SANTA CLARA — The severity of 49ers right guard Joshua Garnett’s knee injury has become an ever-changing issue throughout recent days.
Garnett did not practice in any of the past five training camp sessions, including Friday. The injury was initially considered to be minor, and his timetable was listed as day-to-day.
Kyle Shanahan was forthright when he was asked why Garnett did not practice Wednesday.
“It’s tough to make this team and do it if you’re not out there,” Shanahan said. “I was a little surprised Garnett didn’t make it (Wednesday). I’d be more surprised if he’s not out there (Thursday).”
Sure enough, Garnett was absent Thursday.
And again, Friday.
Shanahan did not speak to the media after Thursday’s practice, but he provided an update on the injury Friday, his tone shifting from his previous comments.
“There is concern,” Shanahan said. “Josh says he doesn’t feel right. That’s always worrisome when a player doesn’t feel right.”
Shanahan added that Garnett will have further tests done. Garnett is battling an injury to the same knee that sidelined him for the entire 2017 season.
“Josh went through a lot last year with his knee and took a season off treating it right, got himself ready to play,” Shanahan said. “He came in here in OTAs, had a couple good practices, and hit his knee, and it has worried him. I understand that.”‘
Garnett struggled mightily as a rookie in Chip Kelly’s 2016 offense. After the 49ers coaching staff placed him on injured reserve prior to the 2017 season, Shanahan and company challenged Garnett to improve his physical condition entering his third NFL season.
Garnett responded this offseason, losing about 20 pounds, better equipping him for Shanahan’s outside zone-heavy offense.
“I see a guy who’s really going for it,” Shanahan said in May. “I’ve been very proud of how he’s handled his year off.”
Garnett began training camp as the initial starter at right guard, which features the only legitimate position battle of this training camp, aside from punter. In March, the 49ers acquired right guard Jonathan Cooper, who started 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys last year, to a one-year deal to provide depth and competition. Cooper started camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a minor knee injury. He missed the opening five practices before returning Tuesday. Cooper, Mike Person, and Erik Magnuson have occupied the right guard spot throughout the past three practices.
The cryptic nature of Garnett’s injury, that it’s the same one he sustained in 2017, and Shanahan’s back-and-forth comments regarding it make for an odd situation that continues to loom.
The 49ers have Saturday off and will return to the practice field Sunday. They will host the Dallas Cowboys in their first 2018 preseason game Thursday night.