Aching players nearing return
Several injured 49ers players could show up for Sunday’s showdown in Seattle.
The 49ers have listed starting free safety Jimmie Ward ( quadriceps) as questionable and head coach Kyle Shanahan said cornerback K’Waun Williams ( knee) and running back Tevin Coleman ( knee) could be activated from injured reserve Saturday. Shanahan indicated tight end Jordan Reed ( knee), who is also eligible to come off IR, is unlikely to play against the Seahawks.
“I know all three have a chance,” Shanahan said. “I’d say K’Waun and Tevin more than Jordan.”
The potential return of Ward and Williams would be significant against the Seahawks. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is on pace to throw an NFLrecord
59 touchdown passes and wide receivers D. K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have combined for 69 catches, 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns in six games.
Meanwhile, Coleman would join a backfield that currently includes only Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty. The 49ers would likely promote Austin Walter from the practice squad if Coleman is unable to play.
In other injury news, linebacker Kwon Alexander ( ankle), safety Jaquiski Tartt ( groin) and wide receiver Richie James ( ankle) are doubtful. Defensive lineman Kantavius Street is questionable with a nonCOVID 19 illness. Street will have to pass one more test before he is cleared to play and he’s not expected to receive the results until after the team flight leaves Saturday. Shanahan said Street will take a separate flight if he’s cleared.
Not drafting D. K.: The 49ers presumably don’t have regrets about selecting wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the second round of last year’s draft.
But it’s notable that Metcalf also went in the second round, 28 picks after Samuel was selected at No. 36.
Metcalf has 82 catches for 1,419 yards and 12 touchdowns in 22 games. Samuel has 73 catches for 987 yards and four touchdowns in 19 games.
Shanahan noted Metcalf ’ s injury history at Mississippi when asked about evaluating him before the 2019 draft. Metcalf, 6foot4 and 229 pounds, played just 21 games in three seasons.
“You could see how big he was,” Shanahan said. “How he could run. Had the ability to do everything. In his offense a little bit, he kind of stayed in one spot. He didn’t ( run) as many routes as he is now. And he had some bad luck with some injuries which, I think, made some people worried.
“But as everyone sees now, he’s as good as it gets right now. He’s been healthy. He plays hard. He’s got a big future. I wish he wasn’t in our division.”