San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch stepped up to the podium alone on Saturday to address the media as training camp opened. Typically, he would be joined by head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, shortly before the press conference, the team announced that Shanahan was recovering from injuries sustained in a recent car accident.

The good news is that none of Shanahan's injuries were life-threatening. However, the injuries were serious enough that the 49ers head coach is expected to have a limited role at the start of training camp.


RELATEDKyle Shanahan recovering from injuries after car accident
ESPN reported that Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs, and his hand and required 40 stitches to his face following the July 14 accident. He also suffered a severe concussion during the collision with an SUV near his California home.

While Shanahan recovers, offensive line coach and assistant head coach Chris Foerster will handle head coaching responsibilities.

The concussion is the primary injury limiting Shanahan's return, and the 49ers are treating his recovery similarly to how they would handle a player's injury.

"Here's the great news: it looks like everyone's doing all right," Lynch said. "The other driver seems to be doing all right. I don't want to speak to that because that's just second-hand knowledge. Kyle is doing good. He's got some bumps and bruises. He did suffer a concussion in the accident, has some lingering effects from that concussion.

"We don't have a protocol for staff members when it comes to concussions, but we do with players, and it's become very helpful. So, Kyle basically is going to be in the protocol, and [Dr. Anthony "Nino" Saglimbeni] and all the great doctors we have are giving him great care, and we're going to let the condition, the doctors dictate how he comes back, when he comes back."


Lynch added that Shanahan has been to the team facility since the accident, but the 49ers' priority is making sure their head coach fully recovers.

"He's a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that," Lynch said. "This is about his well-being. And we're going to take the time necessary. And I think we're very equipped to do that."

Lynch noted that Shanahan is not yet ready to speak with reporters or address the team. However, he could attend some practices as he continues his recovery and observes the action on the field.

The 49ers expect Shanahan to be fully recovered in time to coach the team in its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.

"I think the expectation is that, long before that, he'll be better," Lynch said. "But again, everybody responds to these things differently, and we're going to do whatever it takes to have him right when he comes back, and it's the right thing to do."

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