San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive end Romello Height appears to have averted disaster.
The third-round pick needed surgery to repair a broken hand he sustained in the 49ers' Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. Despite breaking his hand and having it surgically repaired, Height may not miss any time.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday alluded to the possibility Height could play in Week 3. He reiterated that Wednesday in a press conference after Height's procedure.
"He's still an option," Shanahan said. "I hear he came out good, so we'll see how he heals up this week. Outside chance he could be available.”
Getting back on the field in Week 3 would be significant for the 49ers because Height has been a regular part of their DE rotation out of the gate.
He's playing in 52 percent of the team's defensive snaps according to Pro Football Reference, and Shanahan on Monday noted Height "had a much better game" in Week 2 after recording his first career sack. Staying on the field and getting reps is the best way for Height to continue improving and missing any length of time could've been a significant setback.
There's no guarantee he'll be on the field for Week 3. He was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. All signs point to him being back sooner than later, though, and that's a good sign for the 49ers and their third-round rookie.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers rookie DE 'still an option' for Week 3 despite surgery on hand
