On Wednesday, the 49ers took the field without eight of the 53 players on their roster available for practice.
The 49ers do not push themselves too hard in the days preceding games this late in the season, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, so it is not too much of an issue.
“We go half-speed on Wednesdays, anyway, regardless of the season,” Shanahan remarked. “We would probably have to go at half speed if this had happened earlier in the year.”
The starting defensive tackles, Aaron Armstead and Devon Hargrave, were not expected to practice. Due to foot and knee problems, Armstead is not anticipated to be eligible to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in Week 15. During the 49ers’ game against the Seattle Seahawks last week, Armstead did not play. Hargrave hurt his hamstring on Sunday against Seattle, raising doubts about his availability.
Due to a groin issue, cornerback Charvarius Ward only saw four plays of action against the Seahawks.
In addition, linebacker Dre Greenlaw was supposed to take it easy on Wednesday due to problems with his hip and ankle.
After the NFL increased the size of practice squads to 16 players a few years ago, the 49ers are healthy enough to practice. Shanahan remarked, “That’s helped out in so many ways.”
Jason Verrett, a cornerback, is the most recent addition to the 49ers practice squad. He was supposed to have his first practice back with his former squad on Wednesday, but he signed with the club on Monday..
Here is a look at the 49ers’ injury report:
No practice
DT Javon Hargrave (hamstring)
CB Charvarius Ward (groin)
LB Dre Greenlaw (ankle/hip)
LB Oren Burks (knee)
DT Arik Armstead (foot/knee)
TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
RG Spencer Burford (knee)
LT Trent Williams (ankle/rest day)
Limited
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
Full
CB Darrell Luter (hamstring)
