depth at a position where the 49ers have Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha and George Odum on the roster.

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Will Christian McCaffrey play this week? Injury updates for 49ers RB

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will have to manage his Achilles injury all year. Here are the latest updates.

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey made his 2024 debut for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10 after working through Achilles tendinitis.

The nature of that ailment means the 49ers will have to manage McCaffrey’s usage throughout the season, including limiting him in practice potentially for the rest of the year.

McCaffrey tallied 19 touches in the 49ers’ Week 10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and didn’t have any setbacks during the game. Here’s where things stand going into Week 11:

Christian McCaffrey injury update

McCaffrey was limited in Wednesday and Thursday practices, but he was a full participant in Friday’s session and didn’t show up on the 49ers’ injury report. He should be a full go for the second consecutive week.

How much will Christian McCaffrey play?

It doesn’t appear the 49ers plan on limiting McCaffrey much in games. We may see him spelled for a handful of snaps here and there, but his touches should be back up where they were in Week 10 where he’s getting it 19-plus times. With a full game under his belt he may be even more effective against the Seattle Seahawks.

49ers RB depth chart

One of the advantages the 49ers have in managing McCaffrey’s ailment is that they have a pair of running backs behind him they can trust to snag some carries if the snap/touch counts get too high. Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo both filled in admirably while McCaffrey was out, but their opportunities figure to be limited when he’s healthy.

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49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 11

All the latest updates and news on 49ers’ injury report ahead of a Week 11 game vs. Seahawks.

The San Francisco 49ers need a win in Week 11 over the Seattle Seahawks. Their injury situation may make it a significant uphill climb to a victory.

With the Arizona Cardinals on a Bye, the 49ers could finish Week 11 in a tie for first place in the NFC. They’ll be in second because of head-to-head tiebreakers, but they’ll also be just a half game out of the No. 7 seed in the NFC. San Francisco needs to start stacking some wins against NFC and NFC West opponents to give themselves a little breathing room in their hunt for a postseason berth.

Seattle, on the other hand, is trying to climb out of the NFC West basement after their Bye. A loss puts them further behind the curve to compete in the NFC West. A win puts them in position to fight for the division crown.

There’s a ton at stake in Sunday’s game, and the 49ers may be missing some key players. Here’s what their Week 11 injury report looks like:

49ers injury report

Out
CB Charvarius Ward (personal)
DT Kevin Givens (groin)
P Mitch Wishnowsky (back)

Doubtful
CB Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis)

Questionable
TE George Kittle (hamstring)
DE Nick Bosa (hip)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)
DL Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
C Jon Feliciano (knee)
LG Aaron Banks (thigh)

CB Charvarius Ward injury update

Ward remains out to deal with a personal matter. Head coach Kyle Shanahan intimated Ward could be nearing a return, but the team won’t put a date on when he comes back due to the nature of his absence.

DT Kevin Givens injury update

Givens was seen working on a side field Friday according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. That’s a good sign for the 49ers’ DT who has become an integral part of their defensive line rotation.

P Mitch Wishnowsky injury update

A back injury cropped up for Wishnowsky during training camp and flared up in Week 10. He may be out significant time to get his back right. The 49ers signed P Pat O’Donnell to their practice squad as a potential replacement if Wishnowsky is out long-term. Shanahan told reporters the team plans on placing Wishnowsky on IR.

CB Darrell Luter Jr. injury update

Luter showed up on Friday’s participation report with a pelvis injury. It’s unclear when he sustained the injury, but he didn’t participate Friday.

TE George Kittle injury update

A hamstring injury cropped up for Kittle after Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shanahan indicated early in the week he was optimistic Kittle would be available Sunday. He missed Wednesday’s practice, but returned for Thursday and Friday’s sessions.

DE Nick Bosa injury update

Bosa played through a hip injury in Week 10, and told reporters after Wednesday’s practice he would rest during the week to try and get ready for Sunday. He wound up returning Friday for a limited practice. Shanahan seemed optimistic about Bosa’s chances, but he’ll be a game time decision.

