Shanahan addresses prime-time snub
Kyle Shanahan’s message to the 49ers this week: No one believes in you, and no one wants to see you.
Yes, the 49ers head coach hasn’t shied away from the fact that his injury-riddled team was not deemed suitable for prime time by the NFL. On Tuesday, the 49ers were flexed out of their Sunday night slot for their home game against the Rams on Oct. 21.
The 49ers will play Monday night in Green Bay, which is not a game that can be moved out of prime time.
Shanahan’s message was “everyone says we have a lot of injuries and (we were) kicked out of a Sunday night football game,” tight end George Kittle said. “And no one really expects us to win on Monday night. Screw them. And we’re going to do everything we can to show up. We’re going to ball out. That’s about it.”
The 49ers (1-4) are 9½-point underdogs against the Packers before they host the Rams (5-0), which makes a 1-6 start a realistic possibility.
Cornerback Richard Sherman, 30, plans to play a role in ensuring the 49ers don’t emotionally unravel. He said general manager John Lynch has been among those who have addressed the issue this week.
“I think the coaching staff has done a great job,” Sherman said. “Kyle and even John coming in and speaking to them and making sure that they understand that there is a sense of urgency that the guys need to continue to have.”
Injury report: The 49ers, who will be without wide receiver Dante Pettis (knee injury) for Monday’s game, were without two other receivers for a second second straight practice.
Pierre Garcon remained sidelined with shoulder and knee injuries, while Trent Taylor remained out with a back injury that Shanahan has suggested is connected to an offseason back procedure.
The 49ers’ wideouts who are not on the injury report are Marquise Goodwin, Kendrick Bourne, Victor Bolden and Richie James.
Running back Matt Breida (ankle) also did not practice.
Fast healer: After Sherman sustained a calf injury Sept. 23, Shanahan said he’d be sidelined a “couple weeks.” Instead, Sherman missed one game before returning for a 28-18 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
Sherman, who was signed in March, was asked if he thought the 49ers really didn’t know him when he heard about Shanahan’s timetable.
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking,” Sherman said. “And I’m sure anyone that’s known me or has played with me was thinking the same thing . ... It takes something really serious to keep me out for a long period of time. Like a torn Achilles.”