49ers cornerback Richard Sherman suffered a calf strain against the Cardinals. What is his status and when will he return to play?
Richard Sherman was diagnosed with a calf strain that occurred on Monday against the Cardinals. While this injury isn’t potentially serious, Sherman will have to be cautious in returning too early.
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The cornerback was in 95% of defensive snaps that game achieving 4 tackles and a 68.8 grade for Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. Although he was graded as the fifth-highest defensive member on the 49ers, he plays a crucial part in defending the deep end.
So while he did suffer an injury that is not as serious as the team thought, he still needs to be careful about playing.
Also read: NFL Week 2 Injury Report: Richard Sherman, Michael Thomas Among Players Set to Miss Week 2
Can he return to play in Week 3?
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network states that this is a flareup from an injury Sherman has dealt with in the past. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2017 but the injury now is not as serious.
My understanding is this is just a flareup related to an old injury for Richard Sherman, who had the torn Achilles back in 2017. With new rules allowing return in 3 weeks, more players going on IR. Expectation is Sherman’s absence is short-term. https://t.co/RVm80FjhRQ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 16, 2020
While the injury is not that serious, he was placed on the injured reserve list. The NFL states that a player can come off the IR after 3 weeks, so we will probably not see him play against the Eagles in week 3.
We will probably see him in action against the Dolphins in week 5.
Also read: “It doesn’t matter now”: Joe Burrow’s thoughts on LAC loss | Will joe Burrow Start next Match?
Who else is injured?
Although Sherman didn’t suffer too grave of an injury, he’s not the only one on the IR. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a foot injury and started the year on IR. Rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk missed Week 1 due to a hamstring injury.
And star TE George Kittle suffered a knee injury in the opener as well, making him questionable for Week 2 against the Jets.
Even Akhello Witherspoon has been placed on concussion protocol per a league source.
Richard Sherman isn’t the only #49ers cornerback injured Sunday. Per a league source, Ahkello Witherspoon suffered a concussion and is in the concussion protocol. He will take over for Sherman when cleared.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 16, 2020
It isn’t looking too good of a start for the reigning NFC champs, but hopefully, the 49ers can make a comeback. The 2020 season is still only in its infancy after all.