LT Trent Williams injury update

An ankle injury accompanied Williams’s usual veteran rest day Wednesday. He was out of Thursday’s practice as well, putting a significant question mark over his status for Sunday.

DL Yetur Gross-Matos injury update

The 49ers haven’t activated Gross-Matos off IR after opening his practice window before Week 10. Here’s in line to turn this week and provide a significant boost to the 49ers’ defensive line.

C Jon Feliciano injury update

Feliciano is in the same boat as Gross-Matos as someone with their practice window opened. It sounds like the 49ers may be awaiting a chance to open a roster spot before bringing him back.

LG Aaron Banks injury update

This is a new one. Banks didn’t appear on either Wednesday or Thursday practice reports, and then landed as questionable with a thigh issue after a limited practice Friday. His status may determine whether Feliciano is activated.

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How much will 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey play in Week 11 vs. Seahawks?

Christian McCaffrey’s workload was a question in Week 10. It’s not in Week 11.

Don’t expect the San Francisco 49ers to take their foot off the gas in their usage of running back Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey returned in Week 10 after missing the first nine weeks to work through Achilles tendinitis. It stood to reason that his usage might start slow and then ramp up.

Instead, he played 88 percent of the snaps, accounted for 13 of their 18 designed carries, and received seven of the 36 available targets – the second-most on the team. While that sounds like a heavy workload, head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday after the team’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers indicated there’s no plan to slow down on McCaffrey’s workload.

“I didn’t think we rode him pretty hard,” Shanahan said. “But no, I think we were good with it and we’ll see how this year goes. That was our first game with him. I think he had 19 touches, which I think is a little less than he had last year. But it was our first game back with him and we didn’t want him to go too many series in a row. We started taking him out, I think we did it in between two series in the first half, and once we only had one drive in the third quarter and we got into that fourth quarter, we weren’t taking him out in the fourth. So, we’ll see how the year goes with it.”

With key games coming up against the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, the 49ers will likely wind up leaning even heavier on McCaffrey before they ease up on his usage.

There’ll be some injury management required, but early on it appears the team will be doing that by limiting his practice reps. Once the games begin, it figures to be business as usual with McCaffrey as the focal point of the 49ers’ offense.

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New 49ers Week 11 practice report features more bad news than good

Woof … Thursday’s practice report isn’t great.

The San Francisco 49ers are teetering on the brink of potential disaster on the injury front as they prepare for their Week 11 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

Thursday’s practice participation report was even more crowded than Wednesday’s, and it featured more bad news than good.

The good news is that tight end George Kittle returned to action after missing Wednesday’s session. He was limited Thursday, as anticipated by head coach Kyle Shanahan who told reporters he wasn’t too worried about Kittle’s status for Sunday.

In some less-than-good news, left tackle Trent Williams was absent again with an ankle issue. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings also showed up as a limited participant with an ankle injury.

Williams was classified as a non-participant for rest Wednesday, but he also had an ankle injury listed. That ankle kept him out of another practice Thursday, putting his status for Sunday in doubt. If he can’t go, Jaylon Moore would be next in line to step in at left tackle. This will be worth monitoring closely.

Jennings wasn’t on the Wednesday report which makes his appearance Thursday even more concerning. It’s unclear the severity of the issue and when he sustained the injury. Shanahan will speak with reporters Friday and give a better idea of what the 49ers’ leading wide receiver is dealing with.

Defensive end Nick Bosa remained out of practice with a hip injury. He intimated to reporters Wednesday that he’d likely miss the entire week in hopes of getting ready to play Sunday. He’s also a question mark for Sunday in a key matchup with the Seahawks.

Here’s the full Thursday participation report:

Did not participate

DE Nick Bosa (hip)
DT Kevin Givens (groin)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)
P Mitch Wishnowsky (back)
CB Charvarius Ward (not injury related – personal matter)

Limited participation

TE George Kittle (hamstring)
WR Chris Conley (back)
C Jon Feliciano (knee)
WR Jauan Jennings (ankle)
RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles)

Full participation

CB Renardo Green (toe)
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)

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