Niners waiting for players to return
SANTA aLARA >> Running back Raheem Mostert’s comeback from a high ankle sprain remains on hold. The same goes for a couple other 49ers offensive dynamos, rather than risk aggravating their injuries on the Superdome’s artificial turf Sunday in New Orleans.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers are hoping Mostert and fellow running back Tevin Coleman (knee) can play after next week’s bye, for a NFC West game at the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 29.
The 49ers still have not activated his three-week
practice window off injured reserve, and, instead they promoted rookie running back Austin Walter from the practice squad to the active roster.
With Coleman ( knee) likely out and Jeff Wilson (ankle) on injured reserve, Mostert’s return would have boosted a unit that otherwise offers Jerick McKinnon, JaMycal Hasty and Walter, their threeman unit in last Thursday’s 34-17 loss to Green Bay.
Mostert has played in only four games, and injuries forced him out of two, including a knee sprain in the 49ers’ Week 2 win over the New York Jets that cost him the next two games. Mostert helped key last season’s 48- 46 win at New Orleans. He ran for 61 yards and a touchdown, and he had a 35-yard touchdown catch.
Rather than test Mostert’s ankle out on the Superdome’s artificial surface Sunday against the NFC- leading Saints, it’s more likely they rest him through next week’s bye ahead of a Nov. 29 comeback at the Los Angeles Rams.
WIDE RECEIVER ISSUE S >> Another comeback appears to err on the side of caution when it comes to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who’s yet to practice after missing the past two games with a hamstring strain.
Not only were the 49ers missing Samuel at practice, but also wide receivers Trent Taylor ( back) and Kendrick Bourne (COVID-19 reserve) were out.
Shana han descr ibed Bour ne’s sit uation as “weird,” and he outlined his COVID-19 test results as “positive, negative, negative, positive, negative” over the past week.
If Bourne again tests negative, he can accompany the 49ers to New Orleans. He went on the reserve list last Wednesday, came off the list Friday, and went back on Monday.
“We’re tr y ing to do the best with the protocols and gets it cleared up where they’re all negatives and we get him out here later in the week,” Shanahan said.
An NFL spokesman said Wednesday that the 49ers were in compliance with COVID-19 protocols and do not face any discipline regarding Bourne’s positive test and an ensuing investigation last week. TARTT PLACED ON IR >> Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt went on injured reserve with a turf-toe injury he sustained against the Packers.
Marcell Harris has been Tartt’s replacement in the starting lineup over the past 2 1/2 seasons. However, the 49ers do have alternatives, including partnering Jimmie Ward up with either Tarvarius Moore or Johnathan Cyprien.
In last December’s victory over the Saints, Harris
started in place Tartt (ribs) and the 49ers’ pass defense struggled all around, as Drew Brees threw five touchdown passes with no interceptions and no sacks.
The 49ers’ secondary will be without nickel back K’Waun Williams (ankle) and, if he goes on injured reserve for a second time this season, he will not be eligible to return. SHERMAN STATUS >> Richard Sherman considers it a “long shot” he faces the Saints after a two-month hiatus because of a calf injury. A post-bye return is more likely in his native Los Angeles to visit the Rams on Nov. 29, and that is what Shanahan is targeting, too.
“I’ve got a chance, but football is one of those conditioned sports. In order to condition, you have to practice,” Sherman said on “The Cris Collinsworth Podcast.”
“It may not be this week. It’d be a long shot for me to get back for the Saints. But we have a bye after, and I’ll be able to get my conditioning, so, at worst, I’ll be back for the Rams game. Fingers crossed that everything goes great.”
Said Shanahan: “He’s put in three good years for us — or 2 1/2. He had a real bad setback early in the year. I know he’s got confidence and is feeling good. I’m excited to see him (practice). Just talking to him, i’m a lot more optimistic now than a month ago.”
NO KIKO YET >> Linebacker Kiko Alonso, acquired in last week’s trade with the Saints for Kwon Alexander, remains on the physically unable to perform list and is not expected to practice “anytime soon,” Shanahan said.
Alonso tore an anterior cruciate ligament for the third time in his career during last season’s playoffs. The Los Gatos High product will be evaluated again after the bye for a potential 49ers debut.
MIDSEASON AWARDS >> Linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Jason Verrett were named to Pro Football Focus’ Midseason AllPro First Team. Left tackle Trent Williams made PFF’s Second Team.
Warner is the top graded linebacker in coverage and is allowing 6.2 yards per reception, which is especially noteworthy this week considering he must slow Alvin Kamara, who’s already churned out 1,000 all-purpose yards and also is a PFF Midseason All-Pro.
Kamara leads the Saints with 60 receptions on 72 targets for 565 yards (9.4 average) and three touchdowns; he’s run for 471 yards and five touchdowns.
JOSH JOHNSON ARRIVES >> Veteran Josh Johnson has passed through COVID-19 protocol and signed onto the practice squad. He is viewed as insurance in case Nick Mullens and C. J. Beathard are injured. Mullens will make his second straight start Sunday in place of Jimmy Garoppolo, who went on injured reserve last week with his second ankle sprain of the season.