Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Wednesday's practice, the first on-field session of the week. His San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers own a 3-3 record and are the most injured team in the league. The Chiefs are among the healthiest. The good news for Shanahan is that several players are returning to the practice field.
Defensive end Nick Bosa practiced last Friday but missed Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a groin injury. He will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Tackle Trent Williams returns to the practice field. He has not played since Week 3, after suffering a high-ankle sprain against the Denver Broncos.
Safety Jimmie Ward underwent surgery last week after sustaining a broken hand during Week 5's contest against the Carolina Panthers. He has a cast on his hand but will return to the practice field on Wednesday as a limited participant.
A reporter asked if Ward practicing increases the chance he will be available this weekend against the Chiefs.
"Yes, it does," Shanahan responded. "We're just going to see how it goes out there with his cast, and how he feels doing it, and what he can get away with, and be safe with, and still perform. So we'll see how it goes."
Defensive end Drake Jackson (knee) will also be limited.
Cornerback Jason Verrett appears to be close to a return. He remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after the 49ers opened his 21-day practice window on October 5.
"Verrett is not on here (the injury list), so he is good to go," Shanahan said.
The coach does not expect the following players to practice on Wednesday:
- DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle)
- DE Samson Ebukam (Achilles)
- S Talanoa Hufanga (concussion)
- OT Mike McGlinchey (calf)
- CB Charvarius Ward (groin)
The 49ers will release their official practice participation report later today.
Shanahan was asked about his team's poor luck with injuries this season and if he is tired of the injury list growing.
"Yeah, everyone gets frustrated with that," Shanahan said. "Coaches, fans, players. I've gotten more hardened with it, I think, so I just try to deal with it."
The coach added that getting Bosa and Williams back this week would be a significant boost.
"Getting anybody back helps, and especially getting those two guys would be huge," Shanahan said.
