It’s sounding like Dee Ford won’t see the field again this season. Earlier today, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t sound particularly optimistic when discussing the veteran defensive end’s chances of being activated from IR.
“That’s something I never can predict,” Shanahan said (via Matt Barrows of The Athletic). “But I’ll be surprised if he’s back. I think we’ll just have to continue playing without him.”
A back issue limited Ford to only one game in 2020, and it was that same ailment that sidelined him in late October. The 30-year-old was designated to return from injured reserve back in late November, meaning he’d have to be activated to the active roster by December 16 or he’d lose his eligibility to play in 2021. While Ford seemed to be progressing well when he first returned to practice, it sounds like the veteran won’t be returning this season after all.
In six games this year, Ford collected three sacks, boosting his career total to 40. The eighth-year defender has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including neck trouble and concussion-like symptoms just this season.
The 49ers traded for Ford during the 2019 offseason and saw him play a key role in their Super Bowl LIV run as a part-timer. Unfortunately, he’s been limited to just 18 regular season games in SF over the last two seasons and change.
So talented yet so brittle
Dee Chevrolet will fill in.
Well at least he won’t be lined up offsides.
Aayyyyo
Fortunately DEE FORD can afford to drive DEE LINCOLN
Damn son