San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after Friday's practice and shared several key injury updates. He ruled out three players for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos, though none of the absences should surprise.
Defensive linemen Nick Bosa (knee, calf), James Thompson Jr. (ankle), and Mykel Williams (knee) have all been ruled out for this weekend. Neither Bosa nor Thompson was expected to be close to returning, while Williams isn't eligible to be activated until Week 5. His practice window was opened this week.
The good news is that tackle Trent Williams, who has been dealing with a neck stinger suffered against the Arizona Cardinals, is good to go for Sunday's game.
Less certain is the status of wide receiver Mike Evans, defensive end Keion White, and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Jaden Dugger. White is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Greenlaw is working through a quadriceps injury.
All four are listed as questionable for Sunday. Evans is expected to be a game-time decision. He is dealing with a rib injury that has kept him out of practice this week, although he has been working on the side.
Evans discusses his rib injury
Evans spoke to reporters after Friday's practice and was asked if he expects to play against the Broncos.
"I'm gonna do my best," Evans responded.
The veteran receiver was candid when describing his injury.
"That s--t hurt bad," Evans admitted. "It was like non-contact. It might have happened before, but when I ran a route and I turned, I just felt it, like, 'Ah!' Felt like somebody stabbed me in my chest.
"But it's cool. The training staff and doctors did a good job of getting me off the field and making sure I was good."
When asked if he felt the injury on an earlier play, Evans said, "I didn't feel nothing. Earlier in the game, [Cardinals S] Budda Baker, on the first target, it felt like I got hit in the head. My head was ringing. I didn't feel nothing in my chest or rib area."
After breaking ribs in a car accident this offseason, Shanahan can certainly sympathize with his veteran wideout.
"Mine are good now, but it's been two months, and I would not be questionable," Shanahan said. "I would be out, without a doubt. But he's definitely a lot tougher than me, so hopefully we've got a shot."
Evans was asked why it's so important for him to try to be available on game days, even while dealing with injuries.
"It's my job," Evans said. "It's my job, and I take pride in trying to suit up every chance I get. If the injury isn't unbearable and you can't play through it, then I won't play. But if there's something I can play through, I'm gonna be there for my team as best I can."
Other 49ers injury updates
Rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger suffered a shoulder injury during Thursday's practice. However, he wasn't the only 49ers player who suffered a setback during that session. Newly re-signed wide receiver Dante Pettis, who was added to the practice squad this week, is unlikely to be elevated ahead of the Week 4 matchup.
"He hurt his calf in practice yesterday," Shanahan revealed.
Shanahan also provided an update on wide receiver Christian Kirk, who started the season on injured reserve with a calf injury after missing all of training camp and the preseason. He is already eligible to have his practice window opened, but that probably won't happen next week.
"He's trying to come back from it," Shanahan said. "I still don't think we're expecting him next week. I think, hopefully, it can be the week after that, so hopefully, he gets there."
More info on: Nick Bosa, Jaden Dugger, Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw, Christian Kirk, James Thompson, Keion White, Mykel Williams, Trent Williams
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