The added importance of the 49ers sealing up the No. 1 seed in the NFC was underscored Monday by head coach Kyle Shanahan when he gave updates on some of the team’s injury issues heading into the final week.
Shanahan in a conference call gave updates on running back Christian McCaffrey and others as the team prepares for its final game of the regular season.
Here are those updates:
RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
Shanahan said McCaffrey is dealing with a mild calf strain and the team is ruling him out for Week 18. Going into a must-win game without the RB would have been tough, so it’s good news for the 49ers that they can afford to let McCaffrey miss a week. Soft tissue injuries aren’t easy to work through though so this will be worth keeping an eye on heading into the postseason. Shanahan did say they’re confident McCaffrey will be ready for the playoffs.
CB Ambry Thomas (hand)
DL Arik Armstead (knee, foot)
The team plans to rest Armstead in Week 18 while he continues working through knee and foot injuries. It sounds like there’s some optimism that he’ll be ready for the playoffs, but that’s uncertain for now.
TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
It’s unlikely Dwelley will go this week per Shanahan. The reserve TE is working through a high ankle sprain and has missed four consecutive games.
WR Jauan Jennings (concussion)
Jennings is still in the protocol and has missed the last two games.
OL Jaylon Moore (concussion)
Moore is still in the protocol. He missed Sunday’s game after getting his concussion in Week 16.
S Ji'Ayir Brown (knee)
Brown missed Sunday’s contest, and his status for Week 18 is uncertain per Shanahan. The team will see how rehab goes for the rookie, and Shanahan before Sunday’s game sounded optimistic about Brown’s chances of playing in Week 18. Their calculus may have changed with the No. 1 seed sealed.
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (ribs)
Shanahan said McCloud’s 21-day practice window will be opened ahead of Week 18.
