San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan moved around the field during Friday's practice, spending more time observing than he had in previous training camp sessions. It was an encouraging sign for the coach, who continues to recover from the severe concussion he suffered in a July 14 car accident.

Like players returning from injuries, Shanahan has been limited at the start of training camp as he gradually works his way back into his normal role. For now, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster is serving as the 49ers' interim head coach, leading practices with support from the rest of the coaching staff.


Coaches and players have emphasized that Shanahan's absence from a full-time role has not created a disruption because of the confidence in the rest of the coaching staff and the veteran leadership on the roster.

Also, Shanahan remains around the team facility. The head coach simply has not been able to take on his usual workload while continuing his recovery.

However, Shanahan appears to be making steady progress, and the 49ers remain optimistic that he will be ready to resume his normal duties before the start of the 2026 season.

Foerster stressed that Shanahan remains involved in the coaching process.

"He's there with us," Foerster said after Friday's practice. "We watch our tape after practice, and he's Kyle to me. He seems really good. I don't know what happens after the recovery, and I think he's challenging himself and pushing himself.


"But I see him every day, and I think he stays a little bit more. I'm not sure of the whole routine, but I see Kyle being Kyle a whole lot right now."

Shanahan continues to provide valuable input as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season. While he may not be as involved during on-field practices, he remains active behind the scenes.

"We do come in after practice, and the very first day of practice, Kyle was in there and ran the tape," Foerster shared. "We went through it, and it seems pretty good, maybe minus as many ribbings and jokes as he tries to get me with or something like that. But for the most part, it's pretty straightforward, correcting the tape, and he's really good."

Shanahan's injuries from the accident were extensive. He suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, and facial lacerations so severe that he required plastic surgery.

However, it has been the concussion symptoms that have limited his return the most. Not long ago, Shanahan struggled with loud noises, including the music played during 49ers practices. On Friday, though, he was briefly seen standing near the speakers producing that music—another indication that his recovery is moving in the right direction.


Shanahan still is not leading meetings or heavily interacting with players during practice sessions, but the signs point toward continued improvement. Eventually—hopefully soon—he will reclaim his role as the driving force behind the 49ers' offense and coaching staff.

"He's been in the building every morning," Foerster added.

For now, the 49ers are taking a cautious approach with their head coach, allowing him to recover while still keeping him involved in the preparation that goes into building a successful season.

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