San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Wednesday's practice. Much of the discussion surrounded newly acquired wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. However, Shanahan did note that two of the team's receivers on injured reserve, Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd, have had setbacks in their attempted returns.
The 49ers can bring two players back from injured reserve, and Shanahan didn't dismiss the possibility of Taylor and Hurd still returning. He did, however, sound less optimistic about the chances of that happening.
"Not as much (chance for an earlier return) as there was earlier," Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. "They both had chances to come back earlier. Both of them have had setbacks, which had to start a couple of things over. We haven't ruled them out, but I'm still hoping for it, but it's not something we can for sure count on."
The setbacks may have prompted the 49ers to be more aggressive in the trade market and push to acquire Sanders from the Denver Broncos.
"I was a lot more optimistic earlier in the year," Shanahan added, "but there's been a few setbacks that we can't guarantee that, and it's a risky thing when you're dealing with injuries and stuff. It's a risky thing to do when you've got to make a decision here by next Tuesday (the trade deadline) where we're going to go."
The plan is to have Joe Staley practice on Wednesday, but it will be limited. The 49ers' starting left tackle suffered a fractured fibula during Week 2, and Shanahan says there is still an "outside chance" he plays on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) is also expected to be limited on Wednesday. He did not play during the 49ers' Week 7 win over the Washington Redskins. Defensive end Dee Ford, defensive tackle D.J. Jones, tight end George Kittle, and running back Raheem Mostert will also be limited.
Football Outsiders has once again taken a look at the best young players in the league who don't have a lot of playing time. The feature for ESPN casts aside first-round picks and other top prospects, and instead focuses on those who didn't receive a lot of fanfare.
"This is a list of players who have a strong chance to make an impact in the NFL despite their lack of draft stock and the fact they weren't immediate NFL starters," wrote Rivers McCown.
The list is a top 25 ranking, and two players represent the San Francisco 49ers. The first — 26-year-old offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill — comes in at No. 10. The
A Super Bowl contender could be getting even better this season. The San Francisco 49ers are receiving several reinforcements from last year's injury-depleted roster.
Players entered the team's facilities this weekend after each underwent two COVID-19 tests and took part in physicals on Saturday. Sunday's lack of announcements bodes well for several players who missed all or part of last season. That is good news as the 49ers prepare to start training camp.
All #49ers would've taken physicals by SAT and no additional
#PayGeorgeKittle
The hashtag has taken on a life of its own on social media. San Francisco 49ers fans want to see their favorite team finally lock up popular All-Pro tight end George Kittle to a long-term contract.
Agreeing on an extension remains a priority to the 49ers, even as the team shifts its focus toward training camp. Although, recent reports state that the two sides aren't "particularly close" on finalizing anything.
Kittle reported to the 49ers' Santa Clara facility on Tuesday, though, for his first of two COVID-19 tests. The second will occur today. Should both come back negative, he will be allowed into the building as early as this
