Fooch’s update: Armstead made an appearance on a Sacramento radio station Friday morning. He confirmed the surgery, but said it was right after the season ended, and he’ll be ready to go for OTAs.
Armstead told us on @Sports1140KHTK he had this surgery right after the season ended, and he’ll be ready to go for OTAs. https://t.co/Ufmr3CbVtN
— Kyle Madson (@KyleAMadson) May 18, 2018
The San Francisco 49ers open up their OTAs on Monday, and defensive tackle Arik Armstead is in the news. Armstead underwent “minor foot surgery,” according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. It is described as a “minor cleanup,” and Rapoport said, “he should be fine for most, if not all, of the spring drills.”
The 49ers exercised their fifth year option on Armstead earlier this month. Matt Barrows tweeted that Armstead was seen in a walking boot earlier this year, so it sounds like the procedure might not have been particularly recent. Kyle Shanahan is meeting with the media this coming Tuesday, so it is safe to say he’ll get a question about the injury.
Armstead spent a majority of last season on injured reserve with a broken hand. After playing all 16 games as a rookie, Armstead missed half of the 2016 season, and then ten games last season. He’s a talented defensive lineman, but injuries have been a big concern the past two years. His fifth year option covers the 2019 season, and is currently guaranteed for injury. If he cannot pass a physical next March, he would get paid the salary even if the 49ers released him.
This is described as a minor deal, but given his history, it still raises some questions.