Warner’s starting streak may be in jeopardy
LB has not missed a game since his 2014 freshman season at BYU
SANTA CLARA >> All-Pro Fred, meet All-Games Warner?
Linebacker Fred Warner’s streak of starting every game since his 2018 rookie season is in jeopardy, and Warner doesn’t look quite ready to let it go.
He had his 49ers’ helmet and jersey on Thursday as he tested his hamstring strain on a side field, under the supervision of trainers for the first 20 minutes of practice.
Asked if Warner might play, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans declined to comment after Thursday’s practice, deferring that question for coach Kyle Shanahan to answer Friday when the official status report is due.
Warner has not missed a game since his 2014 freshman season at BYU. He’s played in all 62 of the 49ers’ games, including playoffs, since arriving as a 2018 third-round draft pick. He leads the 49ers this year with 92 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
The 49ers (6-5) take a threegame win streak into Sunday’s game at Seattle (3-8).
Dre Greenlaw (adductor) and Marcell Harris (concussion) have not practiced in team drills this week, leaving Azeez Al-Shaair and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles as the projected starters, assuming Warner doesn’t play, as projected by coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday.
Shanahan spoke Wednesday as if Warner would not play and Al-Shaair would start at the “Mike” linebacker spot. Friday’s injury report will provide a clearer indication if Warner is ruled out, or perhaps listed as doubtful and a game-day decision.
Mitchell returns
After getting Wednesday off to rest, rookie Elijah Mitchell returned to practice, and the team’s leading rusher did so with a support sleeve on his left leg. Mitchell hasn’t been listed on the injury report this season with any known leg issue, though he’s battled adductor, shoulder, ribs and finger injuries.
Mitchell’s 693 rushing yards rank sixth in franchise history among rookies, just 119 yards shy of Vic Washington’s record of 811 yards in 1971. The only NFL rookie with more yards this season is Najee Harris, an Antioch High product who has 708 yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Other health updates
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) worked on a side field with trainers, along with Harris. Running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) practiced and looks on track to return from a three-game hiatus.
Defensive end Dee Ford was not seen at practice for a second straight day. The 49ers opened his three-week evaluation window last week and have until the Dec. 12 game at Cincinnati to activate him off injured reserve.
Note
• Tight end George Kittle’s 13-yard catch Sunday put him over 4,000 career yards, doing so through 61 games, which is the second-fewest in NFL history behind Kellen Winslow Sr. (58 games).