Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who is on pace to be cleared through the NFL’s concussion protocol, is likely to start Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.
Witherspoon is expected to start in place of Jimmie Ward, who re-aggravated a hamstring condition late in the 49ers’ Monday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ward is listed as doubtful to play against the Rams.
Witherspoon did not play any snaps of defense in Green Bay, as the 49ers opted for Greg Mabin after Ward was injured in the fourth quarter.
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The 49ers have an issue on the cornerback spots, too. Veteran Richard Sherman is listed as questionable after not practicing Friday because of a calf condition, the team announced. Nickel back K'Waun Williams is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Witherspoon was diagnosed with a concussion after colliding with Mabin on the Packers’ game-winning field goal on the final play of regulation. Witherspoon was limited with no contact in practices Thursday and Friday, so he has to pass the contact requirement before Sunday’s game, Shanahan said.
Wide receivers Pierre Garçon and Trent Taylor are listed as questionable after taking part in limited drills Friday.
The 49ers will not have wide receiver Dante Pettis' services for the third consecutive game. Pettis sustained a left knee sprain on Sept. 23 while returning a first-quarter punt against the Los Angeles Chargers.
San Francisco 49ers
For the Rams, wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been ruled out with a knee injury. Kupp is the Rams’ second-leading receiver with 30 catches for 438 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns.
49ers injury report
Out
WR Dante Pettis (knee)
Doubtful
CB Jimmie Ward (hamstring)
Questionable
WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, knee)
CB Richard Sherman (calf)
WR Trent Taylor (back)
CB K'Waun Williams (shoulder)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion)
49ers practice report
FRIDAY
Did not practice
WR Dante Pettis (knee)
CB Richard Sherman (calf)
CB Jimmie Ward (hamstring)
Limited practice
WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, knee)
WR Trent Taylor (back)
CB K'Waun Williams (shoulder)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion)
Full participation
RB Matt Breida (shoulder, ankle)
LB Reuben Foster (shoulder)
G Joshua Garnett (toe)
WR Marquise Goodwin (hamstring, quadricep)
TE George Kittle (knee)
G Mike Person (knee)
C Weston Richburg (knee)
OT Joe Staley (knee)
S Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder)
Rams injury report
Out
WR Cooper Kupp (knee)
Rams practice report
FRIDAY
Did not practice
WR Cooper Kupp (knee)
Limited practice
DE Michael Brockers (shoulder)
Full participation
DE Michael Brockers (shoulder)
LB Matt Longacre (back)
WR Josh Reynolds (hand)
G Rodger Saffold (knee)
C John Sullivan (not injury related)
OT Andrew Whitworth (not injury related)
K Greg Zuerlein (right groin)