Kyle Shanahan says DL Charles Omenihu will play this weekend if healthy

Amidst all the drama of an NFC Championship berth looming, the 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan have to tie up a few loose ends in the lead-up. One of those is defensive lineman Charles Omenihu.

Shanahan announced that Omenihu would be practicing in a limited fashion Wednesday, less than 48 hours after being arrested in San Jose. Omenihu, 25, was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence after police were called to his Bay Area home. His girlfriend stated Omenihu and her had gotten into an argument when he pushed her to the ground.

Omenihu was arrested after giving a statement to the police, then taken to Santa Clara County jail where he posted bail.

Despite the limited time to gather information, the 49ers seem confident to let the legal process play out while he stays on the roster.

“We’re letting the legal process take care of itself. So if he’s healthy, he’ll play this week,” Kyle Shanahan said about Omenihu Wednesday. “We’ve looked into it…we feel very good about the legal process playing out…don’t feel he needs to be kicked off the team at this point.”

The Texas native is battling an oblique strain suffered over the weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Omenihu returned to the contest after a brief stint on the sidelines.

The NFL also released a statement Wednesday, noting that the matter will be reviewed with the league office.

The NFL released a statement on #49ers DL Charles Omenihu:

“The matter will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status."

— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) January 25, 2023

“The matter will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status,” the league’s statement said Wednesday.

As for other injuries, the 49ers will be without running backs Christian McCaffrey (calf) and Elijah Mitchell (groin), and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ankle) Wednesday at practice. All three players have been dealing with lower body injuries for much of the regular season and will be seen as day-to-day for Sunday’s clash. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, all three playmakers will be active against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Yeah, I expect them to [play] but there’s no guarantees,’ Shanahan stated. “Especially with it being the NFC Championship game, I think there’s a better chance they’ll be ready, since there’s nothing guaranteed after this. So hopefully, keep our fingers crossed.”

At least one player is expected to be inactive for the NFC Championship game though, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will not return to practice this week.

Garoppolo has been recovering from a foot fracture suffered in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Undergoing an X-Ray Tuesday, Shanahan does not expect to see the former starting QB out on the field this week. About eight weeks removed from the injury, his likely return still seems to be the Super Bowl on Feb. 12th, if the 49ers advance this weekend.

Click here to watch Kyle Shanahan’s full Wednesday presser

49ers Wednesday Practice Report

DNP:

QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot)

RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)

RB Elijah Mitchell (groin)

WR Deebo Samuel (ankle)

Limited: 

CB Ambry Thomas (ankle)

DL Charles Omenihu (oblique)

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