The San Francisco 49ers have most of their roster on hand for the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, but three players currently on the 90-man roster did not make the trip.
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco confirmed that cornerback Dontae Johnson, offensive guard Joshua Garnett, and linebacker Donavin Newsom remained behind in the Bay Area. Jimmie Ward is on the PUP list and will not play, but there is no word on if he traveled with the team.
Dontae Johnson
Johnson suffered a concussion on Tuesday, and remains in the concussion protocol. He had been starting opposite Rashard Robinson, seemingly emerging ahead of Keith Reaser and rookie Ahkello Witherspoon. His absence likely means Reaser gets the start opposite Robinson tonight. It remains to be seen what the rotation will look like with Witherspoon.
Joshua Garnett
Garnett suffered a knee injury that need some cleaning up this week. He is expected to miss a month, maybe more depending on how his recovery goes. Shanahan said they hope he can get back by Week 1 of the regular season, but it will be “a battle.” Garnett and Brandon Fusco had been taking first team guard reps, but Zane Beadles has moved in to replace Garnett.
Donavin Newsom
Newsom suffered a concussion on Tuesday, and was fortunate it was not worse. He had a scary collision with Chanceller James that required an ambulance to take him to the hospital. Doctors found no injuries beyond the concussion, and he was released on Thursday.