Defensive tackle Kalia Davis recently underwent knee surgery following the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans and is projected to miss about half the season.
"We got to figure all that out, but we plan on Kalia being around here, and we plan on him coming back and helping us this year," head coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier this month.
Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano is also expected to start the season on injured reserve with a return designation after recently undergoing knee surgery.
"He ended up having to get some type of—I don't know exactly the surgery he got—but he got something done," Shanahan said. "He'll end up probably starting on IR, and hope to have him back towards the middle of the year."
Rookie Dominick Puni is expected to start at right guard after an impressive showing in his first NFL training camp and preseason. Over three preseason games, he allowed only two pressures in 58 pass-blocking snaps.
San Francisco hopes to have Davis and Feliciano back around midseason, just in time for the team's end-of-season push and potential playoff run.
If Davis and Feliciano are placed on the injured reserve list with return designations, the 49ers will have up to six more opportunities to designate additional players for return this season, provided those players are placed on injured reserve after the roster cutdown deadline. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 1 p.m. PT.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Sunday's matchup with Bears, place two more players on IR
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears: Placed RB Jordan Mason on IR (injured reserve) Activated S Talanoa Hufanga from IR Placed S George Odum on IR Promoted OL Sebastian Gutierrez from the... -
John Lynch: 49ers still targeting Dre Greenlaw's return against Rams
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an update on linebacker Dre Greenlaw during his appearance on KNBR Friday morning, offering insight into the defender's recovery progress. The 49ers opened Greenlaw's practice window on November 27. While he won't suit up... -
49ers' Talanoa Hufanga eager for potential return from injury
It's been a while since Talanoa Hufanga addressed the media. The All-Pro safety has endured a challenging season, battling injuries. The latest, torn wrist ligaments, landed him on injured reserve on October 9. Initially, doubts surrounded Hufanga's chances of returning to the... -
Why Tuesday is crucial for Dre Greenlaw's long-awaited 49ers return
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is inching closer to his long-awaited return to the football field after suffering a torn Achilles in February. The San Francisco 49ers have targeted Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams for his potential 2024 season debut. However, that is...