The 49ers aren’t quite at full strength as they begin training camp according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. He told reporters during a press conference Friday that four players will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Running back Jerick McKinnon will start camp on the PUP list after a minor setback in his recovery from a torn ACL. Shanahan called it “a little flare up” and expects McKinnon to return quickly according to Cam Inman of the Mercury News.
Defensive back Jimmie Ward, who broke his collarbone diving for a ball in OTAs, will also begin the preseason on the PUP, along with center Weston Richburg and tight end Garrett Celek.
Ward is expected to return at some point during camp to compete for a starting safety job. He was re-signed this offseason on a one-year deal after five injury-riddled seasons in San Francisco. He’ll be the favorite to be the starting free safety if he’s able to recover and stay on the field.
Richburg’s timeline is stretched out a bit longer, although he’s not necessarily in competition for a job. The team is aiming for him to return for the regular season opener in Tampa Bay after offseason surgery on his knee.
The only player who’s expected to remain on the PUP until the regular season is Celek. He’s recovering from offseason back surgery. Starting the season on the PUP would mean Celek is out for the first six weeks of the regular season.
San Francisco’s first practice is Saturday, and their exhibition opener at home against the Dallas Cowboys is set for August 10.
