Short-handed 49ers to face Indianapolis on Sunday Night Football

Of all games for the 49ers to be down two of their best defensive tackles, what an ironic twist that it will be Sunday night when they host former team captain Deforest Buckner and the Indianapolis Colts.

Not only will the 49ers be without Javon Kinlaw — last year’s top draft pick as Buckner’s designated successor — but also Maurice Hurst, who hurt his calf in Thursday’s practice.

Offensively, quarterback Trey Lance (knee) is out, and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, elbow) is doubtful.

Kinlaw could be headed to injured reserve, and Hurst definitely will be because he needs four to six weeks of recovery, coach Kyle Shanahan said. Hurst was seen leaving the 49ers’ facility on crutches with his foot in an orthopedic boot Friday.

When it comes to clogging the defensive interior against Colts’ rusher Jonathan Taylor, the onus will be on D.J. Jones, Kentavius Street and Zach Kerr, the latter of whom was honored Friday as one of the 49ers’ scout-team players of the week, along with linebacker Nathan Gerry and fullback Josh Hokit.

Another option for the defensive interior is to promote Darrion Daniels from the practice squad. Kevin Givens is eligible to come off injured reserve (ankle) but he hasn’t returned to practice, yet.

Arik Armstead also could flex more inside, although he’s been valuable as an edge setter against the run. STILL NO LANCE

When Jimmy Garoppolo reprises his starting role Sunday after a calf injury, his backup figures to be Nate Sudfeld, who’ll have to be elevated from the practice squad Sunday.

Rookie Trey Lance did not practice all week after being diagnosed with a mild knee sprain a day after his starting debut in Arizona, a Nov. 7 loss. Although this likely will be the first game Lance does not suit up, he did not play in the Week 2 win at Philadelphia while Garoppolo took all the snaps.

Garoppolo returned to practice this week and “got better each day,” Shanahan said. Garoppolo missed the previous 1 1/2 games with a right calf contusion.

“All the energy Jimmy brings with confidence in the huddle and leadership to the team, he does the best job he can,” wide receiver Deebo Samuel said.

WILLIAMS’ ABSENCE

Left tackle Trent Williams remained noticeably absent for a third straight practice. He aggravated an ankle sprain Monday after initially sustaining it and playing through it in Arizona.