Injuries force 49ers to consider return options

Share

SANTA CLARA -- If Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams are unavailable for the 49ers' game Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, the team will turn to its next line of return men.Backup defensive back Reggie Smith would handle punt-return chores, while running back Kendall Hunter and cornerbacks Chris Culliver are the candidates to be back deep on kickoffs, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Friday afternoon.The 49ers have yet to officially fill the roster spot that opened when the club released veteran wide receiver Braylon Edwards this week. In all likelihood, undrafted rookie Joe Hastings will get the call.The 49ers plan to make the roster move on Saturday. So why the delay?"Until we know exactly how we want to do it," Harbaugh said. "Ted had a good workout (Friday). We didn't practice him. We held him out. But he's coming along very well, so we'll see how he responds to that. See how he looks tomorrow, and that is the purpose."Ginn missed last week's game with a left ankle sprain. Neither he nor Williams (concussion) practiced this week. Harbaugh said Williams is "progressing well."Also, it looks as if linebacker Patrick Willis will be a game-time decision. Willis has missed three games with a right hamstring strain. If Willis is healthy, he'll play, Harbaugh said. Willis, who went through limited practice this week, is expected to be available for the game.The 49ers will be without the services of second-string tight end Delanie Walker, who sustained a fractured jaw last week against the Seahawks.The 49ers were scheduled to leave Friday afternoon for St. Louis.49ERS INJURY REPORT
Out: TE Delanie Walker (jaw)
Questionable: CB Chris Culliver (shoulder), WR Ted Ginn (ankle), RB Bruce Miller (knee), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), WR Kyle Williams (concussion), LB Patrick Willis (hamstring)RAMS INJURY REPORT
Doubtful: QB Sam Bradford (ankle), QB A.J. Feeley (right thumb)
Questionable: DE Chris Long (ankle)
Probable: CB Josh Gordy (abdomen), RB Jerious Norwood (illness), LB Brady Poppinga (illness)

Contact Us