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There’s finally some cornerback help on the way for the 49ers. After a disastrous week, in which the team capped Brian Allen from practice squad for his first career start during which he allowed 139 receiving yards, 31 penalty yards (two penalties) and a receiving touchdown, they will have other options this week.
Per head coach Kyle Shanahan, Emmanuel Moseley returned to 49ers practice in a blue non-contact jersey on Wednesday, as he works his way out of concussion protocol after more than two weeks in it. Shanahan also did not mention Ahkello Witherspoon on the injury report, suggesting he should practice each day this week. Whether that means he’ll practice in full is unclear.
Dontae Johnson (groin), however, was out Wednesday, along with Kwon Alexander, who has a high ankle sprain. Shanahan did not say whether injured reserve was being discussed for Alexander. He said he was told there was a possibility of it not being severe.
One corner who the 49ers won’t have available is Parnell Motley, the corner they claimed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Motley played at Oklahoma where he was a first-team All Big-12 selection after locking down the best the conference had to offer with frequency. He’s physical, having played mostly as a man press corner, and was expected in many circles to be drafted.
Because of the NFL’s new COVID-19 rules, players can no longer be signed and play for their new team in the same week. Shanahan said Motley cannot enter team facilities until next Monday.
As mentioned Monday, Richard Sherman is receiving a shot in his calf to decrease the amount of swelling he’s dealing with and will not return this week. He remains on injured reserve.
In more encouraging news, Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to practice in full on Wednesday. Unless he suffers a setback, he’s near-certain to start this Sunday.
“He’s ready to go out there and go today,” Shanahan said. “He’s still coming back from it, but I expect him to have a full practice and I’ll evaluate him out there… I expect [the ankle] to feel a little bit better this week.”