The San Francisco 49ers have officially listed Jason Verrett as "questionable" for Sunday's NFC West clash with the Los Angeles Rams. On Wednesday, the team activated the cornerback off the physically unable to perform list. Verrett was limited in the three practices this week.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked what Verrett has shown the coaches since the team opened his practice window on October 5.
"Just that he's getting more and more confident," Shanahan responded. "The first week, I think he was real excited to get out there because he'd rehabbed so hard. You get into a couple things from just moving full-speed with all 22 guys out there, and you want to take a couple steps back because it's so much different than rehab.
"Last week, he took a step forward, got more reps, got to do it a couple more days, and I thought this was his best week."
Is there some concern about having Verrett return and play on an artificial turf like the one the 49ers will play on this weekend at SoFi Stadium?
"I don't think so," Shanahan answered. "Definitely makes [you want to] be 100 percent sure. I mean, I truly believe that that stuff's worse, and I think the majority of people do. So if that was a huge concern of him, then that would be a big thing, but I take it all into account."
Shanahan added that the 49ers are considering starting Verrett with a few snaps versus the Rams so the cornerback can get acclimated to playing again. That is, assuming he is cleared to play at all.
The coach noted, "If we feel good about Verrett, whether he's out there starting or whether he is out there getting 10 to 15 plays, I think that's something that would help our team."
Is Shanahan comfortable with Christian McCaffrey's preparation?
New 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey played this past weekend after having two days to prepare. He'll have a full week of practice under his belt heading to this weekend's game against the Rams. Does Shanahan feel comfortable with where McCaffrey is in his digestion of the game plan?
"Yeah, I do," Shanahan said. "He worked real hard to get his stuff last week. We gave the whole team the game plan on Wednesday. It's harder for a guy when he hasn't heard the stuff other weeks, but he did great in his three practices, and he's good to go."
John Lynch on Mike McGlinchey scrutiny
General manager John Lynch joined KNBR on Friday morning and was asked about right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who may have had his worst game of the season on Sunday against the Chiefs. Per Pro Football Focus, the veteran offensive lineman gave up two sacks and four pressures. Both were team highs for the game.
"McGlinchey has been playing really good football," Lynch said. "He struggled in the second half of the game versus the Chiefs. He's also going against an All-Pro in Chris Jones and Frank Clark, and Mike knows that's the challenge that you face every week. He had a bad second half. And not even a bad second half. He had some bad snaps.
"I think everyone wants to make a big deal, but you've just got to go back and say, 'OK, let's focus on technique.' But I've been proud of how Mike has played of late, and got to get back to that. That happens in this league. You're going to face ups and downs. You're going to face great players."
49ers down four starters vs. Rams
The 49ers will be without four starters on Sunday against the Rams. The most noteworthy is wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
"It's not a precaution," Shanahan said of Samuel missing the game. "I mean, he's not good enough to go. The fact that he even had a chance means, hopefully, he'll be good with the week off and ready for the next game."
Shanahan added that the 49ers will "most likely" elevate one or two receivers from the practice squad on Saturday. The options are Willie Snead, Malik Turner, and Tay Martin.
San Francisco also ruled out defensive lineman Arik Armstead (foot, ankle), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf), and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger).
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