49ERS BEAT McKinnon set to make his longawaited return

Jerick McKinnon is ready to start earning his money.

The 49ers’ running back, who hasn’t played a regularseason snap since signing a lucrative fouryear contract 17 months ago, was activated from the physically unable to perform list Tuesday before the ninth practice of training camp.

McKinnon took part in individual drills for the first time since he sustained a torn ACL in practice Sept. 1. The 49ers plan to ease McKinnon back into practice after he had what general manager John Lynch termed a “flareup” in his knee before camp. McKinnon did not participate in team drills.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated McKinnon will participate in at least one preseason game, as long as his return to the field goes smoothly.

“You always try to avoid setbacks,” Shanahan said. “That’s why we’re easing him in slowly. That’s what we’ve done here these last two weeks.”

The 49ers signed McKinnon to a fouryear deal with $18 million guaranteed last year and planned for him to have a featured role. However, Matt

Breida ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per carry and the 49ers signed Tevin Coleman to a twoyear, $8.5 million deal since McKinnon was injured.

Shanahan envisioned McKinnon having a large role last year while featuring his passcatching ability.

“Last year, he was going to be a huge part of the offense,” Shanahan said. “…We’re being patient with Jet. We knew what he can do. We know what he’s capable of. We’re just trying to take the pressure off him and give him some time to get where he’s been.” In other injury news, cornerback K’Waun Williams (knee), linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring tightness) and defensive lineman Jamell GarciaWilliams (concussion) did not practice. Defensive end Dee Ford (knee), guard Joshua Garnett (finger) and running back Jeff Wilson (calf ) remained sidelined. Shanahan said free safety

Jimmie Ward, who has been limited to walkthrough practices since coming off the PUP list last week, would make his practice debut when the 49ers have joint sessions with the Broncos in Denver, Aug. 1617. Ward sustained a broken collarbone in May.

“Anytime you’re dealing with a clavicle,” Shanahan said, “you’ve got to make sure it’s strong enough to take a hit.” Garoppolo plan: Shanahan said quarterback Jimmy Ga

roppolo will play in the second preseason game at Denver and the third exhibition game at Kansas City. Probably.

“I expect him to definitely play in” those games, Shanahan said, “but nothing is mapped out and set in stone yet. We kind of take it day by day with that. It’s something you’re always thinking about.”