San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice—the team's first session of the week—as they prepare for their crucial Week 10 NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. The coach provided several important injury updates impacting the roster.
The following players are expected to be limited during Wednesday's session:
- LB Tatum Bethune (thigh)
- C Jake Brendel (hamstring)
- DE Bryce Huff (hamstring)
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- LB Dee Winters (knee)
Ricky Pearsall remains sidelined
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who hasn't played since Week 4 due to a lingering knee injury, will remain out of practice this week.
When asked if Pearsall had suffered a setback, Shanahan clarified, "It's just the same as what I said last week. No setback. Just taking longer to heal than we thought."
Brock Purdy's workload increasing
Quarterback Brock Purdy saw his practice workload increase last week, marking progress in his recovery from a turf toe setback suffered in Week 4. For the first time since the setback, Purdy wasn't ruled out early for a game, though he ultimately remained inactive against the New York Giants.
When asked if Purdy's first-team reps will continue to increase, Shanahan said, "I'd like to. We plan on pushing it each week."
Brandon Aiyuk's status
Earlier in the week, Shanahan mentioned that the team would not yet open Brandon Aiyuk's practice window. On Wednesday, he expressed confidence that the standout receiver will return at some point this season.
"I'm pretty confident that he's going to [return], eventually," Shanahan said. "I mean, at least open up his practice window. We talk about it being week-to-week right now, so still waiting until he's ready."
The coach confirmed that Aiyuk's timeline depends on him hitting key recovery benchmarks, including GPS speed measurements.
Ben Bartch returning to full participation
Asked if Ben Bartch (ankle) will reclaim his starting left guard spot when healthy, Shanahan said the decision depends on how the week unfolds.
"We'll see how the week goes," Shanahan said. "It depends on how he looks. I thought [Spencer Burford] did a real good job [on Sunday]. But he's (Bartch) not limited today. He's full go, so it gives him a better chance. But we'll see how the week plays out."
Yetur Gross-Matos expected to return this season
The 49ers recently placed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, but Shanahan remains optimistic about his return this season.
"He pulled his hamstring, but he'll be back," Shanahan said.