Defensive tackle Arik Armstead had not played in a game since December 3 but returned to the San Francisco 49ers lineup in Saturday night's playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters via a conference call on Monday, sharing his assessment of Armstead's return.
"I thought Arik did a hell of a job," Shanahan said. "He was able to stay out there a little bit more than expected. I think the injury that he's had, that he's been trying to get through, I think it handled the game better than expected."
Armstead had been working towards a comeback from lingering foot and knee injuries. While he could have potentially played in the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, the team, having secured the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs, chose to rest or limit key starters, including Armstead.
Against the Packers, Armstead logged 46 defensive snaps.
"I think it was hard for him to be out there that long and stuff, just getting him in football shape and everything, and hopefully, he'll take a step forward in that this week," Shanahan continued. "But I think in terms of how he played and the old injury that he had, I think it was a huge success."
As the 49ers prepare to host the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, Armstead's return adds depth and strength to the team's defensive front.
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