San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula spoke to the media today. On the injury front, he stated that LB NaVorro Bowman, LB Michael Wilhoite, DL Quinton Dial, RB Shaun Draughn, and C Marcus Martin would have today off from practice. LT Joe Staley is sick and will miss practice as well. S Jaquiski Tartt will be limited today. He is dealing with a knee injury and the team will see where he is at today.
DL Quinton Dial (back), LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle), RB Shaun Draughn (knee) and OL Marcus Martin (concussion) will not practice today.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) December 30, 2015
When asked about concussions, and how they seem to be taking longer to recover from than in previous years, Tomsula pointed out that the league has a concussion protocol now, which dictates what steps and goals must be met in order for a player to return.
Tomsula was asked about the offensive line and started that Trent Brown performed well in his first career start. He thought that he had a good first half and in the second half, there were still some things that they would like to work on. "Overall, I felt he represented himself well," said Tomsula. "We have a vet there that is trying to help him through it," referring to Erik Pears.
He continued to talk about Pears, saying that the intention when he was signed was to have him play guard, where he has filled in when needed. However, he has been playing tackle because that is where theta needed him to move. According to Tomsula, Pears said, "That's where you need me? That's where I go." Tomsula added, "That's the kind of guy he is."
When asked about pass protection issues with the new guys playing in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, Tomsula praised running backs coach Tom Rathman and his ability to get guys ready. "Learning all of that in a week is a hefty task," he said.
When asked about RB Jarryd Hayne specifically, Tomsula said, "He continues to work his tail off and get better ... He knows the assignments. Would I tell you that it is completely natural to him yet? No."
RB Mike Davis will get more reps with the first team in practice this week. He underwent surgery on his broken hand in early November.
Once again, Tomsula was asked about his future with the team and stated that the team only focuses on the week at hand. "We just talk about the week and where we're going. Our conversation haven't changed a bit … It's been the same all year," he said.
