The San Francisco 49ers added rookie safety Chanceller James (knee) to injured reserve on Tuesday, and will add another player on Thursday. General manager John Lynch announced that the team will use the waived/injured designation on rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom (concussion).
James was waived/injured on Monday, and after he cleared waivers on Tuesday, he reverted to the 49ers IR. Newsom suffered his concussion last week after a big hit with James (unrelated to James’ injury). The 49ers had to bring out an ambulance for Newsom, with concerns about a neck or back injury. Fortunately, doctors “only” found a concussion. A concussion is never a good thing, but considering what could have happened, it’s a bit of a relief.
Newsom is a talented linebacker, but even with Malcolm Smith’s injury, it was going to be tough for him to crack the 53-man roster. By placing Newsom on IR, they get to keep him for the rest of the year, and he will be able to take part in meetings. It puts him in a stronger position when it comes time to compete next spring.