"He'll be fine long-term, but that's a big ask to get back this year," Lynch said.
That didn't stop a reporter from asking Shanahan about the possibility ahead of today's practice. Could Lance return to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup if the 49ers embarked on a deep playoff run?
"I haven't been told there's a chance," Shanahan responded. "I think things would have to be pretty drastic. I mean, we weren't expecting that much from the beginning. I think he's right on schedule with everything, but I have not been told there's a chance."
Shanahan noted that Lance is out of his protective boot, as fans saw on Monday night in Mexico City. However, the quarterback isn't even running yet, so to expect him to be ready to potentially play in January is a stretch.
"He's not going real hard at it yet," Shanahan said.
The coach added that it was great having Lance travel with the team to Colorado last week and then to Mexico City for Monday night's game.
"So him being in every meeting and being able to go all those places with us, and have him on the [Sunday] night meeting before the game so we can do over all the third downs and red zone stuff," Shanahan said. "Now, he's preparing like he's playing except for everything on the field."
A reporter also asked Shanahan about defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who has been on injured reserve since October 15 due to a setback in his reconstructed knee. The 49ers are about to kick off three consecutive games at Levi's Stadium. Does that increase the likelihood that Kinlaw could return during that home stretch?
"Yeah, any time we don't fly, it definitely helps him," Shanahan responded. "So yeah, that does help."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan explains Fred Warner decision, provides Pearsall and Kittle updates
Fred Warner's return to the field will have to wait at least another week. The San Francisco 49ers have ruled out their All-Pro linebacker for Saturday night's playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Warner was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Seahawks Divisional Round matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Thursday's practice, providing final updates ahead of the team's Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
49ers injury report: Kyle Shanahan shares key updates ahead of Seahawks playoff game
The biggest news out of Santa Clara on Tuesday was that the San Francisco 49ers are opening star linebacker Fred Warner's practice window this week. However, that was just one of several injury-related updates shared by head coach Kyle Shanahan as the team prepares for its... -
49ers vs. Seahawks injury updates: Christian McCaffrey suffers stinger
The San Francisco 49ers are facing the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in a Divisional Round playoff game. Below are the latest in-game injury updates for the 49ers. This article will be updated in real time as new information becomes available. Players are listed in order of...