The San Francisco 49ers might face former left guard Mike Iupati in Week 3, but his status probably will end up being a game-time decision. Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians spoke to 49ers media on Wednesday, and he said his status is day-to-day at this point.
He practiced a little bit last week and did not have any swelling, so he'll be out there today and we'll take it day-to-day. Don't want to force it because it is a long season. I don't want any setbacks. But if he does not swell, he would probably start this week.
Iupati suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, and looked like a 6-8 week absence back in mid-August. The six week absence would have had him ready for Week 4, but if he is ahead of schedule, Week 3 could happen. Iupati was listed as limited all three days last week, after being a DNP the week before. The Cardinals listed him as "Out" last week, and my guess is we see him listed as questionable in Week 3. The Cardinals injury report will arrive later this afternoon.
Arians is happy with the performance with his offensive line through two weeks, and with good reason. Carson Palmer has not been sacked once this season. Pro Football Focus is down right now, so I can't find hurries or hits. Arians had this to say about the line in Iupati's absence:
I thought Ted Larson stepped in for Mike Iupati very, very well. Of course, he started the 17 games last year. And Earl Watford has moved out to tackle from guard, and he gave up some hits and pressures, but he played well. He especially played really well in the running game. And so I think we blocked better than we have all year, all last year, especially our tight ends, and our offensive line as a group in the running game. And Carson got rid of some balls. But we'll see what we're gonna do as far as left guard and right tackle.
Iupati was always a better run blocker than pass protector, so there could be some value in seeing him back on the field this week. My guess is he does not end up playing, but