The playoff-eliminated San Francisco 49ers have two games remaining on their schedule. To close out the season, they will attempt to patch together an offensive line capable of protecting quarterback Brock Purdy.
The offensive line has been decimated by injuries. Most recently, the 49ers placed left tackle Trent Williams and his replacement, Jaylon Moore, on injured reserve. Williams has been dealing with an ankle injury, while Moore is sidelined by a quadriceps issue.
Trent Williams update
When asked whether Williams' injury could be career-impacting, Shanahan said, "Not that we've heard of. It's always a concern that it's taken longer to heal than expected, but he's seen a number of specialists, he's seen our own guys.
"So, everyone's pretty much on the same page. He just needs some time, and it'll heal. So there's really no worries there, but we just wanted it to heal faster."
Other O-line woes
The injuries don't end with Williams and Moore. Left guard Aaron Banks emerged from Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with an MCL injury, while Spencer Burford suffered a calf strain. Shanahan addressed both players' statuses ahead of Thursday's practice, confirming neither would participate.
Banks is scheduled to become a free agent in the offseason. When asked if the offensive lineman's injury might be severe enough to impact that, Shanahan said, "No. If he does (require surgery), it's minor. He's going to be good in a few weeks, they say."
While Burford won't practice on Thursday, Shanahan noted there's a chance he could return on Friday or Saturday and potentially suit up for Monday night's game against the Detroit Lions.
"It's going to be tight," Shanahan admitted. "There's a chance."
Roster moves
In response to their depleted depth, the 49ers signed offensive lineman Charlie Heck to a one-year contract on Wednesday.
"We're going to work him at a couple of spots, see what he can do for us," Shanahan said. "We've got a mix and match a number of guys."
On Thursday, the team made additional moves, signing offensive lineman Matt Hennessy to a two-year contract and adding Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad.
Regarding Hennessy, Shanahan said, "I know that we liked him coming out of college. He's done a good job there in Atlanta, and I was really pumped to get him in this situation at this time."
Other notes
Additionally, linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) and defensive lineman Robert Beal (ankle) will not practice. Shanahan confirmed that Greenlaw will not play again this season.
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) and running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) will participate in practice on a limited basis, while defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) is expected to be a full participant in Thursday's session.