San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided injury updates on Monday afternoon. The team plans to open the practice window for guard Ben Bartch, who has not played since the first quarter of
Week 2 after suffering a high-ankle sprain. Connor Colby has done a respectable job for a seventh-round rookie, but it’s evident that there is a clear step down from Bartch to Colby.
Brandon Aiyuk will not practice this week. Shanahan said he’d be surprised if Aiyuk returned, although he is getting closer to having a chance to practice; it’s just not this week.
Shanahan believes it’s “too early to say” whether Brock Purdy will return next Sunday against the New York Giants. The team plans to see how Purdy is doing on Wednesday:
“I think it’s too early to say. I don’t think it’s a long shot, but I know he is doing better and we’ll see how he’s doing Wednesday. Hopefully if he’s doing good, he’ll get in some reps.”
The following players are considered day-to-day:
QB Mac Jones (knee contusion)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
DT Jordan Elliott (ankle)
LB Dee Winters (knee)
DT Alfred Collins (shoulder)
More than likely, Mac is just sore. He did get up slowly after being hit on a play against the Texans. Regardless, we could be playing the “which quarterback is healthier” game again this week. Be sure to check in on the injury reports throughout the week to see how each player is listed.
Shanahan said it’s “pretty unlikely” that center Jake Brendel and edge rusher Bryce Huff return from their hamstring injuries this week. Matt Hennessey will get another start against one of the toughest defensive lines in the league.
As for Ricky Pearsall, it’s still unclear whether he’ll practice on Wednesday. He’s another player who can be classified as day-to-day.
