Niners Nation
Ricky Pearsall aggravated PCL injury vs Titans, leaving Week 16 status uncertain
“He landed on his knee and it’s a painful thing,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully, it’s not at all like when he first did it. But it does take time for that pain to go away. Hopefully, that’ll be sooner than later over these next eight days.”
The 49ers are back in action in Week 16 against the Colts on Monday night in Indianapolis.
Shanahan said he is not sure if Pearsall will be able to practice this week or play on Monday due to knee and ankle injuries. The 49ers return to practice on Wednesday.“
Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers updates day after Week 15 win vs. Titans
“”Jordan [Watkins] needs to show out on the practice field that he is better than the guys in front of him. And it’s really tough with these guys when they’ve missed so much time, but he has been out here for a little bit getting back in shape and doing a good job in practice. But I mean, we’re going to play the top guys and he’s still working to show that he’s one of those. What was the other question? The one before that.”
Is the window going to be opened on Jacob Cowing?
“No, they didn’t tell me this week. So, I think our goal is next week versus Chicago.”
Thompson: How are the hobbled 49ers still in this? They found a different way to be great (paywall)
“Shanahan has coached squads flush with enough stars to feel inevitable, including just last year. Twice, the 49ers came close enough to the Lombardi Trophy to see their breath on the silver, only to see it snatched away by the greatness of Patrick Mahomes. Those squads won by overwhelming opponents with their talent. This one wins by never letting up.
The edge of Shanahan is showing up in the personality of this team. He coaxed a 5-3 record out of backup quarterback Mac Jones’ starts. San Francisco’s 24.6 points per game have often come with running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Kendrick Bourne leading in receiving yards. Shanahan, who has some bouts with conservatism, rides his workhorses with desperation. McCaffrey leads the league with 345 touches. Kittle is third among tight ends in receptions and second in touchdowns since returning from his injury.
This may end up being Shanahan’s finest coaching job. Not because of what he’s drawn up, but because of what he’s demanded.
What’s saving this season is the part of these 49ers that’s learned from loss, scar tissue and heartbreak. The part that understands championships aren’t built with perfection. It’s an endurance test. A challenge of the will. And as long as it comes down to the fight in the dog, they’re still in it.
The last three games feature something they haven’t seen in a while — playoff-caliber teams. At Indianapolis (8-6) before closing the season against Chicago (10-4) and Seattle.
They’ve got a chance. Something that seemed...
