The 49ers were supposed to get healthy down the stretch. While that’s been mostly true on offense, their defense has been hit hard by injuries the last two weeks. Five starters from that side of the ball missed Wednesday’s practice, and there’s not a lot of optimism they’ll have any of them available Sunday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday announced Dee Ford and Richard Sherman would both miss multiple games. Shanahan on Wednesday then indicated DJ Jones’ ankle injury is a “pretty significant one.” That would seem to indicate Jones will at least miss Sunday, though Shanahan didn’t rule him out.
Jaquiski Tartt remained out as he nurses a rib injury he suffered against the Ravens. He’s still day-to-day, and K’Waun Williams is in concussion protocol after sustaining one vs. the Saints.
Jullian Taylor is also out with an elbow injury. Shanahan said last week Taylor would miss multiple games.
Second-year defensive lineman Kentavius Street still hasn’t been activated after his practice window to return from IR opened last week. If the team deems him ready after this week of practice, he could be activated and see playing time right away with so many injuries along the defensive line.
Here’s the full practice report from Wednesday:
Did not participate
DE Dee Ford (quad, hamstring)
DT D.J. Jones (ankle)
CB Richard Sherman (hamstring)
S Jaquiski Tartt (ribs)
DT Jullian Taylor (elbow)
CB K’Waun Williams (concussion)
Limited participation
TE Garrett Celek (back)
Full participation
WR Dante Pettis (knee)
