49ers LB Azeez Al-Shaair ‘Expects’ to Return Week 10 Against the Chargers
Nov 7, 2022, 2:32 PM
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Azeez Al-Shaair #51 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after making a tackle against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
A week of rest and reinforcements are on the way for San Francisco.
49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair expects to play Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The linebacker’s practice window had been activated Monday by the team, opening up a 21-day window to return to the game field. He was seen out at practice Monday during the media portion.
It appears however, he’ll only need a few days of practice before returning Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium.
Azeez Al-Shaair back at 49ers practice 💨 and Elijah Mitchell right behind him pic.twitter.com/can38tIBcm
— KNBR (@KNBR) November 7, 2022
“I expect to play Sunday,” Azeez Al-Shaair said to the media Monday.
Al-Shaair, 25, suffered an MCL sprain early in Week 3’s contest against the Denver Broncos. The injury landed him on the IR for more than as month and a half of the season. Thankfully, it seems he is ahead of schedule, and ready to go for Week 10.
The sub-linebacker was acquired by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent back in 2019. Since then, he has only risen up the ranks in the Bay Area, forming a trio of hyper-athletic linebackers alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Before getting hurt, Al-Shaair racked up 11 combined tackles in three games. He broke out in 2021, registering 102 combined tackles, pass breakups, and one interception.
A free agent after this season, Al-Shaair needs to have a big second half of the season to secure a nice payday in the spring.
Joining the linebacker from the IR is running back Elijah Mitchell (MCL) and offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (knee). Both players also practiced for the first time Monday, opening their respective 21-day windows as well. Also returning to practice was wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, fullback Kyle Juscyzk and cornerback Jason Verrett.
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