The 49ers have until Wednesday to make a decision on Ford. That's when his practice window closes. If he can't return, he will need to remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
"I believe we've got to make [a decision] by Wednesday, and we'll see what goes," Shanahan said. "That's something that I never can predict. But I'll be surprised if he's back. I think we'll just have to continue playing without him."
Ford landed on the injured reserve list on November 6 due to ongoing back issues. The 49ers opened the defender's practice window on November 25.
Ford recorded five tackles, two tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, and three sacks through six games this season before landing on injured reserve.
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