The San Francisco 49ers were back at practice Thursday afternoon, and a notable name was added to the injury list. Cornerback Richard Sherman was a DNP and listed with a heel injury. By all accounts he was walking around fine, but he spent practice working on a side field.
My guess is this more precautionary than anything else, but Friday’s final injury report coupled with Kyle Shanahan’s end of week press conference will offer some clarity on Sherman’s status. If he is fine, so be it. If he develops into a question mark for Sunday, the 49ers have some serious issues at hand in the secondary.
Ahkello Witherspoon was limited again with an ankle injury, but the 49ers also added a hip mention to the injury report. When asked how Witherspoon responded in practice this week, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was said he came out strong mentally. He acknowledged the second year cornerback had some physical issues he still had to work through.
Finally, Jaquiski Tartt was a DNP for the second straight day due to the shoulder injury he aggravated last Sunday. Antone Exum is getting first string work in Tartt’s place, and Tyvis Powell and D.J. Reed are getting work there as well.
That’s three-quarters of the starting 4-3 secondary, and three-fifths of the starting nickel secondary. Getting ready to face a white-hot Chiefs squad, this is very much a bad thing. But again, Friday’s injury report is what we’re waiting for before we can make firm assessments.