49ers at Seahawks injury report: WR Samuel out; mystery on RB Coleman, more
SANTA CLARA — Neither the 49ers nor Seahawks seem willing to fully reveal which of their injured players will suit up Sunday in Seattle.
Friday’s injury reports left plenty of mystery, especially at running back, and that translates to “game-time decisions” in NFL parlance.
The 49ers are not saying whether Tevin Coleman will be activated for the first time in six games to bolster their injury-depleted running back corps, nor whether nickel back K’Waun Williams also will come off injured reserve to challenge the NFL’s top-ranked offense.
But it sure looks that way.
“Hopefully there’s no setbacks and we’ll get two of them up,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We won’t know until we talk to the trainers.”
Because Coleman and Williams merely had their three-week practice windows open this week, the 49ers do not have to give them an official status, as is the case with tight end Jordan Reed, who also is coming off a knee injury. The 49ers have been especially cautious with Reed the past few months considering his multi-injury history.
Players must come off IR by Saturday afternoon to play the next day, and the 49ers have taken such moves up until that deadline all season.
Coleman’s status keeps the 49ers’ running back situation in an unpredictable state, just how coach Kyle Shanahan likes it. A week ago, the 49ers listed Wilson as questionable with a calf injury that kept him out the previous game, then Wilson ran for three touchdowns and 112 yards as their surprise starter before hurting his ankle.
Thus, Coleman could be this week’s surprise workhorse, or it could be upstart rookie JaMycal Hasty, or well-rested veteran Jerick McKinnon.
Ruled out, as expected, were running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring). Doubtful are safety Jaquiski Tartt (groin), wide receiver Richie James (ankle) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle).
Free safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) practiced and is questionable to return from a one-game absence. Defensive lineman Kentavius Street is also questionable.
One key thing to keep in mind regarding injured 49ers: this week’s practices help ramp them up for a more likely return for next Thursday night’s home game against the Green Bay Packers.
SEAHAWKS’ STATUS
The Seahawks’ mysteries revolve around their running back options and star safety Jamal Adams, who’s been out since Week 4 with a groin injury. Adams is questionable, and the league’s worst-ranked defense surely could use his presence to combat tight end George Kittle.
Chris Carson, Seattle’s top running back, is questionable with a foot sprain. With former 49ers rusher Carlos Hyde (hamstring) is doubtful and Travis Homer (knee) also questionable, Seattle’s only running back not on the injury report is DeeJay Dallas.
“If it affects your game plan, then you always prepare as if they’re going to play,” Shanahan said. “You always assume they’re going to play. You never get surprised at that.”
The Seahawks’ only ruled out cornerback Shaquill Griffin (concussion). Also doubtful are guard Mike Iupati (back) and safety Ugo Amadi (hamstring). Also questionable are defensive end Benson Mayowa (ankle) and safety Ryan Neal (hamstring).
TRADE DEADLINE
General manager John Lynch is expecting a late-season boost from players coming back from injuries, and that is the more likely reinforcement than importing players ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“I don’t anticipate right now anything big like the Emmanuel Sanders deal last year and yes, that’s somewhat because we are restricted,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “We’ve also used I think 70 players on our active roster, and you come in with a salary cap, but then you eat into that.”
The 49ers are nearly $290,000 over the current cap, according to NFL Players Association figures.
“Everything we do this year affects next year, where, because of the pandemic, the cap is going to be way down,” Lynch added. ” It’s forcing everyone, particularly the teams pressing that cap, to be guarded.”
The 49ers finalized a trade Tuesday for pass rusher Jordan Willis from the New York Jets, and Lynch is expecting Willis to debut Sunday. The 49ers acquired Willis and a 2021 seventh-round pick for a 2022 conditional sixth-round choice.