49ers Get Health Boost Coming Out of Bye, Piñeiro Returns to Practice
SANTA CLARA - Coming off a well-timed bye week, the San Francisco 49ers are hitting the reset button with fresh legs and a few key players trending in the right direction health-wise as they prepare for Week 15.
One of the most notable returns: kicker Eddy Piñeiro. After missing two games with a hamstring injury-the first games he’s missed in nearly four years-Piñeiro was back on the practice field Wednesday, clearly relieved to be back in uniform.
“It was a little frustrating because I haven’t missed a game in almost four years,” Piñeiro said. “Missing those two games was very frustrating for me, but we are back.”
And while Piñeiro was sidelined, Matt Gay stepped in and did exactly what the 49ers needed-he was perfect. Two-for-two on field goals, two-for-two on extra points, and one of those outings came in the swirling winds of Cleveland.
That kind of performance in tough conditions is no small feat. Still, Piñeiro admitted it was tough to watch from the sidelines.
“I found out on game day that it was super windy,” he said. “It’s just part of the process.
Honestly, I wanted to kick in the game. Not being able to play in that game obviously was tough.
I love to play, and love the sport. Just happy to be back.”
Juszczyk Trending Up, Defensive Injuries Still Lingering
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is working his way back from a rib injury sustained in the Week 13 win. He’s expected to be a limited participant in practice this week. The bye came at just the right time for the veteran, giving him a few extra days to heal without missing game action.
On the defensive side, the 49ers are still dealing with a few lingering injuries. Linebacker Tatum Bethune and defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu were both held out of practice Wednesday as they continue to rehab high ankle sprains. Both were spotted in the locker room, which is at least a positive sign that they’re progressing toward a return, even if they’re not quite ready yet.
Linebacker Nick Martin remains in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in Cleveland. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Martin is still experiencing symptoms, so his status remains up in the air for now.
Yetur Gross-Matos Nearing Return
In a bit of encouraging news, the team plans to open the practice window for defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on Thursday. The 49ers have been cautious with his workload all season, limiting him to a one-day practice schedule even before his injury. That plan remains in place, with Shanahan explaining the team will wait until Thursday to officially open his return window.
“Just because of how the whole offseason went with him, and our plan this year, we never practice him two days in a row, on Wednesday and Thursday,” Shanahan said. “He only practices on Thursday, regardless, even before he got hurt, so we aren’t going to open it until that day.”
Pre-Practice Injury Report: Week 15
Did Not Participate (Wednesday)
- LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
- DL Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
- LB Nick Martin (concussion)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (rest)
As the 49ers ramp up for the final stretch of the regular season, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. With key contributors like Piñeiro and Juszczyk working their way back and the potential return of Gross-Matos on the horizon, San Francisco is hoping to hit the ground running-and healthy-as they push toward the playoffs.