Getty Daniel Brunskill celebrating for the San Francisco 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers‘ season has been defined by adaptation. They adapted when Alex Mack retired from the game in June, long after free agency and the draft; they adapted when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo replaced Trey Lance in Week 2; and they’re adapting yet again as players — star and reserve alike — cycle on and off of the injury report.
In Week 4, the Niners’ final injury report before their Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams led to questions about some players’ availability for the game.
The week’s biggest injury story lines belonged to swing lineman Daniel Brunskill, starting defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw, and defensive tackle/end Arik Armstead. Kinlaw and Armstead were listed as questionable while Brunskill came off of the list. Each was listed as a “limited participant” at one point during the week. Will either Kinlaw or Armstead ultimately take the field on Monday Night Football?
Only the game-day actives list will truly answer that question when it is released about an hour before the kickoff at 8:15 Eastern time. But based on reports from practice, things aren’t looking too good.
NBC Sports Bay Area Gives Alarming Update on Kinlaw & Armstead
When discussing the injury report in her own article on the subject, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area passed along some alarming observations from the 49ers October 1 practice.
“Both Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw were seen in the first portion of Saturday’s practice participating in individual drills,” Lee wrote. “Kinlaw, who was held out of practice with a knee injury, did not appear to be moving well while Armstead seemed to still be limited by plantar fasciitis.”
Considering just how much of playing on the defensive line is based on power generated from the legs and how easily a player can lose significant time due to a seemingly minor roll-up, the Niners may ultimately decide to play it safe and give the duo some extra time off.
The San Francisco 49ers Are Excited to Get Back Versatile Daniel Brunskill
When asked about what position Brunskill would play now that he was back at practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan complimented the well-traveled fifth-year veteran’s versatility.
“Both,” Shanahan said at his September 29 press conference. “He works all inside, and he’s played tackle also.”
With Williams out and Colton McKivitz expected to take his place, having a player like Brunskill who can play any position on game day is incredibly valuable. Still, for most fans, the return of Brunskill finally gives San Francisco a viable alternative if Jake Brendel continues to struggle at center.
Pro Football Focus grades Brendel, who waited six years to get the call as a starter, at 50.7, which is ranked 31st in the league.
Elsewhere on the injury report, all-world left tackle Trent Williams and starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair began their sabbaticals on the report without being placed on injured reserve. George Kittle came off of the list entirely after playing September 25. The knee and ankle injuries suffered by Williams and Al-Shaair, respectively, have been defined by months, not weeks.