49ers Injury Report: Ray McDonald Rehabs Hamstring Injury

by David Fucillo on Jan 6, 2012 3:15 PM PST in 49ers Injury News

The 49ers had their second practice of the week today, and in the portion open to the media, defensive end Ray McDonald was off on a side field doing some rehab on his hamstring. McDonald apparently suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of last week's Rams game. He was seen limping after the game but is apparently not limping now. I'd imagine the team will be extremely careful with him heading into next week. McDonald has been huge for the 49ers opposite Justin Smith, so there is no need to push him in practice.

Delanie Walker spoke with the media briefly as he is now able to speak and eat some more solid foods. It sounds like there is still some wiring in his jaw, but he is making progress. Nonetheless, based what I'm seeing in Barrows' post, I'd be pretty surprised if Walker could play a week from tomorrow. Once the wiring is out and his jaw is good, recovery could speed up exponentially, but for now, I'm not holding my breath. If the team decides to go with Konrad Reuland off the practice squad, they can wait a little longer to activate him since he already has a playbook and is part of daily practices.

Other than those two, most everybody else is either good to go, or is simply resting up some minor injuries. Justin Smith, Carlos Rogers and Chris Culliver all sat out practice today, but none of them are expected to miss next week's games.

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hope Ray is ok

by Anonymous1337 on Jan 6, 2012 3:44 PM PST via mobile reply actions

McDonald

was on Fitz & Brooks today and he sounded confident to play next week. He even said if the game were this weekend that he’d “probably” play

My sympathy goes out to Delanie. He is an underrated contributor to the team, and deserves to be out on the field for the playoffs.

Ultra-projectable
I feel like I want to rage. Right now.

by fjm on Jan 6, 2012 4:50 PM PST reply actions

As does Josh Morgan.

by HighFive on Jan 6, 2012 6:56 PM PST up reply actions

McDonald career reminds me of ex-niner Kevin Fagan story

Remember the 9ers stole Kevin Fagan in the draft in a lower round than his talent because Kevin was coming off knee injury from College entering draft.

Then Kevin played part time while trying to heal his leg his rookie season.

Then second season he became a starter and major factor on our D-Line for years.

The above is pretty similar to how McDonald career is unfolding so far.

Good thing the 9ers had the brains to re-sign him just as McDonald was about to explode and show what he is all about this season…..and OH, what a beast his proving to be!

by BigMar on Jan 6, 2012 5:00 PM PST reply actions

Raise your hand if you think the lock-up helped 32 year old Justin Smith?

Justin is having by far his BEST season as a 49er.

Me thinks not having the wear & tear of a normal training camp & pre-season games gave Justin’s 32 year old body more life & energy to start and maintain this zest throughout the season and right into the playoffs.

Justin is not getting any younger…. I really do think taking away that training camp off his body has helped.

And Frankly I also think that he lock-out helped keep our rookies from burn-out or hitting the wall because it kept them fresh too. Typically rookies are huffing and puffing by now due to being involved in combine,training camp, pre-season , regular season….they ARE NOT used to playing that MANY games comining out of College into the NFL.

Maybe there is something to be said for not drowing & exhusting your team in long drawn camps,pre-season, ect…..especially the older vets & younger rookies.

Wonder if coach Harbaugh agrees with this….I’m pretty sure most of the players would.
They did well, keeping in shape themselves and a little bit of camp Alex.

by BigMar on Jan 6, 2012 5:13 PM PST reply actions

It has more to do with the defense being able to get off the field

And the offense being able to contribute. All our rookies are used in limited roles. Aldon pass rush only, Culliver 3rd corner, Hunter 2nd back…

Bruce Miller sees the most action and it’s definitely been impressive on his part.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 6, 2012 6:51 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Just cause the wiring is out doesn't mean the jaw is close to healed

The wiring is like the hard cast around a leg for an ankle break. After that comes off you’re still in a walking boot for a long time. He might be able to put weight and strength back on relatively quickly, but the bone is vulnerable for months.

I remember how I looked after a month straight of ensure and PB and chocolate protien milkshakes. I was ripped up but still pretty weak.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 6, 2012 6:46 PM PST via mobile reply actions