Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Press Conference

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan

Press Conference – October 25, 2024

San Francisco 49ers

Opening comments:

“Alright, injuries for the game: [K] Jake Moody will be out, [WR] Jauan Jennings will be out, [DL] Kevin Givens will be out, [TE George] Kittle, questionable, [S George] Odum, questionable, [WR] Deebo [Samuel Sr.], questionable, [DB Deommodore Lenoir] DMo, questionable. And that’s it.”

What is DMo?

“He just had an illness today.”

Is Jennings’ injury a hip-pointer?

“No.”

Considering where Deebo was at the start of this week, is it a remarkable recovery that he’s looking pretty good the last two practices?

“Yeah. He’s gotten better each day and hopefully he continues going that way for Sunday.”

What do you know about S Talanoa Hufanga? Are you guys expecting him to return this season?

“I know he’s trying to come back this season. That’s what his plan is, that’s his hope. And I know he’s got a few more weeks, at least, on IR and we’re going to see how he feels after that and whether he can pull it off or not.”

It’s not a sure thing, if he’ll be back?

“It’s not a sure thing, but it’s something we’re hoping that happens and kind of expecting it to, but it’s not for sure.”

Will Kevin Givens have to go on IR?

“No.”

The Cowboys ruled out Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons. How does that adjust your scheme?

“I just saw that on the way over here, so I did a small celebration before I walked in, but that’s it. It makes things better, but still a lot of issues to deal with. But he’s a hell of a player.”

How would you assess CB Charvarius ‘Mooney’ Ward’s play through seven games?

“I thought he had his best game last week. I thought he started off a little bit slow, but I thought it’s gotten better and played his best ball last week and expect him to have his best game on Sunday.”

Do you wait up until game time to decide with Deebo? And if so, do you have to have, mentally, two game plans knowing how special and unique his skillset is?

“Yes, you do. But you’ve got to always have that, anyway, just in case someone wakes up sick on Sunday randomly, you’re not expecting, in case someone gets hurt in the first half. So that’s something you’re always planning for and when you know someone’s questionable, it’s a little easier to plan for it. So, it’s something we’re ready for either way.”

How’s his [Deebo] stamina been this week?

“It’s gotten better each day. We’ve gone slow with him, we didn’t push him that hard knowing what the issue is and stuff. But it has gone better each day and that’s why I’m hoping that continues for Sunday.”

You’ve gone against Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer a bunch of times throughout your career. What are some of the characteristics of his defenses?

“He’s always had a real sound defense, playing him in Minnesota with that group over the years, playing him when he was in Cincinnati. They’ve been able to stop the run very well in the past, especially out of two-shell defenses. Their blitz packages on third down are always, they know what they’re doing. They know how to get you in protections and stuff and they usually eliminate big plays. They’re hard to get explosives on. He’s always been one of the better ones.”