Tag: 49ers injury updates

49ers combat injuries with roster moves ahead of Week 16

The 49ers made a bunch of roster moves before Week 16.

The San Francisco 49ers on Saturday made a slew of roster moves leading up to their Week 16 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

They promoted two practice squad players to the active roster with offensive lineman Austen Pleasants and linebacker Jalen Graham both getting called up.

Graham will fill out LB depth with De’Vondre Campbell’s suspension, while Pleasants gives them more bodies on the offensive line after injuries to Trent Williams and Ben Bartch.

Pleasants was added to the practice squad early in Week 16 and quickly got promoted. The 27-year-old offensive tackle has played in two games during his NFL career.

To clear the necessary roster spot, the 49ers waived OL Sebastian Gutierrez.

They also elevated two players from the practice squad who will revert to the practice roster after Sunday’s game. Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn will help fill out the backfield. Vaughn has worked in as the backup behind Patrick Taylor who is in line to start with RB Isaac Guerendo listed as out for Sunday.

Defensive lineman Alex Barrett will help out a banged up defensive front that has both DEs Nick Bosa and Robert Beal listed as questionable.

The 49ers and Dolphins are slated to kick off at 1:25pm Pacific Time from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.

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Will Isaac Guerendo play this week? Injury updates for 49ers RB

49ers running back Isaac Guerendo is dealing with a hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates.

The San Francisco 49ers can’t catch a break in their offensive backfield.

It started in training camp when running back Christian McCaffrey was shut down with what turned out to be Achilles tendinitis. RB Elijah Mitchell was also placed on season-ending IR in August with a hamstring issue.

RB Jordan Mason filled in admirably to start the year, but he was hit with a shoulder injury in Week 6 that he battled until McCaffrey’s return in Week 10. McCaffrey and Mason were both hurt in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, which pushed rookie fourth-round pick RB Isaac Guerendo into the starting role.

Guerendo hurt his foot in Week 14, but played in Week 15 where he sustained a hamstring injury.

Isaac Guerendo injury update

Guerendo has been ruled out for Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. He dealt with a hamstring injury in training camp that cost him most of camp and the first two preseason games. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated early in the week that Guerendo was a longshot to play. After not practicing all week he was listed as ‘out’ on the official injury report.

How long will Isaac Guerendo be out?

It’s unclear how long Guerendo’s absence will be. He showed promise in the reps he get as the 49ers’ primary RB, but the coaching staff will likely want to see more in-game opportunities for him in his rookie season. That doesn’t mean they’ll rush him into action, though. With three games left and nothing on the line there’s no real reason to risk a longer-term injury that may impact him into 2025.

49ers RB depth chart

Shanahan on Friday said veteran RB Patrick Taylor would ‘most likely’ get the starting role in Miami. Behind him on the active roster is Israel Abanikanda. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is on the practice squad and could be either elevated or promoted Saturday. If Vaughn is promoted to the active roster it would come with a corresponding move to clear a roster spot.

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49ers superstar downgraded in updated Week 16 practice report

Nick Bosa was limited for Wednesday’s practice. He was out for Thursday’s session.

It’s unlikely we see the San Francisco 49ers ‘tank’ to close the 2024 season with so much on the line for so many players.

However, it wouldn’t be a shock if some of their injured veterans who have contractual security wind up taking a step back instead of battling through their ailments.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday indicated left tackle Trent Williams may wind up being shut down for the year. In Thursday’s practice report defensive end Nick Bosa also showed up as a non-participant following a limited session Wednesday.

Bosa is working through hip and oblique injuries that cost him three games before he stepped back into the lineup for Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.

The obvious concern for the 49ers as they navigate the fine line between finishing out the season strong and not jeopardizing their key veterans’ health in the future is keeping players like Bosa healthy for the 2025 season. Scaling him back in the run up to Week 16 isn’t a major surprise. It would be equally unsurprising if he winds up slowing down his attempts to return by season’s end with an eye toward a fully healthy 2025 campaign.

Did not participate

DT Maliek Collins (illness)
RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)

Limited participation

LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee)
OT Jaylon Moore (hip)
S Malik Mustapha (chest)
G Nick Zakelj (illness)

Full participation

G Aaron Banks (elbow)
S Ji’Ayir Brown (groin)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)
LB Dee Winters (neck)

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New injury update for Isaac Guerendo isn’t promising for 49ers rookie

The San Francisco 49ers will have a fourth different starting RB against the Miami Dolphins.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to have a fourth different starting running back this season according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Running back Isaac Guerendo suffered a hamstring injury in the 49ers’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and is unlikely to suit up Sunday for the team’s Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Guerendo was absent from Wednesday’s practice because of the injury.

