Shanahan was holding out hope that defensive end Dee Ford would return from his back injury this season. The coach didn't sound too optimistic of that on Tuesday when asked if Ford might return.
"It's not looking like it," Shanahan said. "I mean, I'm not going to say no for sure. We're holding out hope but it's not looking like it."
The same is the case for center Weston Richburg and defensive end Ronald Blair.
"I don't (expect them to return this season)," Shanahan said. "Both of them had really bad setbacks with the stuff that happened in their surgeries. I know both of them are still around. I see them every day. I see them on every Zoom meeting. I see them leaving rehab all the time. I know they both are trying as hard as anyone, but it's not looking very good right now."
The good news is that Shanahan expects wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the three other players on the reserve/COVID-19 list to be activated before the team leaves for its new home base in Arizona on Wednesday.
"My understanding is they'll all be off it today," Shanahan shared. "... My understanding is [Aiyuk] should be good to go, and all those guys (will be) totally normal for practice on Thursday (in Arizona)."
Shanahan added that he is still holding out hope that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle can return this season.
"I think they're in a similar boat with that," Shanahan explained. "That's not guaranteed. It's how they react here over the next couple of weeks. But they're just starting to get into it where they can get on the field — not with us, but on their own and do some stuff. That's hopefully going to be the last couple of weeks, whether it's two games or one game or none."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk calls Commanders 'the best team in the world'
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has continued to fuel speculation about his future, repeatedly signaling interest in the Washington Commanders. In his latest Instagram video, Aiyuk was seen holding an NFL football featuring the Commanders' logo. The caption... -
Analyst on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk: He's on an Antonio Brown trajectory without the AB talent
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to draw criticism from both fans and media members over his offseason social media activity. The veteran receiver appears intent on forcing his way out of San Francisco, repeatedly signaling a desire to join the... -
Brandon Aiyuk: If the 49ers cut me today, I'll sign with the Commanders tomorrow
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears convinced that the Washington Commanders would be ready to sign him if the 49ers release him. Whether Aiyuk has any insight into Washington's plans remains unclear, but the disgruntled receiver has repeatedly hinted that... -
Schefter: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's behavior likely raising red flags across the NFL
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears to be doing little to improve his standing around the NFL as his offseason behavior continues to draw criticism. The disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver has openly expressed frustration with the organization and is trying to force the...