On Friday morning, Shanahan again shot down the speculation that quarterback Trey Lance could return to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup if the 49ers made a deep playoff run.
"He's still going through his rehab," Shanahan said on KNBR. "That would be too soon for him, so that's pretty out of the question."
How close is Kinlaw to using up one of the two remaining designations for return from injured reserve?
"I do believe it's getting close," Shanahan responded.
Reporters pressed the coach for more details. Could it be any week now?
"It could be any week now. Very close to that," Shanahan answered.
The coach obviously isn't looking to reveal any specifics regarding the team's plans for the defensive tackle, knowing that the 49ers have to be pretty strategic with their remaining opportunities to bring injured players back.
IR decision coming for Elijah Mitchell
It was assumed that Elijah Mitchell returning to the injured reserve list after suffering his second MCL sprain of the season was a given. However, that may not be the case, even though the running back is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
"You're allowed eight, so that's the biggest thing," Shanahan explained. "I think we need to use them by [the start of the playoffs] because the playoffs aren't four weeks long. ... But that's the stuff that goes all into it. That's why we didn't decide to do it with [defensive tackle] Arik [Armstead], even though it was a long time ago. We just weren't sure how many we'd have at the end of the year.
"We feel pretty good, [with] six games left, where we're at. But we'll make a decision on Elijah, most likely, in the next 24 hours."
Shanahan and the 49ers hope to get Mitchell back for the playoffs, assuming the team can make a deep run for the second consecutive season.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shares his message to team heading into critical Green Bay game
The San Francisco 49ers are at a critical junction in the 2024 season as they travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to face the Packers. The 5-5 49ers know they've dug a hole that will be difficult to overcome. The 49ers won't be mathematically eliminated if they lose this game in... -
George Kittle reveals Kyle Shanahan's message to 49ers after frustrating loss to Packers
San Francisco 49ers players were visibly dejected while speaking to reporters after Sunday's demoralizing 38-10 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel declined to talk with the media after a frustrating one-catch performance. "It's probably one of the... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brandon Allen discuss 49ers-Packers Week 12 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brandon Allen spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Here's everything they said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers' 20-17 loss vs. Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Sunday's 20-17 Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here is what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle...