With a Thursday game ahead, returns from injuries seem far less likely than on a normal week. Two of the 49ers’ key players this season, Elijah Mitchell and Azeez Al-Shaair, were out this weekend, but could have a chance to play against the Titans on Thursday.
Mitchell, who cleared concussion protocol, but still has a lingering knee injury, was ruled out, while Al-Shaair (elbow) was listed as doubtful before being made inactive.
General manager John Lynch joined KNBR Tuesday morning and discussed both players’ situations.
For Mitchell, it’s going to be a game-time decision, just as Kyle Shanahan said on Monday. Lynch said his knee has responded better so far this week than last.
“The concussion took a while and that protocol takes care of itself. He is cleared out of that, but at the same time on that same play, unfortunately, he tweaked his knee and that has been a little slower to respond,” Lynch said. “The good news is this week, I think we’ve taken a positive turn. So you’re right, it is tough on a short week, not going to be a whole lot of full speed reps to test it. But Elijah is a guy who’s proven worthy of allowing him that opportunity to go see on game day if he’s ready, and if so, we won’t hesitate.”
As for Al-Shaair, it’s probably a similar situation.
“Azeez is doing well,” Lynch said. “What I appreciate about Azeez is he loves playing the game and so he tried like heck to get back for for Sunday. It probably wasn’t realistic, but when you take that approach, I think you’re a lot closer for the next week and I think he’s trending in the right direction. We’ll see how the pain threshold [is].”
Listen to Lynch’s full conversation with Adam Copeland and Marcus Thompson below: