Struggling offense hit hard by injuries
The 49ers scored six touchdowns and gained 516 yards in a 4846 win against the Saints in December.
Don’t expect the same in their return to New Orleans on Sunday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan delivered more bleak injury news Wednesday, and much of it included offensive players: Running backs Raheem Mostert ( ankle) and Tevin Coleman ( knee) won’t play against the Saints, and the status of wide receiver Deebo Samuel ( hamstring) is murky after he remained out of practice following a twogame absence. In addition, wide receiver Trent Taylor ( back) didn’t practice.
Shanahan indicated Mostert and Coleman would be available after the bye week when the 49ers visit the Rams on Nov. 29.
The 49ers, who also have quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle on injured reserve, could have wide receiver Kendrick Bourne available after he was placed on the reserve/ COVID19 list for the second time in six days Monday.
Bourne, who has had a series of negative and positive virus tests over the past week, tested negative Wednesday.
“Those things happen, I guess,” Shanahan said. “And we’re all just dealing with it. And I know it’s a weird situation with him. but it’s weird with everyone in the world. Not just our football players. We’re just trying to do the best with the protocols. And hope that he gets cleared up to where it’s always negative. And, hopefully, we get him out here later in the week.”
In other injury news, the 49ers placed strong safety Jaquiski Tartt ( turf toe) on injured reserve and Shanahan confirmed slot cornerback K’Waun Williams suffered a high ankle sprain in last Thursday’s loss to the Packers.
Sherman back: Cornerback Richard Sherman ( calf ) returned to practice, but his return to game action probably isn’t imminent as Shanahan wouldn’t commit to Sherman playing against the Rams on Nov. 29. Sherman hasn’t played since the season opener.
“I’m holding out hope for the Rams,” Shanahan said. “I know Dr. Sherm thinks he’s got a chance this week. And I’ve been around him enough and that’s why I don’t count him out on that. But my goal is, hopefully, to get him back for the Rams.”
Sherman remains on injured reserve, but the 49ers opened his threeweek practice window Monday. He will remain on injured reserve for the season if he’s not activated during the threeweek window.
Investigation over: The NFL and players’ union found the 49ers’ players and other employees were in compliance after examining their virus protocols, a league source said. No further action will be taken.
The investigation involved all aspects of the team’s protocols, but looked specifically into members of the organization and Bourne not properly wearing face coverings.