It’s the second consecutive game the 49ers rookie RB has suffered an injury. He also hurt his foot in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears and was questionable to play in Week 15. He put together a strong outing on the short turnaround to Thursday night, but exited the contest with a new issue.

Guerendo played in only 41 games across five college seasons in part because of injuries. This is the second time as a rookie he’s missed time with a hamstring ailment. He also missed almost all of training camp with the same issue.

With Guerendo out, the 49ers will likely turn to RB Patrick Taylor who has been the backup with Guerendo starting. San Francisco also has Israel Abanikanda who they acquired off waivers from the New York Jets after RBs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason went down with injuries. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is also on the practice squad and may get promoted to the active roster if there’s a player the 49ers wind up placing on IR with three weeks to go.

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49ers open Week 16 practice with 3 players missing, 5 limited

The San Francisco 49ers had a busy practice report to open Week 16 preparations for the Miami Dolphins.

With the postseason virtually out of reach, the San Francisco 49ers can start turning an eye toward the 2025 season. However, it doesn’t appear the 49ers are aiming to start shutting things down with three games to go.

San Francisco’s practice participation report from Wednesday featured a trio of players missing, including left tackle Trent Williams and running back Isaac Guerendo. Williams is still working through an ankle issue. Guerendo had a hamstring injury crop up during the team’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Beyond that, players like defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw were still participating in practice on a limited basis despite playing through injury issues of their own.

Bosa has been dealing with hip and oblique problems since Week 10, and they cost him three games before his return against the Rams. Greenlaw made his season debut in Week 15 after recovering from a torn Achilles. He left the game with what head coach Kyle Shanahan classified as fatigue and soreness. That both players were in practice to begin the week is a good sign for their chances to suit up Sunday in Miami.

Did not participate

DT Maliek Collins (illness)
RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)

Limited participation

DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee)
OT Jaylon Moore (hip)
S Malik Mustapha (chest)
G Nick Zakelj (illness)

Full participation

G Aaron Banks (elbow)
S Ji’Ayir Brown (groin)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)
LB Dee Winters (neck)

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49ers likely to shut down a 3rd All-Pro for rest of 2024 season

Trent Williams isn’t likely to return this year … which is the smart move.

There has been more to the San Francisco 49ers’ issues in 2024 than their injury situation, but the amount of high-level players that have been absent for extended periods because of injury is staggering.

With two All-Pros already on IR, head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday told reporters in his press conference that left tackle Trent Williams may also wind up missing the rest of the year.

“If he could get back to healthy, we’d play him,” Shanahan said when asked if the team would shut Williams down. “But, it’s not like that right now, so it’s getting closer to being that way.”

Williams is dealing with an ankle injury and hasn’t played since Week 11. He was shown on television during the Thursday Night Football broadcast in a suite at Levi’s Stadium with what looked like a scooter next to him that would help him keep weight off his injured ankle.

If Williams is done for the year, he’d join Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk as 2023 All-Pros who suffered season-ending injuries. That doesn’t account for linebacker Fred Warner who is playing through an ankle fracture, defensive end Nick Bosa who has missed three games or cornerback Charvarius Ward who missed four games because of a personal tragedy.

San Francisco still could have done things to put themselves in position to make the postseason despite the injuries. They made too many mistakes and didn’t get enough high-level performances from their star players who have been healthy. However, the absence of the top-end players on a top-heavy roster has been an issue all season and it hasn’t gotten better.

Shutting down Williams would make sense given that the 49ers are virtually eliminated from the postseason. He turns 37 before next year’s training camp, and because he’s still playing at a high level, ensuring he’s fully healthy and ready to go next season has to be a high priority for San Francisco as they wrap up a dreadful 2024 season.

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Dre Greenlaw officially activated, OL placed on IR

Dre Greenlaw is officially back for the San Francisco 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers on Thursday made Dre Greenlaw’s return official when they activated him off the PUP list.

Greenlaw has been on the PUP list since training camp began while recovering from an Achilles tear he suffered in the Super Bowl. After a full practice participation Wednesday, Greenlaw was officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Thursday morning reported Greenlaw would be eased into action, intimating he won’t immediately take over his every-down role as the Will LB alongside Fred Warner. That spot has been held by veteran DeVondre Campbell all season. Greenlaw could take on the Sam LB role where he primarily plays in run situations. Dee Winters has taken that job for most of the season.

