49ers notebook: Secondary gets healthier with Williams, Sherman back for Rams game

The 49ers on Thursday confirmed what was expected. The secondary will be closer to intact against the Los Angeles Rams thanks to returns of cornerbacks Richard Sherman and K’Waun Williams after they missed last week’s loss to the Falcons.

Neither Sherman (hamstring) nor Williams (concussion) were listed on the injury report Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game after they returned to practice this week.

Sherman missed the loss to Atlanta after sustaining a Grade 2 hamstring strain while tackling receiver Michael Thomas in the fourth quarter of the previous game against the Saints. Williams was injured when he went face-first into a New Orleans ball carrier moments earlier.

The 49ers have been impressed with Sherman’s quick recovery given the severity of the injury often forces players to miss multiple games.

“Obviously his body can heal a little bit differently, but I think it starts with his mind,” Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. “The dude is adamant. He’s not just saying it, he’s adamant always that he’s going to be ready the next day.”

Sherman on Wednesday explained his mindset is often the catalyst to quick recoveries. He appeared in 117 straight contests over seven years with the Seahawks before tearing his Achilles in 2017 and joining San Francisco the next season.

“I think sometimes when you’re hurt or sick or down, mentally, if you’re pessimistic about the outlook, then things won’t go right,” Sherman said. “Your body can make miraculous and incredible things happen — if your brain can convince it to make it happen. And I think that’s just something that I realized at a young age.”

However, the 49ers ruled out three players for Saturday, including two key starters on defense. Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt will miss his third straight game with a fracture to his ribs sustained in the second half of the loss to the Ravens Dec. 1. Pass rusher Dee Ford will miss his fourth game in the past five weeks after aggravating his hamstring injury in New Orleans.

Ford, who has 6.5 sacks, still considers himself day-to-day, though there’s a chance he may not play again until the playoffs. Additionally, defensive tackle Jullian Taylor was ruled out the Rams game with an elbow injury despite returning to practice on for the first time in two weeks on Thursday. He was a limited participant and sported a bulky brace on his elbow.

Taylor might return for the following game against the Seahawks in which he could be a vital defender against one of the league’s strongest running games.

“He’s not going to be going this week, but I’m hoping he’s ready next week,” Shanahan said.

Pending rain doesn’t alter 49ers practice plans

San Francisco has played two games in the rain this season and both were in the Washington, D.C. area. The team had its famous rain-soaked affair versus Washington in October and more recently in Baltimore. There could be similar conditions Saturday.

Forecasts throughout the week have waffled between rain and cloudy weather for Saturday in Santa Clara. The team practiced in the rain Tuesday and Wednesday this week, which is about all the rain-centric preparation Shanahan had on the docket.

Shanahan was asked Thursday if he’s a proponent of squirting balls with water during practice to get players familiar with wet conditions.

“We did practice in rain this week so I didn’t have to be,” he said. “It happened naturally. We don’t have a bubble so I’m just glad that it didn’t lightning because I don’t want to get pushed on those rules, whether I have to bring people in on lightning or not.”

Rams kicking situation in flux

Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein is the team’s only player listed as “questionable” to play Saturday night. He’s dealing with a quadriceps injury, which was the same part of the leg that kept 49ers kicker Robbie Gould on the shelf for three games.

Coach Sean McVay told reporters Thursday that Zuerlein will kick Friday to determine to if he can suit up. If not, the Rams worked out former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher as a possible understudy. Zuerlein this season has made 22 of 29 field goals and all 34 of his extra points. Maker was released by Dallas earlier this month after making just 67 percent of his kicks in 13 games.

Also, the Rams will have tight end Gerald Everett back in the lineup for the first time since Nov. 25 following a knee injury. Everett has 37 catches for 408 yards and two touchdowns this season. His return could take attention away from fellow tight end Tyler Higbee, who has three straight 100-yard games.