49ers get hugely positive news on Javon Hargrave and Charvarius Ward
The San Francisco 49ers' win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14 had the shine taken off of it somewhat by injuries to several players on defense, including two hugely important starters in Javon Hargrave and Charvarius Ward. Twenty-four hours on, however, the 49ers are breathing a sigh of relief, with neither of those injuries […]
The San Francisco 49ers' win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14 had the shine taken off of it somewhat by injuries to several players on defense, including two hugely important starters in Javon Hargrave and Charvarius Ward.
Twenty-four hours on, however, the 49ers are breathing a sigh of relief, with neither of those injuries thought to be long term.
Hargrave suffered a hamstring injury and was limited to just 28 snaps, while Ward hurt his groin on the first series and did not return.
But asked in his Monday conference call if Hargrave could feature in the 49ers' Week 15 game with the Arizona Cardinals, Shanahan replied: "Maybe a chance, later in this week for this game. We'll just to have to monitor to see how this week goes.
"Charvarius Ward, similar with the status for this week. Maybe towards the end of the week. We'll have to see how it goes."
That Hargrave and Ward each have a chance for this week is excellent news for a defense that can't afford to have too many pieces out of action for multiple weeks with a massive Christmas Day game with the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon in Week 16.
The need for Hargrave to shake off his injury is perhaps heightened by the continued absence of fellow starting defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who Shanahan confirmed is likely to miss a second successive game with foot and knee injuries. Javon Kinlaw had the most snaps on the interior defensive line (35) against Seattle, and he and Kevin Givens would likely start in the middle if both Hargrave and Armstead are out.
One player who will definitely be out is linebacker Oren Burks, who will miss a couple of weeks with knee tendinitis. Starting WILL linebacker Dre Greenlaw is day to day with hip and ankle injuries. Greenlaw hurt his hip against Seattle but returned and finished the game.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles stepped in for Burks at SAM linebacker and will be expected to fill that role in his absence. Should Greenlaw miss out in Week 15 then rookie Dee Winters would presumably make his first start.
Right guard Spencer Burford, backup running back Elijah Mitchell and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. all missed the win over Seattle but the 49ers hope to get them back in practice this week.
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