San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula met with the media today to answer questions following the team's 24-14 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Below are some topics that he touched on.
On the injury front, C Marcus Martin, who was filling in at guard, is in the concussion protocol this week. RB Shaun Draughn, who went down with a knee injury on Sunday, is getting an MRI today.
When asked about the cornerback position, and specifically about CB Dontae Johnson filling in, Tomsula stated, "I think he did a heck of a job."
Tomsula also commented on a question about all the losses at the running back position this season for the 49ers. "That's not an excuse," he stated. As for RB Mike Davis, who was placed on short-term IR earlier in the season, Tomsula stated that the team was going to see where his health was and would only bring him back if it was safe to do so. "We're not going to put him in any danger," he added.
Tomsula touched on the team's decision to keep QB Colin Kaepernick away from the sideline during Sunday's home game. This has been a big topic with the media, with some taking it as a sign that the 49ers may not want him there because other injured players are allowed on the sideline. "That's completely up to the medical staff," Tomsula said. While guys on IR doe not travel with the team, if it is a home game, they could be allowed on the sideline. However, it is on a case by case basis. They don't want to put anyone in a position of danger according to Tomsula. He game examples of DL Glenn Dorsey not being on the sideline. Someone like LG Alex Boone is out on the field during pregame, because there is not a high chance of injury, but once the game starts, he is not out there.
"I really like where he's heading," Tomsula said of LB Eli Harold. "When he strikes you, he strikes you with everything he's got." The team would just like to add a little weight to him.
Another big topic of discussion was a sideline report by CBS sideline reporter Jay Feely and his reported discussion with team COO Al Guido. One of the topics of that reported discussion as that the team understands that they lost a number of leaders in the locker room, which contributed to this season's problems. "We're developing another core," Tomsula said. "I think there are a lot of pieces of that core here ... Do they have the intangibles? I believe they do."
When asked if Guido was in a position to make a statement about team leaders, Tomsula stated that he is not in any meetings with him. "I meet with Trent [Baalke] and I meet with the owners," said Tomsula. Not Guido.
