49ers-Colts: Kinlaw, Hurst put defensive interior in question; Lance out; Williams doubtful
SANTA CLARA — Of all games for the 49ers to be down two of their best defensive tackles, what an ironic twist that it will be Sunday night when they host former team captain DeForest Buckner and the Indianapolis Colts.
Not only will the 49ers be without Javon Kinlaw — last year’s top draft pick as Buckner’s designated successor — but also Maurice Hurst, who hurt his calf in Thursday’s practice.
Offensively, quarterback Trey Lance (knee) is out, and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, elbow) is doubtful.
Kinlaw could be headed to injured reserve, and Hurst definitely will be because he needs four to six weeks of recovery, coach Kyle Shanahan said. Hurst was seen leaving the 49ers’ facility on crutches with his foot in an orthopedic boot Friday.
#49ers official injury designations vs #Colts on #SNF:
OUT
DT Maurice Hurst
DT Javon Kinlaw
QB Trey Lance
DOUBTFUL
LT Trent Williams
QUESTIONABLE
LB Marcell Harris— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 22, 2021
When it comes to clogging the defensive interior against Colts’ rusher Jonathan Taylor, the onus will be on D.J. Jones, Kentavius Street and Zach Kerr, the latter of whom was honored Friday as one of the 49ers’ scout-team players of the week, along with linebacker Nathan Gerry and fullback Josh Hokit.
Another option for the defensive interior is to promote Darrion Daniels from the practice squad. Kevin Givens is eligible to come off injured reserve (ankle) but he hasn’t returned to practice, yet.
Arik Armstead also could flex more inside, although he’s been valuable as an edge setter against the run.
STILL NO LANCE
When Jimmy Garoppolo reprises his starting role Sunday after a calf injury, his backup figures to be Nate Sudfeld, who’ll have to be elevated from the practice squad Sunday.
Rookie Trey Lance did not practice all week after being diagnosed with a mild knee sprain a day after his starting debut in Arizona, a Nov. 7 loss. Although this likely will be the first game Lance does not suit up, he did not play in the Week 2 win at Philadelphia while Garoppolo took all the snaps.
Garoppolo returned to practice this week and “got better each day,” Shanahan said. Garoppolo missed the previous 1 1/2 games with a right calf contusion.
“All the energy Jimmy brings with confidence in the huddle and leadership to the team, he does the best job he can,” wide receiver Deebo Samuel said.
WILLIAMS’ ABSENCE
Left tackle Trent Williams remained noticeably absent for a third straight practice. He aggravated an ankle sprain Monday after initially sustaining it and playing through it in Arizona.
“We didn’t think it was as bad as it obviously is,” Shanahan said. “He zinged it a little at practice Monday and hasn’t been able to go since. Trent, out of anybody on this team, will take it all the way up to game time.”
Williams is also battling an elbow injury from an Oct. 3 loss to Seattle. He has started every game in a season only twice since 2010, doing so in 2012 and ’13.
Rookie Jaylon Moore would make his first career start if Williams can’t play.
“If he gets the opportunity Sunday night, I knew it’d be a heck of an opportunity, and he’ll be ready,” Shanahan said.
HASTY ACTIVATION
Running back JaMycal Hasty showed no setbacks in his return to practice this week and is expected to come off injured reserve, where he’s been since a high-ankle sprain from Week 2 at Philadelphia.
Hasty would more likely replace fullback Kyle Juszczyk as the 49ers’ third-down back while Elijah Mitchell remains the starting running back, with Trey Sermon in reserve.
AIYUK BREAKTHROUGH?
Samuel voiced encouragement over the long-awaited emergence of second-year receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has just eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.
“He just has to do exactly what he did this week in practice: get back to himself, get his confidence back and go out and make plays,” Samuel said. “He had a great week and we’re very proud of how he came out and showcased who he really is and who we think he is.”
Samuel, in his third season, is not only an offensive catalyst but he’s becoming more of an outspoken leader, including counseling with Aiyuk.
“It didn’t click at first, but as time goes by and him talking to Kyle and John (Lynch) and all the other guys, telling him to be himself, you can tell at practice this week it just showed up,” Samuel said.
HARRIS QUESTIONABLE
Linebacker Marcell Harris is questionable after undergoing thumb surgery last week and being fitted Wednesday with a cast for practice.
COLTS’ INJURIES
Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton’s quadriceps kept him from practicing all week and he is questionable for Sunday’s game.
The Colts have ruled out cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (ankle), safety Julian Blackmon (Achilles), defensive end Kemoko Turay (groin), offensive lineman Braden Smith (foot, thumb) and running back Jordan Wilkins (non-football injury).