The San Francisco 49ers will welcome several notable players from the injury list for preseason Week 3 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Richard Sherman (hamstring) will play, and said that Arik Armstead (hamstring), Solomon Thomas (concussion), and Malcolm Smith (hamstring) should all be available. Garry Gilliam remains in the concussion protocol and won’t play, while K’Waun Williams (ankle) is a question mark for the time being.
Sherman told the media on Wednesday that he would play, but it is always helpful to get confirmation from the head coach. Shanahan said the coaches will monitor Sherman’s snaps, but they will be relying on Sherman in part for figuring out what it will take to be ready for Week 1 vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams suffered his ankle injury on August 6th, and has been sidelined ever since. That has opened the door for rookie D.J. Reed to get a ton of playing time. Reed has been getting work at both slot corner and free safety. Williams signed an extension last year, and while that doesn’t preclude him from being cut or traded, the team seems to like what he can do.