San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Dee Ford hasn't played since Week 1, and it doesn't sound like he will do so over the next several games.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday that the team expects to place Ford, along with tight end Jordan Reed, on injured reserve this week. That will sideline the veteran defender for at least three games.
"I do expect them to go on IR later this week," Shanahan said.
Ford is dealing with a back injury while Reed is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks.
Ford struggled with injuries last season but still managed to rack up 6.5 sacks on opposing quarterbacks during his limited action. He dealt with a calf injury during training camp but hoped that his snap count would increase moving forward.
The 49ers acquired Ford last year via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is in his seventh NFL season and has registered 154 tackles, 75 quarterback hits, 37 sacks, and seven passes defensed over his Pro Bowl career, according to Pro Football Reference.