Kyle Shanahan hesitated to share the expected practice statuses of running back Elijah Mitchell, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and offensive lineman Colton McKivitz. The San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn't have to reveal anything about the three players, who won't even appear on practice participation reports because, while their practice windows are open, all three remain on the injured reserve list.
That could change this week, though. The team could activate the three ahead of Sunday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Shanahan initially didn't want to report anything, saying, "I don't have to disclose [their statuses]," he quickly decided to share more.
"No, they're full. They're going," Shanahan added. "... They're full in my mind. I don't have a rep count on them."
Shanahan also discussed the practice statuses of several other players.
"[Defensive lineman Arik] Armstead will not practice," the coach revealed. "Foot, ankle [injuries]. [Defensive end] Samson [Ebukam], quad and Achilles, won't practice. [Linebacker Dre] Greenlaw, calf, limited. [Cornerback Jason] Verrett, knee, limited."
While Ebukam has been dealing with the Achilles injury for a while, his quad injury is new. Shanahan said it occurred during Monday's practice. In addition, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, both coming off hamstring injuries, are expected to be full participants in Wednesday's practice.
A reporter asked what the coach expects to see from Jason Verrett during this week's remaining practices.
"I thought he was real close—we considered him [against the Rams]," Shanahan said. "I know he worked. He was here for a lot of the time when we were away. I know he did some stuff down on his own, where he goes, and so I expect him to be further [along] this week. I'll see him out there in about an hour, but hopefully, it's closer."
Shanahan added that the 49ers would consider rotating Verrett into games as the veteran cornerback works his way back to playing more.
The coach ended his press conference by confirming that Armstead is attempting to return from a small fracture in his left leg/ankle, which was first reported by Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. However, Shanahan clarified that the plantar fasciitis the defensive lineman is dealing with is in his right foot, as previously believed, and not in his left foot, as Chan reported.
What's Arik Armstead's injury? Per Shanahan:
Left fibula fracture/stress fracture and plantar fasciitis on the right foot
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) November 9, 2022
