49ers downgrade Ford, rule him out vs. Jets
Dee Ford played in last Sunday’s opening loss, practiced Wednesday and then reported neck spasms.
SANTA CLARA >> Defensive end Dee Ford’s neck injury prompted the 49ers to downgrade his status Saturday and rule him out of Sunday’s game at the New York Jets.
Ford played in last Sunday’s opening loss, practiced Wednesday and then reported neck spasms that led to him missing the next two days of practice.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Ford was “meeting with guys and trying to make sure it’s safe and everything . ... We’re just trying to play it slow here and see how it goes for the next two days.”
It’s unknown if Ford flew with the 49ers Friday for their extended road trip, which will feature games against the New York Jets and Giants, with a layover in between at The Greenbrier Resort next week.
Other would-be starters who will not play: tight end George Kittle (knee), cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot).
Also Saturday, the 49ers recalled sixth-year veteran Hronnis Grasu from the practice squad. He started at center in Sunday’s 24-20 opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals in place of Ben Garland, who missed the game with a high-ankle sprain. Garland practiced in full this week and is expected to play.
With Ford unavailable, the 49ers’ edge rushers likely will be Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, with Kerry Hyder as the top backup while Solomon Thomas and Kevin Givens are options to kick outside, too.
Ford had 6½ sacks while limited to 11 regular-season games last year because of knee tendinitis and a December hamstring strain.
Just last week, Ford professed a strong urge to make it through all 16 games this season. That won’t be the case. Just last month, Ford missed two weeks of practice because of a calf strain that threatened to impact his Achilles.