San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team began preparations for its Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Shanahan announced that the following players will not participate in Wednesday's on-field work:
- LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
- DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
- LB Nick Martin (concussion)
Unfortunately, Martin remains in the concussion protocol as he is still experiencing symptoms.
Shanahan also noted that fullback Kyle Juszczyk (ribs) will practice but will be limited.
The team will release its official practice participation report after the Wednesday session. Two more full practices are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
Yetur Gross-Matos close to returning
Additionally, the 49ers plan to open defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos' practice window on Thursday. Why do that on Thursday and not ahead of Wednesday's practice?
"Just because of how the whole offseason went with him, and our plan this year," Shanahan said. "We don't ever practice him two days in a row, Wednesday and Thursday, so he only practices on Thursdays, regardless, even before he got hurt. So we're not going to open until that day."
Eric Kendricks dealing with a setback
Shanahan added that linebacker Eric Kendricks is dealing with a tight calf.
"I'd love to get Eric going," the coach said. "He's got a tight calf today, so I'm not sure how much he's going to go today—if he's going to go. But he's working back into here. Hopefully, it's not too bad of a setback with that, but we'll see him when he gets on the field."
The 49ers enter Week 15 coming off their bye and are currently listed as 12.5-point favorites over the Titans. San Francisco and Tennessee will meet on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:25 p.m. PT.