49ers notebook: Armstead misses first practice with back stiffness, Shanahan updates on Samuel
The first unofficial injury report of the summer released by a 49ers spokesman offered up slightly concerning news.
The Saturday morning announcement said defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract in the spring as the team traded away DeForest Buckner, would miss the first pad-less training camp practice with “back irritation.”
Those following the 49ers closely know back injuries can be particularly troublesome. Recently, receiver Jalen Hurd last summer had a back injury that turned out to be a season ender. But Kyle Shanahan alleviated the concern about Armstead’s back after the morning session amid Santa Clara’s heat wave.
“I want to say he’s day-to-day, even though I probably didn’t hear that, but I think that could tell you my level of concern. I’m not too worried about it,” Shanahan said. “Just has some back stiffness, which happens to a lot of people, especially with guys his size. He could be out there if we really needed him to right now, but we’re trying to be smart. So, just me guessing right now, I bet we’ll probably be smart these first four days and then try to get him in the next block of practices.”
The 49ers, with the preseason canceled, have practices in four-day blocks with off days in between over the next few weeks. The pads will come on for the first time Monday. Armstead should be expected to miss the remaining three practices of the current block before the off day on Wednesday — and Thursday could mark his return.
Certainly that would better news than Hurd was given a year ago. Hurd wound up having a small fracture in his lower back, a considerably worse injury than back stiffness. Though the team was ambiguous when Hurd first began missing time because of it.
Speaking of Hurd, he’s being eased back into things as practices ramp up. Him and Jordan Reed, the recently signed tight end, participated in individual drills before working on the side when the full-team sessions began. Reed also missed last season, though his reasoning is a concussion suffered in a preseason game with Washington last August. He was moving well while running routes and working with staffers.
Shanahan hopeful for Samuel’s Week 1 return
Hurd is among a slew of young, un-established receivers looking to carve out roles while Deebo Samuel works his way back from a Jones fracture sustained earlier this summer.
Samuel on Saturday was on a stationary bike as practice began before he took in the session on the field alongside his teammates while wearing sneakers and a bucket hat.
Samuel is expected to miss time early in the season despite vowing on social media he’ll be ready for Week 1. Shanahan was asked about that prognosis after practice.
“I think we’re hoping for Week One. Not counting on it,” Shanahan said. “But a lot of that has to do with: are you ready to play? Has it fully healed by that time? Are you in football shape? Deebo’s going to do everything he can to be in shape, but it’s hard to be in football shape until you can play football. So, how many practices do we get him in here before Arizona? That’s going to all go into play, but I’m hoping for Week 1, but not sure yet. It’s a little too early.”
Trent Taylor, who also missed last season, is back and looking like his old self. He had a couple drops in full-team drills before making the play of the day with a diving one-handed snag along the right sideline on a pass from Nick Mullens.
—Much has been made of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s knee brace, which fullback Kyle Juszczyk said recently he wasn’t wearing during walk throughs. Turns out, the left knee brace remained on for Garoppolo during practice and will likely stay there during games.
—More on receivers. The team made the signings of Tavon Austin and J.J. Nelson official. Both were out practicing. Austin was working as a punt returner, which might be his best chance at making the 53-man roster while Richie James Jr. continues to deal with an arm injury. The team released reserve tight end Daniel Helm and receiver Chris Thompson to make room.
James was seen juggling five tennis balls at a time at one point during practice, presumably as part of a rehab exercise and to work on his coordination which could help while fielding punts.
First-round pick Brandon Aiyuk received some first-team practice reps and Shanahan said afterwards he’s been impressed with the Arizona State alum.
“Today was the first full speed practice and I thought he did a pretty good job today. We’ll see when we go watch the film, but I’ve been real impressed with him just being around him,” said Shanahan.
—The team constructed roughly 25 to 30 tents on the side field adjacent to the weight room. Each tent has an individual bench and set of weights. General manager John Lynch said afterwards the new set up allows for 45 players to lift at once, rather than the 15 that would have been allowed in the weight room because of COVID-19 protocols.
“It’s a Venice Beach North. We love it,” Lynch said. “There’s the ingenuity of our staff coming in hand and our players have really bought into the approach. I think they actually like being outside. Probably wouldn’t have been the answer the last two days as it’s been up towards 100 degrees, but I love that kind of thinking and it’s benefiting us.”
This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 5:42 PM.
