Lynch happy with Sherman at cornerback
General manager John Lynch’s initial thought on Richard Sherman discussing a move from cornerback to safety?
“It was, ‘Slow down there, Sherm,’ ” Lynch said on KNBR.
Lynch obviously isn’t eager to see Sherman, 30, switch positions. And that’s not an imminent issue: On Thursday, Sherman said he can envision moving to safety near the end of a career that he expects to conclude when he’s 35.
“I like the fact he’s saying he can play until he’s 35 because I’m a huge fan of Richard Sherman and what he brings to our team,” Lynch said. “I think Sherm was speaking way out there in the future about the safety position. I don’t doubt him on anything. He has the size. He certainly has the football intelligence. I believe he has good years left at corner.”
Lynch’s comments underscore the 49ers plan to bring him back in 2019 after he signed a three-year contract in March. Sherman has had a strong debut and played in five straight games since missing two earlier in the season because of calf and heel issues tied to offseason procedures on both Achilles.
“We all know what he brings to the table when healthy,” said Lynch, who brought plenty to the table as a safety during a 15-year NFL career, including nine Pro Bowls. The five-time Hall of Fame finalist said Sherman has the instincts, intelligence, communication skills, understanding of angles and tackling ability required for an elite safety.
“Sherm embodies all those things,” Lynch said. “But like I said, I like him at corner for the time being.” Goodwin back: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin made his first public comments since missing the past two games to deal with a family matter. Goodwin declined to discuss details.
“At the moment, not right now — out of respect for my family,” Goodwin said. “If they give me the OK, I’d be willing to talk about it.”
Goodwin, who returned to the team Monday, is expected to start Sunday against Denver. He left the 49ers on Nov. 24, when they were in Tampa, Fla., before their 27-9 loss to the Buccaneers the following day.
“It’s been awesome to feel the love from my team and feel the support from them,” Goodwin said. “… It’s been great for my morale.” Injury report: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon (knee), running back Matt Breida (ankle) and safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) won’t play Sunday. Cornerback K’Waun Williams (knee) is questionable.
Rookies Marcell Harris and D.J. Reed could start at safety, although Reed would move to nickel corner if Williams can’t play. Antone Exum is another option to start at safety. Favorite trio: Head coach Kyle Shanahan spent much of his childhood around the Broncos’ facility, where his dad, Mike, spent 20 seasons as a coach in three stints.
Asked to name his three favorite all-time Broncos, Shanahan settled on wide receivers Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith, and running back Terrell Davis.
He mentioned Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, now Denver’s general manager, before settling on Smith.
“Elway was the man,” Shanahan said, (but) that’s a little too obvious.”