SANTA CLARA — Elijah Mitchell isn’t hiding his pleasure about becoming a member of the 49ers’ expanded solid of offensive playmakers, a bunch that exceeds final 12 months’s during which he led the crew in dashing.
“Oh it’s undoubtedly completely different. We’ve obtained extra weapons, and it’s unbelievable,” Mitchell stated at his locker Friday.
Coach Kyle Shanahan introduced after Friday’s follow that Mitchell will come off injured reserve, together with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, offensive sort out Colton McKivitz, and defensive finish Jordan Willis. All have recovered from knee accidents.
Large receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, together with fullback Kyle Juszczyk, are cleared to return from their one-game absences, and all ought to go well with up Sunday night time when the 49ers (4-4) host the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3).
These gamers add to an offensive buffet together with dual-threat newcomer Christian McCaffrey, main receiver Brandon Aiyuk, tight finish George Kittle, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Mitchell, out since spraining his proper knee within the season opener, stated he started feeling like himself throughout the bye week, and as soon as he obtained into follow Monday, he was feeling actually good.
“It’s time to get in there, now,” stated Mitchell, who ran for 963 yards in an 11-game, injury-laden rookie season final 12 months.
As for Samuel, his practice-speed occasions confirmed that his hamstring was responding nicely sufficient by Wednesday, so his reps weren’t restricted in follow all week, Shanahan stated.
DEFENSIVE CONCERNS
The 49ers’ protection, in the meantime, shouldn't be as wholesome, and that goes past cornerback Jason Verrett’s Achilles tear Wednesday, which can solid him onto injured reserve.
The defensive position could possibly be with out three opening-day starters: Samson Ebukam, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw, the latter of whom is eligible to come back off injured reserve subsequent week, although there’s been no signal of such an imminent transfer.
Ebukam is uncertain, and though he didn’t follow after Monday’s quadriceps pressure in non-contact motion, he hasn’t missed a sport in his five-year profession.
All that would imply expanded edge-rushing motion for reserves Drake Jackson, Charles Omenihu, Kerry Hyder Jr. and Kemoko Turay. Kevin Givens and Hassan Ridgeway determine to begin once more on the inside.
“It’s going to be a enjoyable week, with extra alternatives to go make performs for my crew. I’m actually excited,” Jackson stated. “… I’m making an attempt to get higher each day, and it’s working.”
Armstead will miss his sixth sport — fifth straight — as he nears full restoration from a stress fracture in his decrease left leg, in addition to plantar fasciitis in his proper foot.
VERRETT TO IR
The 49ers despatched within the paperwork Friday to put Verrett on injured reserve due to Wednesday’s Achilles tear.
Mentioned Shanahan: “Everybody is aware of his historical past, how a lot he’s performed, how targeted he’s been to get again, how he’s performed every thing the precise manner. Everybody on the identical time was pondering what he was pondering: how lengthy of a journey it was, how briskly it ended.”
Shanahan stated it was essential his crew opted to complete Wednesday’s follow.
Al-Shaair broke down the crew’s huddle after that follow, and his message, in accordance with Shanahan, was: “We’re unhappy for the journey that’s forward for J.V., however it’s his journey, and he’s obtained to undergo it. He’s been there loads, and we’ll be there to assist him anytime he wants.”
Why Azeez, a fourth-year linebacker? “He appears like a preacher. He speaks significantly better than I do,” Shanahan stated. “He’s clever. He’s just like the nicest man on our crew, and the least nicest on the sector, so it balances out.”
CHARGERS DOWN WIDEOUTS
Large receivers Keenan Allen (hamstring) and Mike Williams (ankle) obtained dominated out by the Chargers, thrusting Joshua Palmer and San Jose native DeAndre Carter up the depth chart. Kicker Cameron Dicker figures to come back out once more from the follow squad to interchange Dustin Hopkins (hamstring; out). Linebacker Chris Rumph II (knee) is uncertain. Offensive linemen Trey Pipkins (knee) and Brenden Jaimes (shoulder) are questionable.
LINEBACKERS RETURN, BURKS RETREATS
With Dre Greenlaw (calf) and Al-Shaair (knee) returning, linebacker Oren Burks will return to his major position on particular groups.
However the 49ers discovered one thing priceless earlier than the bye of their 31-14 win over the Rams. If Burks is required to step in once more, he’ll be prepared. Burks performed all 58 snaps, together with Fred Warner, because the 49ers employed a nickel protection. It was one thing Burks by no means did in 4 seasons with the Inexperienced Bay Packers. “We had guys that had been down with accidents and I obtained a chance to exit three and present what I can do and we obtained the win, that’s all that issues going into the bye,” Burks stated. “It was nice to get my confidence up by way of the protection and realizing what I’m able to as a Niner.”
Burks completed with seven tackles, trailing solely Warner (12) and Talanoa Hufanga), and had one cross defended. The unique plan, in accordance with Shanahan, was for him to alternate with Demetrius Flanigan-Fowles alongside Warner. Burks, nevertheless, performed so nicely he by no means left the sector. “Oren’s a sensible man that’s at all times able to step in and assist out at both a kind of linebacker positions,” defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans stated. “I’m pleased with the best way he stepped in for us and make some big-time performs.”
Burks (6-foot, 233 kilos) will willingly return to his particular groups position because the 49ers get wholesome. “You simply wish to be a soccer participant, whether or not it’s on particular groups or protection,” Burks stated. “However I’m not going to lie, it meant loads to assist out on protection.”