Sourdough Sam
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- Mar 20, 2019
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The San Francisco 49ers may have gotten the victory over the New Orleans Saints, but it didn’t come without its share of losses. Kyle Shanahan addressed the media on Monday to give updates on several key players as well as a number of existing injuries heading into Week 15.
San Francisco’s biggest blow was the loss of center Weston Richburg. Richburg went down with what appeared to be a knee injury at the start of the third quarter and was carted off the field shortly after. Richburg, who was having a phenomenal season in 2019, suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the remainder of the year. Sixth-year offensive lineman Ben Garland stepped in for Richburg against the Saints and is expected to get the start in his absence.
“He did a hell of a job when he came in,” Shanahan said of Garland. “Replacing Richburg is a huge job. He’s played very well for us this year and Ben came in and we were able to not miss a beat. He stepped it up, knew the game plan well, blocked those guys even when they were the head up nose. When he was uncovered he got through to the second level and made a number of plays in the game that helped us.”
It's worth noting, Garland spent the offseason and training camp at center as Richburg rehabbed from offseason quadricep surgery.
Dee Ford returned on Sunday after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. The defensive end re-aggravated the injury early into the Week 14 matchup and is likely to miss several weeks according to the head coach.
“It’s probably going to take a little bit longer than last time," Shanahan said. "It will probably be about three weeks."
Richard Sherman left the game in the fourth quarter and is expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. The veteran corner underwent an MRI on Monday and was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Emmanuel Moseley, who filled in admirably this season for Ahkello Witherspoonearlier this season, is likely to get the start in Sherman's absence.
The 49ers could also be without D.J. Jones, who is dealing with an ankle sprain. The team is still waiting on the results from the nose tackle’s MRI. More details to come.
Cornerback K'Waun Williams, who suffered a head injury during Sunday’s win, is currently in concussion protocol.
As for San Francisco’s existing injuries, the 49ers were without two of their wideouts on Sunday. Marquise Goodwin is dealing with chronic knee and foot injuries. The team is currently evaluating treatment options for the seventh-year receiver. Dante Pettis has missed the last two contests while recovering from a knee injury suffered during a non-contact drill in Week 13. Shanahan hopes to get the receiver back in practice leading up to Week 15.
Jaquiski Tartt missed Sunday’s game while nursing a rib injury suffered in Week 13. The safety will be re-evaluated ahead of the team’s first practice on Wednesday.
Finally, second-year defensive tackle Jullian Taylor is likely to miss another week while he recovers from an elbow injury.
The 49ers received Monday off and will resume practice on Wednesday ahead of their final contest against the NFC South, hosting the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15.