Where the 49ers injuries stand heading into tough season opener
The 49ers will begin another tilt at the Super Bowl on Sunday when they visit the Steelers. San Francisco knows better than any other team the value of staying healthy, and the ability of quarterback Brock Purdy to do that following elbow surgery will be under the microscope throughout the year. But the 49ers have […]
The 49ers will begin another tilt at the Super Bowl on Sunday when they visit the Steelers.
San Francisco knows better than any other team the value of staying healthy, and the ability of quarterback Brock Purdy to do that following elbow surgery will be under the microscope throughout the year.
But the 49ers have injury issues in other areas with which to concern themselves heading into the season opener. However, several of them appear to be trending in the right direction.
George Kittle
The 49ers star tight end has been dealing with an adductor injury. Kyle Shanahan had hoped he would return to practice on Monday, however, he was instead among several players working on a side field during the session.
It is likely the 49ers are simply being cautious with a player crucial to their hopes of offensive success, but concern will increase significantly if he is not present for Wednesday’s practice.
Tashaun Gipson
San Francisco’s starting free safety was also absent on Monday but said he has only been dealing with “nicks and bruises”.
Gipson, who led the Niners in interceptions last year, essentially guaranteed he will play against the Steelers. In that case, him missing a Monday practice does the Niners no harm, and may aid the development of his heir apparent, Ji’Ayir Brown, by giving him more first-team reps.
Talanoa Hufanga
The Niners’ All-Pro safety, previously hindered by a Baker’s Cyst – a build-up of fluid behind the knee – was back at practice on Monday.
All signs point to Hufanga being ready to attempt to build on his stunning first season as a starter.
Dre Greenlaw
Joining Hufanga in returning to the practice field was linebacker Greenlaw, who missed all of preseason with a hamstring injury.
Greenlaw, who enjoyed his best season since his rookie year of 2019 in the previous campaign, told reporters he expects to feature against Pittsburgh.
"I'm ready to go, I feel good," said Greenlaw, per 49ers Webzone.
George Odum
A shoulder injury kept the safety and core special teamer out of preseason. However, he was at practice on Monday without a blue non-contact jersey.
Jake Moody
Perhaps the most significant injury concern of all. The 49ers’ third-round rookie kicker’s quad strain prompted concern they might have to sign another to the 53. However, Moody was back practicing kicks on Monday in a clear positive sign for his Week 1 availability.
If he can’t go, the 49ers have Matthew Wright, a former Steeler, on the practice squad.
Jordan Mason
Mason again missed practice on Monday with a foot sprain. Given the depth the 49ers have in the backfield, it looks unlikely their thumping third-stringer will be risked for the opener.
Oren Burks
The special teamer and probable starting SAM linebacker has not been available since suffering a knee injury during joint practices with the Raiders.
San Francisco is hopeful he can return for Week 1, but Burks did not practice on Monday. The Niners have plentiful reserves at linebacker, so there is little need to rush his return.
Ray-Ray McCloud
McCloud suffered a broken wrist just before the joint practices in Las Vegas. Kyle Shanahan has previously said the starting return man has an “outside chance” to feature in the opener, but he did not practice on Monday.
Injured Reserve
Wide receiver Danny Gray (shoulder) and rookie defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (hamstring) both begin the season on injured reserve with designations to return. They are out for the first four games of the season.
Rookie tight end Cameron Latu is out for the season after being placed on injured reserve with a meniscus injury. Safety Tayler Hawkins (hand) is also done for the year after being placed on IR.
Cornerback A.J. Parker (hamstring) and kicker Zane Gonzalez (calf) were on IR, however, on Tuesday they were both waived with injury settlements.
PUP
Rookie cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because of a knee injury suffered on the final day of OTAs. He must miss the first four games of the campaign.
49ers can be in no doubt Steelers will be ready to face San Francisco superstar
They’re taking every precaution.
Featured Image Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
