Mostert return unlikely for SF 49ers
Running back could be back Nov. 29; Team calls up Walter, places Tartt on IR
SANTA CLARA » Running back Raheem Mostert’s comeback from a high ankle sprain remains on hold. Same with a couple other 49ers offensive mainstays, rather than risk aggravating their injuries on New Orleans’ artificial turf Sunday.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers are hoping Mostert and fellow running back Tevin Coleman ( knee) play after next week’s bye, for a NFC West game at the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 29.
The 49es 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 IR, Mostert’s return would have boosted a unit that otherwise offers Jerick McKinnon, JaMycal Hasty and Walter, their three-man 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.
WIDE RECEIVER ISSUES » 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, wide receivers Trent Taylor (back) and Kendrick Bourne (COVID-19 reserve) also were out.
Shanahan descr ibed Bour ne’s situation as “weird,” and he outlined his COVID-19 test results as “positive, negative, negative, positive, negative” over the past week. Bourne went on the reserve list last Wednesday, came off it Friday, and went back on it Monday.
“We’re trying to do the best with the protocols and get it cleared up where they’re all negatives and we get him out here later in the week,” Shanahan said.
TARTT PLACED ON IR >> Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt went on IR with a turf-toe injury he sustained against the Packers.
Marcell Harris has been Tartt’s replacement in the starting lineup over the past 2½ 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 of 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 IR for a second time this season, he will not be eligible to return.
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 get injured.