In a corresponding move, the 49ers placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on IR after he sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears. That opened a roster spot for Greenlaw. Bartch performed well in place of starting left guard Aaron Banks who missed two games with a concussion. Spencer Burford will now slide up to the backup LG spot.

Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn was also elevated from the practice squad for a second consecutive week. He could be the backup to RB Patrick Taylor if Isaac Guerendo can’t play because of his foot sprain. Guerendo is officially questionable.

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49ers get good injury news on LB after devastating injury

Dre Greenlaw is set to return.

The San Francisco 49ers finally got some good injury news.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is on track to make his return Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Greenlaw tore his Achilles running onto the field during Super Bowl LVIII and has been on the PUP list since the offseason. He had his 21-day practice window opened ahead of Week 13, but he was ruled out of both Weeks 13 and 14 after two weeks of limited practices.

Leading up to Week 15 he had a projected limited practice Monday, then was limited Tuesday before getting a full practice in Wednesday and receiving a ‘questionable’ designation on the team’s injury report.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday intimated Greenlaw had a chance to return against the Rams, so it’s not a huge surprise the team intends to have their start linebacker suit up for the first time this season.

For Greenlaw to play, there will have to be a maneuver to open a spot on the 53-man roster.

The 49ers have missed his athleticism in the second level, and if he returns it’s unclear what his role will be. He could take back his starting Will LB spot where he’s on the field alongside Fred Warner for all three downs. He may also take over the Sam LB spot where he’s only on the field in the base defense.

Rapoport reported Greenlaw will be eased in, which means he’ll likely take on the lesser role as a third LB instead of taking a lion’s share of the game’s snaps right away.

Greenlaw, a free agent this offseason, has played in 62 games with 54 starts since joining the 49ers as a fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft. He’s been credited with 446 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 14 pass breakups and three interceptions.

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49ers vs Rams injury report: Latest update, news on Isaac Guerendo for Week 15

All the latest updates and news on 49ers’ injury report ahead of a Week 15 game vs. the Rams.

The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 15 injury report inspired a little bit of optimism on the health front as they enter a virtual must-win matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice after being listed as a non-participant Monday and Tuesday because of a foot injury. He was limited and is officially questionable, but that’s a better sign than if he missed the session entirely.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan early in the week indicated there was some hope Guerendo would be ready for Thursday. There was no media availability Wednesday so it’s unclear how much progress Guerendo made during the week.

Other good news featured the return of defensive end Nick Bosa. He was limited and is listed as questionable after missing the last three games with hip and oblique injuries.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw was also a full participant for the first time since having his 21-day practice window opened. He missed the last two games and was limited Monday and Tuesday. A full practice and ‘questionable’ designation mean he could make his return Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium.

49ers injury report

Out

OL Ben Bartch (ankle)
S Malik Mustapha (shoulder)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)

Mustapha was downgraded to a non-participant Wednesday. Ji’Ayir Brown figures to get the start alongside Talanoa Hufanga.

Questionable

DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
DT Khalil Davis (knee)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
RB Isaac Guerendo (foot)

It would be a massive lift and some awesome injury news if Bosa, Greenlaw and Guerendo all play Thursday.

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49ers new starting RB remains out of Week 15 practice with foot injury

Still no Isaac Guerendo in practice for the 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers may be down to their fourth-string running back Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday told reporters in a pre-practice press conference that rookie running back Isaac Guerendo wouldn’t participate in the day’s session as he continues recovering from a foot sprain he sustained in the team’s 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14.

Guerendo was in the starting lineup for the first time as a pro because of a knee injury for RB Christian McCaffrey and an ankle injury for RB Jordan Mason. Both players were placed on IR and opened the door for Guerendo, a 2024 fourth-round pick, to step into the starting lineup. He posted 128 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns before exiting against Chicago.

The 49ers didn’t have a practice Monday, but they released a projected participation report that listed Guerendo as a non-participant. It’s not a surprise he’s a non-participant again Tuesday. Shanahan on Monday said Guerendo’s status for Thursday is up in the air.

“The only idea I have is what I told you guys,” Shanahan said via conference call. “He’s got a foot sprain and definitely couldn’t go today. And so, we’ll see if he can go on Thursday, but definitely can’t go (Monday). It’s a quick turnaround, so we’ve got to evaluate him hard each day. I’ll be surprised if he does much tomorrow, but hopefully Thursday will be enough time for him.”

It’s not a great sign that Guerendo hasn’t been able to go the first couple days of the week. The good news for the 49ers is they don’t ultimately have to make a decision until 90 minutes before kickoff unless they rule him out on Wednesday’s injury report.

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