Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Press Conference

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan

Press Conference – September 10, 2021

San Francisco 49ers

Opening comments:

“We got [DL] Kevin Givens will be questionable. [WR] Jalen Hurd is out. [DT] Javon Kinlaw is doubtful. [CB Emmanuel] Moseley is doubtful. That’s it.”

How’s QB Trey Lance?

“He’s doing good, he’s had a good week.”

With his physical issue, does that change how you may or may not have wanted to use him on Sunday?

“No, it doesn’t change how I am.”

How did CB Josh Norman make it through the week?

“I thought he had a real good week. For just getting his first start on Monday, which was just a bonus practice, but then having really these three days. He’s been in a lot of systems, played a lot of football and he’s fit in real well here.”

How about his conditioning? Is he good enough shape to play about 65 snaps on Sunday if need be?

“Yeah, I think he’s in good enough shape to. Obviously, you’d always like more. You always want guys to have a camp, but he said how hard he prepared and how of good shape he is before he came here and that’s exactly what we’ve seen this week. So, it’s not something you want to do, but if we need to do it he’s up for the challenge.”

Is there a chance of adding Javon Kinlaw on IR or are you hoping to get him back?

“Not yet. He’s still got a chance to play this week, so we’re still trying to decide that. So, not yet.”

Does playing on turf affect any plans with the guys like DL Dee Ford, DL Nick Bosa, or Javon Kinlaw?

“No, no, it doesn’t. I know guys always prefer grass rather than turf. I think anybody does when worrying about that type of stuff, but it’s all the guys who are good to go and that are healthy are healthy enough for both situations.”

What kind of reaction have players had about just packing for another long trip? Having been away so much last season, are they not as excited about it as maybe past years when you go on one of these?

“No one’s told me yet. I think our guys understand the challenges of going to the East Coast back-to-back. And I didn’t totally understand that until I came here. Everyone told me that you needed to go early and I told him I’d never done that. I don’t agree. And I kind of learned the hard way after watching everyone barely awake after the first game. So, I think our guys understand, it kind of just is what it is. And I think you make the best of it. Guys do enjoy being together. At least ow when you do get together, you don’t have to necessarily be in your rooms entire time. That was a tough part about Arizona. Just with the situation the whole world was in. But right now, we’re excited to go to Detroit and when that’s over we’ll get a week at the Greenbrier and then be ready for Philly.”

I’m sure you have an idea of what you want to do tomorrow. Do you on Saturday kind of wake up and see how the health of the team appears at that point before deciding on elevations from the practice squad?

“Yeah, totally. Yeah. When you have guys questionable and doubtful, you don’t make any final decision until they’re completely out, so you leave everything up, but you’re doing that each day. I talk with all the position groups, all the coordinators, all the players are ready for every possibility. And that’s why we try to do reps preparing that as best as you could throughout the week. But by the time Saturday afternoon comes, you’ve usually got a good idea.”

The Detroit Lions are obviously in rebuilding mode, you guys are a pretty large road favorite. Do you with this team have to talk about this is the NFL, don’t overlook anyone, and all that?

“No, I don’t believe so at all. I don’t feel that from our team. Our guys are ready to play and I think our guys understand how this league works. Favorites, all that stuff, what’s on paper has nothing to do with anything. This is a very tough game and if you don’t come and play your best or expect to have to play your best, not only will you lose, but you get embarrassed very quick. And I know there’s some real good players over there. I know there’s some really good coaches. And I know they’re going to come out firing and I do not expect us to surprise us.”