After Friday’s practice, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan met with reporters, delivering last updates ahead of the team’s Week 14 battle against the Seattle Seahawks. Here is everything he said.
Opening remarks:
“Injuries for the game: [DL] Aric Armstead will be out, [TE] Ross Dwelley is out, [WR] Ray-Ray McCloud [III] is out, [CB] Darrell Luter [Jr.] is doubtful, [OL] Spencer Burford is doubtful and [RB] Elijah [Mitchell] is doubtful.”
Ray-Ray returned to practice and then he was out. Did he aggravate his rib?
“No, he walked out. I believe he was limited on Wednesday, but he didn’t feel well. So we have to be cautious with him. I ate a lot of ribs.”
Did you see that QB Geno Smith’s status is a game-time decision according to the Seattle Seahawks injury report? Does that help with the preparation for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock?
“No. I mean, we’ve pretty much finished our preparations. Similar-style quarterbacks don’t vary the scheme much, therefore it wouldn’t make a difference.”
Did you see the Seattle Seahawks injury report with QB Geno Smith’s status is a game time decision? Does that do anything as far as just the prep work to get ready for Seattle Seahawks QB Drew Lock?
“No. I mean, we’ve pretty much finished our preparations. Similar-style quarterbacks don’t vary the scheme much, therefore it wouldn’t make a difference.”
You and the Seahawks are like old friends. Do you expect them to show you something you haven’t seen before in order to surprise you?
“Yeah, there are always some different twists that both teams will do.” But you are correct; we are well acquainted. And there’s just so much new stuff you can do this time of year. So they will have a few items. We’ll have a few items. However, it will come down to who plays better football.”
With Mitchell doubtful, I’m guessing that might mean a bigger role for RB Jordan Mason. How thankful are you about RB Christian McCaffrey’s durability?
“It’s been fantastic. We’ve been very lucky with all of our running backs this year. I know Elijah has been injured this week, but I believed he had a chance to go, so it shouldn’t be long. However, it has been beneficial for him to maintain his health. JP has also been in good health, so things are looking up.”
Will you have to elevate one of those guys from the practice squad?
“Most likely, yeah.”
We’ve talked a couple times about McCaffrey having a walk-on mentality. Is there another player you’ve coached or even like your dad has coached that is reminiscent of a superstar who just doesn’t exhale?
“Not that I’m aware of. I’ve never met somebody remotely similar to him. The majority of the great ones are obsessive and fanatical about their trade. I believe [DL] Nick’s [Bosa] is similar to that, as is [LB] Fred Warner. But Christian is a touch quirky and unusual, but he’s also one of the most confident individuals I’ve ever met. So you put all of those elements together, and that’s what makes him so unique.”
Is there a unique mix of still having confidence and swagger, but acts like he’s done nothing?
“I believe so. I’d want to say I had a walk-on attitude, but I was a walk-on. So I had to or you wouldn’t make it. I had to act that way because I was afraid I wouldn’t make it. Christian is going to make it and be pretty darn excellent at anything he does, it’s just how he goes about it. Everyone would tell you the same thing about how harsh he is on himself.
We had half-speed practice on Wednesday, and he approached me halfway through to let me know that he’s not fully functional right now, but that it’ll look better in a couple days. Thank you for informing me, but we know it will appear better. But that’s just how he thinks. He understands that there is always more in the tank, and when he’s as successful as he is and you guys see how he plays and he still believes he can take it to the next level, it’s a lot of fun to coach.”
You did earn a scholarship, I’ll note.
“I did, but earned one. It was by having a walk-on mentality. They felt bad for me.”
