San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn't typically like to employ live tackling during practices, and that won't change this year, even without preseason games. Usually, that's where players will fine-tune things, along with it being an opportunity for roster bubble guys to get noticed with a hard hit or two.
Shanahan had considered adding some tackling in training camp to offset the loss of the preseason. However, the coach spoke with reporters after Saturday's practice and confirmed that wouldn't happen. It's just too risky. Several injuries have already struck the team. Why add another opportunity?
"I planned on it, going into camp, but I still feel things out each day and how it's going," Shanahan said. "Right now, I'd be very surprised if I do. It's not worth it with not having enough guys."
NFL teams are carrying 80 players in training camp rather than the typical 90-man rosters.
"I'm trying to get these guys all prepared with 10 less than usual," Shanahan continued, "especially when you bring in the PUP (physically-unable-to-perform) guys and the guys who do get these injuries that take them out for a couple of days -- how hard it is to prepare a team.
"When you do tackle and stuff, it risks so many other guys getting hurt, and right now, I think that's too big of a risk. We'll see if that changes. I look at everything each day and try to feel out where our team is, but as of now, I don't plan on doing any full tackling."
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