Warner tries to rally, as Mitchell practices
SANTA CLARA >> Fred Warner’s streak of starting every game since his 2018 rookie season is in jeopardy, and the linebacker doesn’t look quite ready to let it go this week when the 49ers visit Seattle.
He had his helmet and jersey on Thursday as he tested his hamstring strain on a side field, under the supervision of trainers, for the first 20 minutes of practice.
Warner’s teammates are optimistic about his chances of playing.
“I hope that’s his mindset, which I think it is,” George Kittle said. “We have a similar mindset: We do everything we can to be available on Sunday. He is working diligently to be on the field.”
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans declined to comment on Warner’s status after Thursday’s practice, deferring that question for coach Kyle Shanahan to answer today. Warner hasn’t practiced this week, officially, for the first time in his career.
Warner has not missed a game since his 2014 freshman season at BYU. He’s played in all 62 of the 49ers’ games, including playoffs, since arriving as a 2018 third-round draft pick. He leads the 49ers this year with 92 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
The 49ers (6-5) take a three-game win streak into Sunday’s game at Seattle (3-8).
“If he plays, I won’t be surprised,” Kittle said. “If he doesn’t, he’s dealing with something . ... We still have games left he needs to play in.”
Defensive end Nick Bosa said he’s “sure” Warner is at least doing all he can to prepare to play, adding: “I’ve been asking how he’s feeling. I’m sure Fred has only one answer.”
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (adductor) and safety
Marcell Harris (concussion) have not participated in team drills this week, leaving Azeez Al-Shaair and Demetrius FlanniganFowles as the projected starters.
Shanahan spoke Wednesday as if Warner would not play and AlShaair would start at the middle linebacker spot. Today’s injury report will provide a clearer indication if Warner is ruled out, or perhaps listed as doubtful and is a game-day decision.
“Fred’s a leader, but on game day it’s not like the big pump-up speeches or anything, it’s how he does his job on the field,” Shanahan said. “And Fred’s the leader out there because he’s the quarterback of the defense. He gets the calls, he gets everyone lined up being the Mike linebacker and this week that’ll be Azeez, who I think is more than ready for it.”
Ryans said of Al-Shaair: “He’s having the best year of his career and I see him continue to get better each week. When you fly around like that, that’s what you want. You may miss, but that’s why I have 10 other guys flying around at the same speed.”
MITCHELL RETURNS >> Rookie Elijah Mitchell returned to practice after getting Wednesday off to rest and said his body is ready for the rigors awaiting him and the 49ers in Seattle.
“My body is holding up pretty well. It doesn’t surprise me,” said Mitchell, who’s overcome injuries to his adductor, shoulder, ribs and finger since camp.
He had 37 touches in Sunday’s win over Minnesota upon returning from finger surgery. His teamleading 693 rushing yards rank sixth in franchise history among rookies, just 119 yards shy of Vic Washington’s record of 811 yards in 1971.
The only NFL rookie with more yards this season is Najee Harris, an Antioch High product who has 708 yards for the Pittsburgh
Steelers.
Coaches have raved about Mitchell’s vision, to which he said: “It’s something I’ve had since I was small. Playing running back, you have to have vision. It’s good that Bobby (Turner, the running backs coach) reminds you to have vision and keep looking. It’s something you’re born with.”
Next up is an encounter with All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner.
“He’s aggressive but you’ve got to bring it,” said Mitchell, who then said of Seattle’s stadium: “Everybody tells me the stadium is loud and there’s a good crowd. We all treat every game the same.”
OTHER HEALTH UPDATES >>
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) worked on a side field with trainers, along with Harris. Running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) practiced and looks on track to return from a three-game hiatus.
Defensive end Dee Ford was not seen at practice for a second straight day. The 49ers opened his threeweek evaluation window last week and have until the Dec. 12 game at Cincinnati to activate him off injured reserve.
GORE’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN >>
Frank Gore, the 49ers’ alltime leading rusher, wants to return to work for the franchise — in their front office, as he’s alluded to in the past.
“I like watching talent, especially running backs. I can tell how a running back walks to say if he’s going to be good or not,” Gore said Thursday on NFL Network’s ‘Good Morning Football’. “I do want to be in the front office with San Fran, because I have a close relationship with the owners, Paraag (Marathe, an executive vice president), Mrs. York. They’ve been great to me and that’s where I want to be in the next five years.”
Gore is not on a team for the first time since entering the NFL in 2005 as a 49ers third-round draft pick.