Kyle shanahan

On Monday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said cornerback Richard Sherman would likely be sidelined a “couple weeks” with a Grade 2 hamstring strain he sustained in last Sunday’s win at New Orleans. On Thursday, Sherman offered a far different outlook: He maintained he could play Sunday against the Falcons at Levi’s Stadium, if he wasn’t being held out due to his partially torn hamstring. “I could play in this game if we had to have it,” Sherman said. “Kyle and them are more cautious than I am … I told them I just needed a couple days. I needed a couple days and I feel great today already. (I ran) 19 miles per hour, 20 miles per hours today. That’s really all you need to play.” Sherman said he expects to return to play against the Rams on Dec. 21. And his ability to play through injuries throughout his nine-year career suggests he’ll be able to do just that. Sherman said his current hamstring strain isn’t as … [Read more...] about 49ers’ Richard Sherman expects to return vs. Rams next week

The 49ers’ second-ranked defense didn’t look even as half as good last Sunday in a 48-46 win over the Saints in which they surrendered their most points and yards of the season. This Sunday? The 49ers may not have about half their starting defense from Week 1. Their uncharacteristically charitable performance in New Orleans didn’t cost the 49ers a win, but there was a cost. A slew of additional injuries to defensive players means the 49ers could be without five season-opening starters, along with first-string nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, when they host the Falcons on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh doesn’t expect the rest of the league to shed a tear for the 11-2 49ers. “The NFL doesn’t really care about who’s playing,” Saleh said. “The train’s going to keep on moving.” Four defensive players didn’t finish the game in New Orleans: edge rusher Dee Ford (hamstring), … [Read more...] about Slew of injuries could put hurt on 49ers’ second-ranked defense

The dynastic Dallas Cowboys of the early to mid-1990s were powered by The Triplets: quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin. The 2019 49ers don’t necessarily have the same trio of future Hall of Famers, but they are developing a similar ability to shred defenses in different ways. That’s according to a knowledgeable source: Former Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston, a Pro Bowl member of those Dallas teams that won three Super Bowls in four seasons. Johnston, a Fox TV analyst, is preparing to call the 49ers’ game against the Falcons on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. One of Johnston’s takeaways after studying Sunday’s 48-46 win in New Orleans and calling two other 49ers’ games this season: Their offensive versatility evokes fond memories. “There’s a lot of teams that want to come out and shut that run game down and that leaves you vulnerable in the passing game,” Johnston said. “And … [Read more...] about Doing it like Dallas: Ex-Cowboy praises 49ers’ offensive versatility