Shanahan: Injuries just part of football

The 49ers’ injuries are a sore subject for Kyle Shanahan.

At least that’s how it sounded Monday when the head coach’s responses were dripping with sarcasm when he was asked about his team’s most recent rash of medical issues.

After six players exited Thursday’s preseason opener in the first half, Shanahan was asked if there was a way to prevent the injury issues the 49ers have had this summer. On Monday, 16 players were listed on their pre-practice injury report.

“Oh, yeah, you can go through each one,” Shanahan said. Tight end George Kittle “falling on his arm awkwardly and separating his shoulder, that could be prevented by not having him run the route. Guys getting concussions in games could be prevented from them not tackling people, I guess.”

Last year, general manager John Lynch said the team would take a “deep dive” to see whether there were common threads to the 49ers’ “alarming amount” of injuries. In 2017, the 49ers placed 21 players on injured reserve and lost 295 games to injury, second most in the NFL, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

On Monday, five players missed practice or were limited with hamstring, groin or calf issues. Shanahan was asked about a possible connection to soft-tissue injuries.

“Soft-tissue injuries, yeah, they can be prevented by having them not doing anything and sit there and just not get hurt and then it will happen in Week 1,” Shanahan said. “To me, it’s just part of (football). I think we are pretty smart with what we do.” Ready or not: Inside linebacker Malcolm Smith has accounted for several of the 49ers’ injuries since he was signed last year: Smith sustained a pulled hamstring in the preseason opener after missing the 2017 season with torn pectoral. Smith also missed the first four practices of training camp with an unspecified lower leg injury.

Smith will not play in the second preseason game Saturday at Houston. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked whether there was concern about Smith being ready for the season opener Sept. 9 at Minnesota, given how little the seven-year veteran has played since joining the 49ers.

“He doesn’t need a lot of time, as much time as, say, a rookie, but would really love for him to be on the field,” Saleh said. “I know he’s going through some stuff, and I’m not challenging him in any way, but it is (important) for everybody to be able to go through a week and prepare so they can play in a game.” It’s official: Running back Alfred Morris, 29, passed his physical and officially signed with the 49ers. The 49ers created a roster spot by waiving undrafted rookie offensive lineman Alan Knott.