The San Francisco 49ers have hopefully escaped without too much damage in their preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury report was extensive, but early reports suggest a couple of the injuries are not too bad. Beat writer Matt Maiocco is reporting that George Kittle’s shoulder injury is most likely a sprain that should only cost him preseason time. Ian Rapoport added that it was a separated shoulder with no tears or structural damage.
Additionally, Harold’s lower leg injury is a knee injury that is a bruise, and not more serious, according to Maiocco.
The early word on #49ers TE George Kittle, via source, is his right shoulder injury is not too serious. Most likely a sprain that could keep him out a couple of weeks.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 10, 2018
Very encouraging report on #49ers LB Eli Harold, who left last night’s game with a knee injury. A source just said it’s not serious — just a bruise.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 10, 2018
The 49ers also lost Garry Gilliam and Solomon Thomas to head injuries, Matt Breida to a shoulder injury, and Malcolm Smith to a hamstring injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan should have more info on those injuries when he meets with the media at 4 p.m. PT.
You never want to see players get hurt, but if they only miss time during the preseason, things could be a whole lot worse. It also means more playing time for players down the roster, and at tight end, Cole Hikutini and Ross Dwelley will both get a big opportunity.
Until next week’s game, we’ll have to wait and see if the team makes any roster moves to shore up their depth. They can’t use injured lists unless they put a player on a season-ending injury list, but if they feel comfortable with their depth at one position, they might be willing to make a roster cut there to shore up depth elsewhere.