There could be big-time reinforcements coming for the San Francisco 49ers as their health improves entering Week 6.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday in a conference call didn't guarantee anything, but he opened the door for Nick Bosa, Kyle Juszczyk and James Thompson Jr. to make their returns when the 49ers host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.
"We know he's got a chance," Shanahan said about Bosa. "I think him, Kyle Juszczyk and James Thompson are all kinda in the same boat. They've all got a chance, but definitely not saying they're good to go right now. We've gotta continue to evaluate them throughout the week. It'll take all week but hopefully they can get there."
It surely helps that San Francisco gets an extra day off
with their game Monday night, but given their 5-0 start it's tough to imagine the 49ers are looking to bring anybody back early. On the other hand, it wouldn't be outlandish if any of that group was ready for Week 6.
Bosa's calf injury in the lead up to Week 3 was expected to keep him out a few weeks. He's missed three.
Thompson sustained an ankle injury in Week 2 and was supposed to miss three-to-six weeks. He's been out for three.
Juszczyk was hurt in Week 4 and was expected to miss a couple of weeks. He missed one, but with the extra day off in Week 6 it's not crazy that he would be able to get back in the lineup.
Even if none of that trio are ready to play against Washington, it stands to reason Week 7 is in play. The 49ers are off in Week 8, so there's a very strong chance they'll come out of their Bye looking healthier than they've looked since the season opener.
There hasn't been much good news on the injury front for the 49ers this year, but Bosa, Juszczyk and Thompson all trending toward coming back certainly fits in that category.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan has optimistic update on 3 injured 49ers for Week 6
