There are still some questions on injury front ahead of Sunday
SANTA aLARA >> Neither the 49ers nor Seahawks are willing to fully reveal which of their injured players will suit up Sunday in Seattle.
Friday’s injury reports left plenty of mystery, especially at running back, and that translates to “game-time decisions” in NFL parlance.
The 49ers are not saying whether Tevin Coleman will be activated for the first time in six games to bolster their injury- depleted running back corps, nor whether nickel back K’Waun Williams also will come off injured reserve to challenge the NFL’s top-ranked offense.
But it sure looks that way. “Hopefully there’s no setbacks and we’ll get two of them up,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We won’t know until we talk to the trainers.”
The Seahawks’ mysteries revolve around their running back options and star safety Jamal Adams, who’s been out since Week 4 with a groin injury. Adams is questionable, and the league’s worst-ranked defense surely could use his presence to combat tight end George Kittle.
Chris Carson, Seattle’s top running back, is questionable with a foot sprain.
With former 49ers rusher Carlos Hyde ( hamstring) doubtful and Travis Homer ( knee) also questionable, Seattle’s only running back not on the injury report is DeeJay Dallas.
“We’re going all the way to game time on all three,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said of his injured running backs, none of whom practiced all week.
“If it affects your game plan, then you always prepare as if they’re going to play,” Shanahan said. “You always assume they’re going to play. You never get surprised at that.”
Because Coleman and Williams merely had their three-week practice windows open this week, the 49ers do not have to give them an official status, as is the case with tight end Jordan Reed, who also is coming off a knee injury. The 49ers have been especially cautious with Reed the past few months considering his multi-injury history.
Players must come off IR by 1 p.m. Saturday to play the next day, and the 49ers have taken such moves up until that deadline all season.
Coleman’s status keeps the 49ers’ running back situation in an unpredictable state, just how Shanahan likes it. A week ago, the 49ers listed Wilson as questionable with a calf injury that kept him out of the previous game, then Wilson ran for three touchdowns and 112 yards as their surprise starter before hurting his ankle.
Thus, Coleman could be this week’s surprise workhorse, or it could be upstart rookie JaMycal Hasty, or well-rested veteran Jerick McKinnon.
OTHER 49ERS’ STATUS >> Ruled out, as expected, were running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring). Doubtful are safety Jaquiski Tartt (groin), wide receiver Richie James (ankle) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle).
Free safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) practiced and is questionable to return from a one-game absence.
One key thing to keep in mind regarding injured 49ers: this week’s practices help ramp them up for a more likely return for next Thursday night’s home game against the Green Bay Packers. Shanahan is banking on the NFL allowing the 49ers and Packers to keep their facilities open Tuesday while others are closed for Election Day.
TRADE DEADLINE >> General manager John Lynch is expecting a late-season boost from players coming back from injuries, and those are the likely reinforcements rather than importing players ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“I don’t anticipate right now anything big like the Emmanuel Sanders deal last year and yes, that’s somewhat because we are restricted,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “We’ve also used I think 70 players on our active roster, and you come in with a salary cap, but then you eat into that.”
The 49ers are nearly $290,000 over the current cap, according to NFL Players Association figures. “Everything we do this year affects next year, where, because of the pandemic, the cap is going to be way down,” Lynch added. “It’s forcing everyone, particularly the teams pressing that cap, to be guarded.”
The 49ers finalized a trade Tuesday for pass rusher Jordan Willis from the New York Jets, and Lynch is expecting Willis to debut Sunday. The 49ers acquired Willis and a 2021 seventh-round pick for a 2022 conditional sixthround choice.
BLOCKING WHICH BACK? >> Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is unfazed by the 49ers’ revolving door at running back. “It’s wild to think we’ve gotten to our fifth tailback at times and they’re still extremely impressive,” Juszczyk said. “I don’t change up my style for any of those guys. There’s a common trait for all of them, and it’s speed.”
Juszczyk is not just blocking, however. He relishes touching the ball. He’s run for two touchdowns in the past three games, and he has seven carries (36 yards) and seven receptions (12 yards). “For Kyle to reward me like that and let me have carries, it means everything to me,” Juszczyk added. “You can see I’m smiling when I touch the ball. It helps me the next play if I have to block because of the energy I get.” STREET ILLNESS >> Defensive lineman Kentavius Street fell ill and is listed as questionable. He will need to pass a second COVID-19 test before being cleared to join the team in Seattle. He may have to fly to Seattle on his own if that test result is not back before the 49ers’ charter leaves today.
OTHER SEAHAWKS’ STATUS >> The Seahawks only ruled out cornerback Shaquill Griffin (concussion). Also doubtful are guard Mike Iupati ( back) and safety Ugo Amadi ( hamstring). Also questionable are defensive end Benson Mayowa (ankle) and safety Ryan Neal (hamstring).
KEVIN WHITE, ON CALL >> With Samuel and likely James out, the 49ers could call up Kevin White from the practice squad for the third time in four games. A former first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, White played only two offensive snaps and was used more on special teams in his previous 49ers outings.
“He’s a guy if ever need be, we wouldn’t hesitate to bring him up full time,” Sha na ha n sa id. “He’s working to learn this stuff, which he got a late start on and he’s done real well. Everyone knows the ability he has, and the way he’s carried himself, he fits in really well here. We really enjoy the person and the athlete.”
TRENT WILLIAMS’ NERVES >> Veteran left tackle Trent Williams has made every start this season, and while he played through an ankle injury last week that had him questionable, he’s also still overcoming nerves in his return from a 2019 absence.
“Being in Week 8, honestly, the nerves haven’t settled down. It feels like the season just started a couple weeks ago,” Williams said. “I’m still working through those jitters. That’s just me. I’ve always been that way. I’ve always had those nerves and anxiety, and that’s what makes me human.”