San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan initially expressed hope that Javon Hargrave's triceps injury wasn't serious following the team's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. However, during a Monday conference call with reporters, Shanahan provided a more somber update.
Hargrave has suffered a partially torn triceps and will require surgery, a blow that likely sidelines him for the remainder of the season. This leaves the 49ers with limited depth along their interior defensive line.
"It's a big [loss], and I thought he had his best game yesterday," Shanahan said. "I thought he was a huge factor. Really affected the quarterback in that game and it's a big loss. He's one of our better players and he was definitely going the right direction, was going to have a big year."
The 49ers will explore internal options, including their practice squad, to help fill the void. Shanahan also mentioned the possibility of using outside rushers in interior roles and hinted at looking beyond the organization for reinforcements.
"And hope to get Kalia Davis back soon, which will help," Shanahan added. "Not this week, I don't think, but hopefully, soon."
When asked if Hargrave might return for the playoffs, Shanahan responded,, "I believe so, but whether you partially tear it or tear it, I think we're recommending surgery. So when you get surgery, that's usually a few months at least. If there was a chance, it'd have to be late in the playoffs."
Shanahan also revealed that quarterback Brock Purdy experienced back soreness following Sunday's game and is considered day-to-day.
"His MRI was good, so we feel good about that, but just sore today," Shanahan said. "Hopefully, he'll feel better by Wednesday."
Linebacker Dee Winters is also day-to-day with an ankle issue, which Shanahan noted is an aggravation of a prior injury.
Shanahan provided an additional update on linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is aiming to return mid-season after tearing his Achilles during the Super Bowl.
"That (the timeline) was what it was at the beginning of the year and still hoping that," Shanahan said. "But mid-season still. Still a ways away."
On a positive note, tight end George Kittle, who has been nursing a hamstring injury, is expected to return to practice this week. Cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee), who played on Sunday, is also good to go.
