The San Francisco 49ers are staring down a critical roster evaluation period with some seriously injured players, with the big news being that free agent additions Christian Kirk and Vederian Lowe are looking at an almost certain stint on the Injured Reserve list right out of the gate. Both players, signed this offseason for what was effectively the veteran minimum, have been battling injuries since late July, making them highly unlikely to suit up for the first month of the season. Shanahan’s comments about their Week 1 availability put it bluntly: they have as much of a chance to play as Brandon Aiyuk, signaling they won’t be there. This is a tough blow for a team that was counting on them for key depth.
The IR Gamble: Betting on Patience
This isn’t just bad luck, it’s a strategic play that the 49ers seem ready to make. Both Kirk, dealing with a calf strain, and Lowe, with a high-ankle sprain, have been out for about a month. Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t hiding the fact that beginning the season on IR is a distinct possibility for them. He talked about weighing player health for Week 1 versus Week 2, acknowledging that if guys will be healthy within those first four weeks, the decision becomes “not as complicated.” It’s frustrating, he admits, because you want them immediately, but this allows them to save roster spots and use their eight regular season designations to return. They can afford to be patient for at least the first four games, which is the minimum sit-out for players starting on IR. It’s a calculated gamble that could pay off if they get healthy, but leaves them thin early. Mykel Williams is also a possible PUP candidate, and with the new rule, he could start his practice period after the team’s second regular-season game.
Other Niner Woes and A Bosa Boost
It’s not just Kirk and Lowe making headlines for the wrong reasons. The battle for left guard is still “up in the air,” with Robert Jones not expected back until “around Australia” , meaning not until after September 2. Shanahan is hopeful Jones can get some practice sessions in this upcoming weekend before they even fly out. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke won’t play in their preseason finale this Thursday, still recovering from three broken ribs, an injury Shanahan said wasn’t as bad as Jordan James’s. The good news for Rourke is he’s expected back at practice next weekend. Meanwhile, Romello Height has missed practice with an ankle injury, and Shanahan didn’t give any more details there, which is always concerning. The good news is Nick Bosa is reportedly doing well, with plans to get him into practice next weekend.
The 49ers have their final roster cuts three days before boarding a plane for Australia on September 2. It’s a hectic week for them, balancing injuries, roster spots, and a massive trip. Shanahan’s focus is clearly on who’s going to be healthy for those critical first few weeks, even if it means stashing talent on IR.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
Leave a Reply