Running back Joe Williams and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson, a pair of second-year players who are competing for spots on the 49ers’ 53-man roster, sustained injuries Saturday that will sideline them for at least the opening of the regular season.
Williams sustained a fractured rib and a deep hip bruise in the 49ers’ exhibition game against the Houston Texans. And Magnuson, who appeared to be in good shape to win a roster spot due to his versatility, is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a bad hamstring injury.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, speaking on a conference call Sunday with reporters, said a decision will likely be made in the next week how to handle the injuries. Magnuson could be a candidate to begin the season on injured reserve and return to the roster after at least six weeks.
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Backup quarterback C.J. Beathard sustained a foot sprain Saturday and could be limited in practice this week. The 49ers return to practice on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The 49ers expect to get cornerback Richard Sherman back on the field this week to take part fully in practices leading up to the third preseason game. Sherman did not play in the 49ers' first two exhibition games.
Defensive end Arik Armstead (hamstring), linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring) and defensive back K’Waun Williams (ankle) are likely to begin taking part in individual drills this week.
Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Garry Gilliam are still going through the return-to-play concussion protocol. They sustained head injuries in the exhibition opener Aug. 9 against Dallas.
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Elvis Remains an Option
The 49ers did not pick up the contract option on veteran defensive end Elvis Dumervil, who led the 49ers with 6.5 sacks last season. Shanahan said if he and general manager John Lynch determine Dumervil can help them upgrade a group comprised of unproven young pass-rushers, they will place that phone call to get him back with the team.
“Elvis is a guy I have a lot of confidence in,” Shanahan said. “He did a great job for us last year. And if we felt that was the right opportunity at the end of this, Elvis is a guy that John and I would not hesitate to reach out to.”
High Expectations for Pettis
Jimmy Garoppolo’s pass sailed high against the Texans on Saturday, but Shanahan seemed to place more blame on rookie receiver Dante Pettis for the second-quarter interception. Pettis jumped and appeared to get both hands on the ball. Shanahan said it was a pass that should have been a reception -- not a play that turned into Houston cornerback Johnson Bademosi’s interception.
“Without a doubt,” Shanahan said immediately after the game. “I’d love for it to be perfect (pass). It would make it a lot easier, which Jimmy is capable of. Jimmy has to take responsibility for that. But Dante should catch it every single time. He’s capable of it.”
A day later, Shanahan softened his stance. He said it would have been a difficult catch for Pettis, but it’s one he expects the second-round pick to secure.
“It was harder than I talked about, but my opinion doesn’t change,” Shanahan said. “And that’s because of what I think of Dante. I have a lot of respect for Dante, and I think he can catch just about anything that touches his hands. So when it does, I expect him to. And if he doesn’t, I’m disappointed.”
Garnett Knocks off Rust
Joshua Garnett played 35 snaps at right guard and his bothersome right knee checked out just fine afterward, Shanahan said. Garnett is in competition for the starting job with Mike Person and Jonathan Cooper, who has also been limited as he returns from knee surgery.
“Now I think he has to put that string of practices together and really improve,” Shanahan said of Garnett. “I know we’re coming toward the end here, but hopefully he can get this going in the next two weeks and give him a chance to win that position.”