San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan held a press conference with reporters on Tuesday, prior to the team's showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. Given the short turnaround for a Thursday night game, Tuesday's practice later today will be the 49ers' lone practice of the week.
During the press conference, Shanahan provided several injury updates to reporters. Of note, both quarterback Brock Purdy and top wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will not participate in practice later today. Both players are currently listed as questionable for Thursday's game. Similarly, WRs Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins will not participate in today's walk-through practice.
According to Shanahan, Purdy's availability against the Rams is not a matter of pain tolerance but is based on whether he can play at 100 percent. In other injury news, backup quarterback Mac Jones is officially off the team's injury list, and will start the game under center if Purdy is unable to play due to his toe injury.
The 49ers' head coach noted that this week's quick turnaround does not provide enough time for the team to correct the problems that occurred in their Week 4 loss to the Jaguars.
When asked about the team's ongoing rushing issues, Shanahan said he agreed with running back Christian McCaffrey's recent comment that the team is close to executing properly. He noted there were roughly three plays where the opportunity for a big gain was missed during Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On the topic of the team failing to record a rushing touchdown over the first four weeks of the season, Shanahan stated he was not overly concerned. He said the focus for the San Francisco 49ers' offense is getting the ball into the end zone, regardless of whether it is by air or on the ground.
Both the 49ers and the Rams are currently 3-1 on the season, sharing the top spot with the Seattle Seahawks atop the NFC West Division Standings. Los Angeles enters Week 5 with a 2-0 home record, while the 49ers have also won both of their away games.