Shanahan had considered adding some tackling in training camp to offset the loss of the preseason. However, the coach spoke with reporters after Saturday's practice and confirmed that wouldn't happen. It's just too risky. Several injuries have already struck the team. Why add another opportunity?
"I planned on it, going into camp, but I still feel things out each day and how it's going," Shanahan said. "Right now, I'd be very surprised if I do. It's not worth it with not having enough guys."
NFL teams are carrying 80 players in training camp rather than the typical 90-man rosters.
"I'm trying to get these guys all prepared with 10 less than usual," Shanahan continued, "especially when you bring in the PUP (physically-unable-to-perform) guys and the guys who do get these injuries that take them out for a couple of days -- how hard it is to prepare a team.
"When you do tackle and stuff, it risks so many other guys getting hurt, and right now, I think that's too big of a risk. We'll see if that changes. I look at everything each day and try to feel out where our team is, but as of now, I don't plan on doing any full tackling."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Recovering 49ers LB Fred Warner seen running during practice
There remains a possibility that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner could return to the field if the team advances deep into the postseason. While a return is far from guaranteed, head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged that Warner's chances would increase if the... -
49ers praise Mac Jones for keeping playoff hopes alive during Purdy's absence
The San Francisco 49ers understand they might not be in their current position without quarterback Mac Jones' contributions this season. When starter Brock Purdy missed time with a turf toe injury, Jones stepped in for eight games and delivered steady production, throwing for... -
49ers players react as Fred Warner returns to practice during playoff push
The San Francisco 49ers opened Fred Warner's practice window on Tuesday, a key step toward a potential return by the All-Pro linebacker in the NFC Championship Game. Still, the team isn't looking past the immediate task at hand: a Divisional Round playoff matchup against the... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan explains Brock Purdy's remarkable success in Seattle
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy earned his first career road start in 2022 with a 21-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Since then, he has played three additional games in one of the loudest and most challenging environments in the NFL — and won all...