Shanahan explained why the 49ers signed someone from outside of the organization versus bringing in someone who has spent time this offseason with the team.
"The person who had been here had only been here for three days," Shanahan said. "I don't really get to see the guys at this time of the year but we tried to figure out the best guy that we thought could help us on special teams and hopefully get him ready to play linebacker. We're still two injuries away from getting that person in – the fourth guy.
"But we needed someone that we thought could learn to do that once the time came and could be our best player on special teams."
Lee was among the players who visited with the 49ers leading into April's draft so there is some familiarity with him.
"He was someone that we were interested in throughout the draft so we had our eye on him," Shanahan explained. "Then our personnel department keeps an eye on him throughout preseason, guys that we targeted in the draft. Usually, those are guys that when we go do it, we put a lot of time into it with their college play."
Free safety Jimmie Ward did not practice during training camp nor did he play during the preseason. He was inactive against the Carolina Panthers during Week 1. Ward has been attempting to return from a hamstring injury that forced the 49ers to place him on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp. He was activated off of the PUP list back on August 23.
Last week, Ward was limited during practices as the 49ers prepared for the Panthers. This week is starting off similarly, but Ward may get a little more work as the team prepares for its road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
"He's still limited," Shanahan said. "He's going to get more today than he did last week. We're going to continue trying to up his reps. We'll see how that goes today. I expect him to be better this week than he was last week but he's definitely still limited and hope to have him on Sunday."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Shanahan shares insight on 49ers signing Kyzir White and potential role vs. Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers' linebacker depth is being tested heading into the opening round of the playoffs—a challenge with the defense needing to contain Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday. The 49ers placed Tatum Bethune on injured reserve after the... -
Shanahan shares tough injury news ahead of playoffs, Fred Warner update
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field after dropping to the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff standings following a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a Monday... -
49ers injury update: George Kittle 'absolutely' expects to play vs. Seahawks in Week 18
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle plans to suit up for Saturday night's pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, despite dealing with a low-ankle sprain. While head coach Kyle Shanahan cautioned against reading too much into Kittle's practice... -
49ers signing LB Kyzir White ahead of playoff showdown with Eagles
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the San Francisco 49ers are adding veteran linebacker Kyzir White ahead of their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Sources: The #49ers are bolstering their LB group ahead of the playoffs, agreeing to a deal with...