49ers DTs Armstead, Hargrave still absent from practice Thursday

The 49ers were hoping an extra day of rest would help Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave see the practice field, but unfortunately, that is not the case.

The 49ers two starting defensive tackles remain off the field to open the practice week Thursday. Both men have been dealing with nagging lower-body injuries for a few weeks now, leaving the Red & Gold a bit worse for wear on the defensive line.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan made the announcement prior to practice Thursday, indicating earlier in the week that their return was unclear at the time.

Armstead has been off the gridiron for two weeks now, playing through the pain against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. He is dealing with foot and ankle injuries sustained throughout the season, as the 49ers continue a cautious approach with their current longest-tenured member.

Meanwhile, Hargrave has been dealing with a hamstring injury for more than a week. He suffered the injury against the Seattle Seahawks Week 14. He was ruled out of the game in the third quarter. Since then, the DT has been seen doing individual drills off to the side of practice prior to Week 15.

Both men have a chance to return for Week 16, but face an uphill climb to do so.

#49ers pre practice report

Not practicing
DT Arik Armstead (foot/knee)
DT Javon Hargrave (hamstring)
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
LB Oren Burks (knee)
WR Jauan Jennings (concussion protocol)

Limited
DL Clelin Ferrell (ankle)

— Jennifer Lee Chan – threads @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) December 21, 2023

Additionally, wide receiver Jauan Jennings will miss practice Thursday. He is in the concussion protocol, stemming from Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Joining him off the field is running back Elijah Mitchell (knee), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee).

More Reinforcements on the Way

To counter the 49ers’ defensive line woes, the team has signed veteran DT Taylor Stallworth to the practice squad Thursday.

Taylor Stallworth, 28, has been in the NFL since 2018. He has featured for five teams, most recently coming off injury reserve with the Tennessee Titans. In six seasons, the Alabama native has recorded 52 combined tackles, 14 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks. He was also a part of the 2022 Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, playing six games in KC.

While it remains to be seen how much time on the field he will see with the Red & Gold, his addition signals more help was needed for the NFC leaders.

“I know our guys really liked him from what they’ve seen on him earlier and definitely loved him in the workout,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. “We’re low on numbers so we had to make him part of the practice squad and we’ll see how he looks this week.”

Upcoming 49ers Schedule

• Monday, Dec. 25th vs. Baltimore Ravens – 5:15 p.m. PST
• Sunday, Dec. 31st @ Washington Commanders – 10:00 a.m. PST
• Sunday, Jan. 7th vs. Los Angeles Rams – TBD
• NFL Playoffs (TBD)

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