The San Francisco 49ers got a win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night, but the victory came with a setback. Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu left the game with an ankle injury and did not return. By Wednesday, the team provided an update on his status.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters ahead of practice that Okuayinonu is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain.
"It's going to be at least a couple of weeks—high-ankle sprain. So, it's going to be some time," Shanahan said.
Okuayinonu's absence adds to an already depleted defensive front that has lost key contributors, including veterans Nick Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos, as well as rookie Mykel Williams.
Additionally, the 49ers do not expect the following players to practice:
- LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (rest)
- K Eddy Piñeiro (hamstring)
Linebacker Luke Gifford will practice but be a limited participant due to hip and neck issues.