NFL teams are allowed to bring two players back from injured reserve in a given season, so long as the designation was placed on the player after the 53-player roster cutdown deadline.
At the time, Shanahan didn't dismiss the possibility of either receiver still returning. He just didn't sound too optimistic about the chances of it happening.
"Not as much (chance for an earlier return) as there was earlier," Shanahan said. "They both had chances to come back earlier. Both of them have had setbacks, which had to start a couple of things over. We haven't ruled them out, but I'm still hoping for it, but it's not something we can for sure count on."
Taylor suffered a foot injury during a practice before the start of the season, while Hurd sustained a back injury during a preseason game.
General manager John Lynch, like Shanahan, is hopeful but not counting on either Taylor or Hurd returning to the football field this year. Lynch joined Matt Maiocco for the latest 49ers Insider Podcast and discussed his feelings on the chances of either injured player coming off of injured reserve.
"Hopeful; I don't know if I'd say optimistic," Lynch told Maiocco. "I think Kyle mentioned that they each had their setbacks. Nothing that was completely unexpected with their specific injuries. I think they just had things that sometimes happen.
"'Hopeful' is the word. 'Optimistic?' Probably not, and we'll see where that goes."
The 49ers did receive some receiving help last week after a trade sent veteran Emmanuel Sanders from the Denver Broncos to San Francisco. Sanders hauled in a touchdown during the 49ers' first drive on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
When asked why the 49ers didn't make any other moves before Tuesday's trade deadline, Lynch jokingly responded, "We don't have any draft choices left."
San Francisco does, actually. Six, in fact. It doesn't, however, currently have any Day 2 draft picks after surrendering its second-rounder for Dee Ford in March and third- and fourth-rounders for Sanders.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' roster overhaul reveals a fascinating trend under John Lynch
I have written in the past about what teams should consider when building a roster. Today, I will examine two trends that have emerged recently in 49erland. Trust the Conference In the past five seasons, the following receivers have been All-Pro selections. Ja'Marr... -
49ers' Trent Williams throws shade at division rival Rams
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams didn't hold back when discussing the team's Week 1 trip to Australia to face division rival Los Angeles Rams. The international matchup eliminates one of the 49ers' biggest annual advantages—playing at SoFi Stadium, where The... -
49ers' Trent Williams eyes retirement after current contract
The San Francisco 49ers recently locked in Trent Williams with a two-year, $50 million extension, securing their left tackle through the 2027 season. On Wednesday, Williams acknowledged that the deal will likely be the final contract of his NFL career. For several years,... -
49ers' Trent Williams has two-word reaction to Rams landing Myles Garrett
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams will be among the players responsible for slowing down star pass rusher Myles Garrett when the team faces the Los Angeles Rams in its Week 1 international matchup in Australia. On Wednesday, the veteran offensive lineman—widely...