The 49ers finished practice Tuesday with a couple more players hurt than they started with. Defensive end Dee Ford and linebacker Dre Greenlaw both exited Day 4 of training camp early with injuries.
Ford hurt his quad and a finger, while Greenlaw got a cut on his hand that forced him to exit prematurely.
There’s no word on the severity of either ailment, but it doesn’t sound like the 49ers expect either player to miss significant time. San Francisco’s first scheduled day off is Wednesday. That gives Ford and Greenlaw a day of rest, but their status for Thursday’s practice is unknown.
Ford is going to be an essential piece of the new-look 49ers pass rush. His 13 sacks last season with Kansas City would’ve led the team if he played in San Francisco.
Greenlaw’s starting job is less certain, but early returns on the rookie fifth-round pick show he’s trending in that direction. He’s getting reps with the first team as the SAM linebacker on the strong side. The 49ers don’t have a proven, effective starter there so the position is wide open.
The 49ers’ new training staff has been exceedingly cautious this year in an effort to prevent injuries and to keep one ailment from becoming chronic. San Francisco ultimately wants its players ready for the start of the regular season. That means they’ll be extra cautious during camp.
