SF aware of season’s fragility
Shanahan hopes Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak isn’t harbinger of things to come
It took 3½ weeks until a COVID-19 outbreak triggered a NFL game’s postponement, and the Tennessee Titans’ plight is an alarm bell for all around the league.
“When we’re trying to pull off a season, it’s just a reminder how quick that can spread when people get it,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday. “It happened to the Titans this week and you see what happens and once
that happens, you do have to shut things down, and that is a huge deal.
“If you let that get out of hand, that would be very tough for our league finishing the season.”
In light of more positive COVID-19 tests among the Titans, the NFL announced Thursday morning that the Pittsburgh
Steelers’ game at Tennessee will take place later this season, rather being delayed to just Monday or Tuesday. One potential scenario is moving it to Week 7, and then rescheduling the Steelers-Ravens game to Week 8.
The 49ers have had no players go on the NFL’s COVID-19/reserve list since the season began, and that feat is more impressive considering they just went on a 10day road trip, having stayed in West Virginia last week between victories over the host New York Jets and Giants.
Linebacker Fred Warner came off the COVID-19 list a few days before the season opener. Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and
wide receiver Richie James also briefly were on that list upon reporting to training camp.
Shanahan was among five coaches who drew a $100,000 fine for not wearing protective face covering throughout the season opener, with their respective teams got docked $250,000, as well. “I completely understand all the measures that are taken,” Shanahan said of the COV ID -1 9 safety protocols. “Last we ek was the first time that I did it every single play, kept it on throughout the whole game. It’s not the most fun thing, as everyone realizes, but it’s definitely worth it and something we need to do.
“I feel a lot safer in the games and a lot safer in this building with us getting tested every day and everyone else in here.
“We’ve got to make sure that we are extremely smart outside of here, who we put ourselves around, what situations we put ourselves in because you’re going to get tested the next day you come back in the building, but you can’t be walking around here for 24 hours with us not knowing,” Shanahan added.
“That’s why it’s also important what we do in here, but it all makes sense to everybody and I think everyone completely understands that. I think we’re pretty clear on that now and no issues at all with it.”
Thursday’s practice
GA RO P P OL O S TAT U S >> Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) remained out of practice, and considering it was the week’s last full- speed session, it increases the likelihood Nick Mullens makes his second straight start.
Shanahan, appearing on KNBR 680-AM, praised Mullens’ timing, poise and bal
ance in the 39-6 rout of the Giants. In terms of sustained drives amid long down-anddistance situations, Shanahan noted: “That’s a (heck) of a deal for the whole offense, and it made things harder for the quarterback, but you wouldn’t have noticed.” MCKINNON’S HEALTH >> Jerick McKinnon (ribs) looks poised to start again in place of Raheem Mo - ster t, who cont inued to rehab his knee sprain rather than practice.
“Knee feels good. R ibs feel good. It’s good I can just sit here and say I’m three games in this year instead of none,” McKinnon said. “I’ve been on my body to make sure I recover well and am good from Sunday to Sunday.”
McKinnon is looking to become the first 49er since Jerry Rice (1991) to score a touchdown in the first four games of a season.
Other injuries
TIGHT END >> George Kittle ( knee) is on track to return from his two-game absence. He practiced in full Wednesday after being limited last week.
WIDE RECEIVER >> Deebo Samuel (foot) is practicing a second consecutive day and could be activated off injured reserve Saturday for Sunday night’s debut against the Eagles.
DEFENSIVE END >> Dee Ford ( back) did not make a surprise appearance and remains headed for injured reserve, likely Friday or Saturday.
LINEBACKER >> Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps) will miss his second straight game but is working out on the side.
CORNERBACK >> K’Waun Williams (hip) returned to practice but the 49ers remain without their other openingday starters of Richard Sherman (calf), and Emmanuel Moseley (concussion). Ahkello Witherspoon ( hamstring) warmed up before heading to a side for individual conditioning with Mostert as position drills began.