Kyle Shanahan recaps first day of 49ers practice in Colorado
Nov 17, 2022, 3:34 PM | Updated: 4:17 pm
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers is seen on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
ICYMI: The San Francisco 49ers are spending their Week 11 preparation in the Rocky Mountains, stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado for practice.
The move was done to help players acclimate to playing at a higher elevation, which they’ll do Monday night in Mexico City against the Arizona Cardinals. The only difference is the temperature, a chilly 22 degrees with snow flurries is much different than 74 degrees in Mexico’s capital.
Nevertheless, a week of higher altitude allows the Red & Gold to get the advantage over their opponents, looking to stay out in the cold as long as the weather holds up.
#49ers Kyle Shanahan says they’re not worried about the cold but if field is covered by snow tonight they’ll move practice indoor tomorrow pic.twitter.com/MzqyTUGfrp
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) November 17, 2022
“I mean the cold is kind of a pain, I don’t like being cold,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. “But it hasn’t changed anything with practice, it’s been no different so far. It’s been all about the altitude…I do think it’s supposed to snow tonight so that could possibly change some stuff up tomorrow.”
Kyle Shanahan and the team are hesitant to move indoors only because a turf field, rather than the real grass, awaits them in the warmth. Snow showers are expected to blanket the region over the next 24 hours.
The 49ers have bigger concerns than the playing field right now, having to navigate the quarterback controversy in Arizona this week. QB Kyler Murray could miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Veteran backup Colt McCoy filled in against the LA Rams in Week 10 serviceably, leading the Cardinals to a 27-17 win on the road.
Whether it’s McCoy or Murray, that doesn’t matter to Shanahan. Being prepared for anything, and everything is the key to these international games.
“They’ll still run a similar offense with both. They definitely have a different skillset. We faced both of them last year. Both are a problem and we have to be ready for both,” Shanahan stated.
Another dilemma for the 49ers has been internal, with left tackle Trent Williams supposedly tipping plays based on his stance at the line of scrimmage. Social media and 49ers fans alike have been digging through the archives this week trying to key in on the veteran tackle’s stances.
While there might be some truth to it, the team isn’t nearly as worried about it as their fans.
All Pro left tackle, Trent Williams, might be “tipping plays”, but here are several reasons why it doesn’t matter at all. #49ers pic.twitter.com/EZuoYWXgdm
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) November 16, 2022
“It’d definitely be a bigger deal [if it were true],” Shanahan acknowledged. “I don’t study your viral videos or whoever’s. I’m pretty good with Trent.”
Safe to say the team isn’t worried about “tipping plays.”
The 49ers had a relatively clean bill of health on the practice field Thursday, only defensive linemen Arik Armstead (foot, ankle) and Samson Ebukam (quad) were not out there. The latter was spotted doing individual work off to the side Thursday, indicating that he is making progress to return.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward, defensive end Nick Bosa and Trent Williams were all giving veteran rest days to start the week, and are expected back Friday.
