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In a phone call with reporters, head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the San Francisco 49ers' preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys, including injury updates and the team's position battles at quarterback and wide receiver.
The San Francisco 49ers' 17-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys left head coach Kyle Shanahan with more questions than answers regarding the Niners' cadre of wide receivers and the team's backup quarterback competition. Shanahan also provided updates for a number of players who sustained injuries during yesterday's preseason game.
When asked whether the team's wide receivers -- including rookies Jalen Hurd and Deebo Samuel -- helped provide clarity to the 49ers' depth chart, Shanahan stated, "The rookies, they made some good plays last night, but they also weren't very consistent either." Shanahan continued, "There are lots of parts about their game they have to clean up. I thought it was very similar with the veterans too."
Shanahan described the 49ers' wide receiver play on Saturday as "decent," and added, "I want someone to make the decision easy for us."
The 49ers' head coach said both quarterbacks Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard "did a pretty good job," but he didn't address whether either player established himself as the leader of the team's backup quarterback competition. Shanahan criticized both quarterbacks for turning the ball over, but noted that Mullens' interception was "a little bit worse" because he failed to account for a backside linebacker who was out of position. Shanahan summarized Beathard's interception as an aggressive third-down attempt that could have been avoided if Hurd played the ball aggressively.
Shanahan also provided updates on the injuries sustained during the 49ers' first preseason game of 2019:
Linebacker Elijah Lee underwent surgery this morning after breaking his thumb in yesterday's matchup. Fortunately, Lee is expected to return to action in two weeks. Tackle Shon Coleman also underwent surgery this morning on his fibula and ankle and will be placed on injured reserve on Monday. 49ers general manager John Lynch is currently assembling a list of offensive tackles available via free agency, including former 49er Garry Gilliam. The team hopes to make a decision at the swing-tackle position tomorrow.
In other injury news, defensive tackle D.J. Jones is week-to-week due to a knee sprain, and linebacker Malcolm Smith should return to practice this week after pulling his hamstring. Running back Raheem Mostert is currently going through the concussion protocol after being forced from action early in yesterday's matchup. Safety Marcell Harris also left the game in the first half, but will be "fine" after sustaining a stinger. Offensive lineman Najee Toran's hand injury is also considered a non-issue.
Wide receiver Trent Taylor will be out four to six weeks due to a Jones fracture in his foot which Lynch revealed during Saturday's television broadcast. Lastly, safety Jimmie Ward will have X-rays this week to assess when he can return to practice.
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at Minute Media, FanSided, Niner Noise, Insidethe49, LockedonSports, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
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One might wonder if the team's wide receiver group, consisting of Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and now rookie Ricky Pearsall, made the list. However, that
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