San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis has missed the past two games with a knee injury. He got a little bit of work during Wednesday's team walk-through, but when it came time for a full practice on Thursday, Pettis sat out the session.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan jumped on KNBR on Friday morning and said Pettis will not play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and provided some other receiver injury updates.
"Dante, we're going to rule out," Shanahan said. "He won't be going. [Trent Taylor] is questionable and [Pierre Garçon] has been battling some things too. He hasn't been able to practice this week. He tried to get out there yesterday but wasn't able to go, so he's going to be questionable also."
Defensive back Jimmie Ward left Monday night's game against the Green Bay Packers after re-aggravating his hamstring. While he has not been ruled out for Sunday, his chances of playing don't look good.
"He was playing very well before he went out," Shanahan said. "Jimmie's going to be doubtful. We haven't ruled him out yet, but he hasn't practiced this week. We'll see today, but right now, he's doubtful."
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon would start if Ward cannot go, according to Shanahan.
"Ahkello has had an up and down year," Shanahan said. "He finished last year very strong. He's been up and down this year. We've been challenging him a number of ways. Last week versus Green Bay, we did put him down and gave Jimmie and [Greg Mabin] the shot over him, and he responded the right way. He had his best week of practice. He's carried it over into this week. I know, if need be, he'll be ready to go."
The good news is that Shanahan expects to have all five of his starters along the offensive line.
"Those guys have been battling it each week," he said. "They've been banged up, but those guys have been carrying us. We've got a real good group up front, a veteran group. They've been blocking very well, and I know they've been struggling with their health a little bit here the last few weeks but this is the first week they've gotten a lot more practice in, and they're getting better and better."
You can listen to the entire interview with Shanahan below.
