The San Francisco 49ers weren't initially supposed to have practices headed into the bye week but decided to switch things up a bit this year.
"I'm approaching it a little differently than I have in the last couple years because I didn't like how we played coming back versus Tampa last year," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday. "I'm trying to get some extra practices in. The one thing that's different for us this week than what we've had is we're coming back, our game after the Bye week is a Monday night game, so we get an extra day there anyways.
"Our goal is to get three extra practices in that we didn't last year, three more than last year. We'll get one in [on Tuesday] and then we'll get the Monday and Tuesday when we come back."
The 49ers held their last of two practices before players scatter until returning on Monday. The coaching staff will remain behind and get a jump on the planning for the next two opponents, the Cleveland Browns on October 7 and the Los Angeles Rams on October 13.
Reporters were allowed to observe Tuesday's practice until team drills started. Several observed Jalen Hurd getting some work in on a side field. The rookie receiver suffered a hairline fracture in his back during the 49ers' second preseason game and hasn't played or practiced since then.
"It's been a serious injury, that's why he had to rest it for about a month, and we're getting close to where he should be ready to go," Shanahan said on Monday. "Hopefully it'll work out right for him. You never know when they come back out if that can act up again, but we feel it's healing up, and hopefully, he'll be able to come out here and help us."
Shanahan added that he expects Hurd to begin practicing when the team returns next week and be available against the Browns.
"This will be a big week for him with rehab and stuff while we're gone," Shanahan told reporters. "But yeah, I'm hoping he'll be back next Monday, and I'm expecting him to."
Defensive back Jimmie Ward is no longer wearing the cast over his right hand protecting his broken finger, according to Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee.
Biderman also notes that new long snapper, Garrison Sanborn, is wearing No. 89.
Sanborn was officially signed on Tuesday. Long snapper Kyle Nelson, suspended last year for 10 games, is eligible to return for the 49ers' October 27 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Left tackle Joe Staley, just over a week removed from a fractured fibula, was seen wearing an orthopedic boot on his left foot and working out in the weight room.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Jalen Reeves-Maybin named top free agent fit for 49ers after Dre Greenlaw exit
With Dre Greenlaw departing in free agency, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to target linebacker help in next week's draft. However, one Pro Football Network contributor believes there's still a veteran free agent who could bolster defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's... -
PFF lists 49ers as potential trade fit for Jalen Ramsey
The Miami Dolphins and cornerback Jalen Ramsey may be heading for a split after just two seasons together. The two sides have reportedly mutually agreed to explore trade options. Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Gordon McGuinness recently identified five potential landing... -
49ers practice facility undergoing crucial makeover
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting their local pro day today at the team's facilities in Santa Clara. The one-day workout also gave reporters their first look at the practice field since early January—and many noticed some significant changes underway. During last... -
Projection of Early Return of 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Continues to Gain Traction
The big story of the 2024 pre-season in San Francisco was the long, arduous contract negotiation involving 49ers' star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. By the beginning of the regular season, his contract was done, but the drama continued. Aiyuk was viewed by some 49er fans...