49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had some tough injury news during his press conference Monday. He told reporters that cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon will miss at least a month with a foot sprain.
Witherspoon exited Sunday’s win over the Steelers in the fourth quarter and was taken to the locker room on a cart. He was seen in a walking boot after the game.
The 49ers pass defense is as among the league’s best through the first three weeks thanks in part to Witherspoon playing at an All-Pro level.
Jason Verrett was the first corner in the game to replace Witherspoon and he was flagged for pass interference before giving up a long touchdown in his first two snaps. Emmanuel Moseley replaced Verrett after that.
Shanahan said Moseley will get the first chance to earn the starting job in Witherspoon’s absence.
San Francisco has a bye in Week 4 before hosting the Browns on Monday Night Football. Then they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams, and to Washington for back-to-back road games. A month would put Witherspoon on track to return in Week 8 when the 49ers host the Panthers.
