Dee Ford’s return to practice after a quad injury came with some additional caution. The defensive end left Tuesday’s practice early with leg and finger injuries, but returned Thursday after the team’s scheduled day off. His practice was limited due to knee tendonitis according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan told reporters after practice that Ford’s knee issue isn’t new, and forced him into some limited sessions in Kansas City. He also said Ford could’ve gone had the team played a game Thursday.
A precautionary approach to training camp continues for the 49ers new training staff. They’ll continue to go easy on injured players in hopes of having a healthy 53-man roster to start the regular season.
Ford will be a vital piece of the 49ers’ improved pass rush, and his knee injury being only a minor problem is very good news. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s limited moving forward in the week as the team tries to keep players from exacerbating ailments with a heavy workload.
The 49ers had four players out of practice Thursday, including defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. Ford’s participation is a good sign that he won’t miss any kind of significant time.
Rookie Nick Bosa slid into the first-team snaps that Ford didn’t take part in.
