Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins are coming to town for perhaps the most anticipated game of the 49ers’ 2022 slate.
These two teams are about as familiar with each other as is possible for two non-conference teams who have yet to play each other. But there are some looming questions about who will be available on either side.
For San Francisco, it starts with the loss of Elijah Mitchell, who is out until the playoffs with a 6-8 week timeline to recover from an MCL sprain.
That looms particularly large after Christian McCaffrey suffered a knee injury, diagnosed as knee irritation. He didn’t practice on Wednesday and Kyle Shanahan said Monday that he’ll have to be managed throughout the week. Early indications are that he’ll play Sunday, but his workload may need to be lessened.
That injury situation is all the more glaring after the 49ers dealt away Jeff Wilson Jr…. who they’ll face this week, along with fellow former 49er back Raheem Mostert. Mostert missed last week with a knee injury, but said he is going to play this week. Wilson Jr. had cramps and departed the 30-15 win over the Texans, but is expected to play.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Charles Omenihu showed up on the injury report and missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. Spencer Burford, who is dealing with an ankle sprain was not present in the portion available to media, either. Shanahan said Burford would warm up and would either be limited or sit out of practice depending on how that went.
If Burford can’t go, it would leave Daniel Brunskill with the first start of the season at right guard. Since Brunskill returned in Week 4, he and Burford have shared snaps, but Burford has started every game.
It’s been a fairly close split, though the numbers from last week are affected by Burford missing a substantial part of the game with injury. Since Week 4, Burford has taken 58 percent of the snaps. Brunskill has taken 42 percent.
The other limited participants for the 49ers were Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Arik Armstead (foot/ankle).
Armstead practiced for the first time last Friday and Shanahan expressed encouragement in the progress he’s made. He hasn’t played since Week 4 as he’s dealt with plantar fasciitis in one foot and a stress/hairline fracture in the other ankle. Sunday could be his return.
Meanwhile, Terron Armstead, the Dolphins’ star left tackle, suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle but won’t have surgery.
Per Cameron Wolfe, he’s hoping to play Sunday.
The Dolphins’ practice report slightly lengthier than the 49ers. Armstead, running back Myles Gaskin and offensive lineman Austin Jackson missed out with injuries, and four players, including Mostert, were limited.