49ers: Purdy in doubt, Jones and Kittle recovering
In Santa Clara, the San Francisco 49ers are at a crucial moment, dealing with injuries to their key players. Although there is still no defined date for the return of Brock Purdy, affected by a toe injury, the team has not considered the possibility of placing him on the injured reserve list.Purdy did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, suggesting that Mac Jones could be the starter on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones already led the 49ers to victory in their previous three games. However, Jones also faces physical challenges, including problems in his left knee and an oblique injury. Despite this, he was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. During Thursday’s victory against the Rams, Jones received medical attention, but was able to continue playing. Coach Kyle Shanahan considers Purdy’s return a week-to-week situation, following the recurrence of the toe injury in the game against Jacksonville. Given the absence of Purdy and the limitations of Jones, Adrian Martinez, recently promoted from the practice squad, will have more opportunities with the starters in this week’s practices. Martinez was about to see action against the Rams after Jones took a hit, but Jones was able to return to the game. Shanahan admitted that he doesn’t know what to expect from Martinez, as he hasn’t yet played in a regular season game.It hasn’t been considered to put him on the injured list.
Kyle Shanahan, 49ers coach.
As for other players, wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Shanahan indicated that he expected Pearsall to recover, but his participation on Sunday is uncertain. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring), eligible to return from the injured reserve list, is also progressing. Although he will not participate in this week’s practices, Shanahan said Kittle has a “chance” to play in the Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Starting left guard Ben Bartch (high ankle sprain) is unlikely to practice next week, when he is eligible to return from the injured reserve list, according to Shanahan. The 49ers opened the practice windows for safety Malik Mustapha (knee) and defensive tackle Kevin Givens (pectoral) this week, giving them the opportunity to play against the Bucs. Shanahan said they will be evaluated during the week.Obviously, with someone who hasn’t been in the system long and doesn’t have much experience, you have to be careful. But in a 20-20 game, you have to do what you have to do.
Kyle Shanahan, 49ers coach.
