After injuring his knee on August 5, the 49ers were initially hopeful that 2016 first-round pick Joshua Garnett would be ready for the start of the regular season. That is no longer the case.
The offensive guard will miss at least the first month of the regular season, and may be placed on the short-term Injured Reserve list, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
No setback for #49ers G Joshua Garnet, but he’s out at least first month of season, per source. Short-term IR candidate as @MaioccoNBCS said
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2017
If Garnett, 23, is indeed placed on the list, he would not be eligible to play until after Week 8, but would not take up a spot on the 53-man roster. However, in order for Garnett to be eligible to return, he would have to be placed on the Injured Reserve list after Saturday’s roster cut. If the 49ers are certain that Garnett will return before Week 8, and they are okay with carrying 52 eligible players for at least a month, Garnett may not be placed on IR.
The 49ers selected Garnett with the 28th overall pick in the 2016 draft. He played 15 games last season, starting in 11.