Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool criticized the practice habits of the San Francisco 49ers — a team he has never actually practiced with — this week as the Bay Area team struggles to stay healthy in what has become an injury-plagued season.
"I was talking to my friend on the Niners, and they're still wearing full pads on Thursdays," Claypool said. "We haven't done that since camp, so having a coach that understands how long the season is, the wear and tear on your body, it's super helpful for getting you through the season and getting you to be able to play well in the playoffs."
Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters via a conference call on Friday and was asked about Claypool's comments. The 49ers head coach couldn't help but let out a mild laugh before answering.
"I mean, a third party from another team, I wouldn't think much into," Shanahan said. "But yeah, I don't mind talking about that. Some people practice with pads on Wednesdays. Some people do on Thursdays. I believe guys are too sore on Wednesdays and not recovered from the game.
"And I don't even keep the pads on for all of Thursdays. We keep them on for the first two periods of practice, pass-protection period and a run period. So, I feel pretty good about that. I think we do it as little as anyone in the NFL."
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