In the world of 49ers injury news, day-to-day statuses tend to be positive developments. With a brutal matchup this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s an opportunity for quite a few players to return.
Kyle Shanahan provided updates after Sunday’s brutal, 28-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It sent the 49ers back to .500 with a tough two-week stretch before their Week 9 bye.
Starting with the most obvious, pressing questions. What’s the status for Nick Bosa and Trent Williams?
Bosa missed last week with a groin injury, the first time he’s missed a game not related to a torn ACL. Williams has been out since Week 4 with a high ankle sprain.
Shanahan said that he thinks “there’s a decent chance” to get both of them back this week.
It goes without saying that would be a massive boost. After Mike McGlinchey departed in the second half, the 49ers operated with Jaylon Moore and Blake Hance as their left and right tackles, respectively.
McGlinchey, who suffered a calf contusion, is one of many listed as day-to-day. Charvarius Ward (groin), who also sat in the second half, is in the same boat.
Day-to-day:
- Mike McGlinchey (calf contusion)
- Charvarius Ward (groin)
- Charlie Woerner (AC joint sprain)
- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee tendinitis) – “should be fine”
- Drake Jackson (knee sprain)
- Samson Ebukam (Achilles tendinitis)
There was no update on Jason Verrett, who the team has to activate off the physically unable to perform list by this weekend.
As for Jimmie Ward, Shanahan said he received some encouraging news, though he hasn’t talked to him about how he’s feeling yet.
He was told by medical staff that Ward is “doing really good post-surgery” and could play with a cast on going forward. It doesn’t sound like that will happen this week, with Shanahan saying that “might be a little too optimistic.” A return after the bye sounds very possible, if not likely.
His continued absence will be magnified if Talanoa Hufanga can’t go this week. He was evaluated for a concussion on Atlanta’s first drive on Sunday, but cleared protocol during and directly after the game.
But he came in with concussion symptoms on Monday, Shanahan said, which has happened to other players before. His status is obviously uncertain.
Perhaps more uncertain is the status of Arik Armstead, who is dealing with at least plantar fasciitis and an ankle sprain.
Shanahan said of Armstead, “I’d be very surprised if he’s back this week.”
The 49ers aren’t sure when he’ll return, but the indications are that it’s very likely to be after the bye week.