49ers coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t have any injury updates to offer during his conference call with reporters on Monday, as the team hopes wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder), cornerback Ambry Thomas (knee) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (head) each got dinged up in Sunday’s 30-23 win over the Rams.
The 49ers have a quick turnaround before their Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants and the players have a day off, with just one practice scheduled for Tuesday.
“It’s too early to have all the answers for the injuries yet,” Shanahan said.
Aiyuk got off to a quick start Sunday with two catches for 25 yards but had to visit the medical examination tent with 9:31 remaining in the first quarter. Shanahan confirmed that Aiyuk got injured on his first catch, when he landed hard on the turf after fighting for yards, with his helmet popping off on impact.
The 25-year-old grimaced on the sideline and appeared to be in pain, but returned for a few drives throughout the rest of the game. After setting a career high with 129 yards and catching all eight of his targets last week, Aiyuk finished with three catches for 43 yards, picking up just one reception after his initial injury.
After the game, Shanahan said he didn’t believe Aiyuk’s injury was serious.
“I wouldn’t think so,” Shanahan said. “I mean, I know he was hurting a little bit, but he was able to play through it. So, I think he’ll be all right.”
Rookie Ronnie Bell got elevated higher into the receiver rotation, while Jauan Jennings had two catches for 51 yards.
On defense, Thomas got targeted by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford before exiting with a knee injury, a week after passing a concussion evaluation. When Thomas went out on Sunday, it opened up an opportunity for Isaiah Oliver, who made three notable plays to spark the 49ers defense.
Lenoir also had to visit the medical tent in the second half on Sunday but passed his concussion evaluation. He helped seal the victory with a fourth-quarter interception that led to a 49ers field goal and 10-point lead.
The Giants are dealing with a high-profile injury, as we await MRI results on running back Saquon Barkley, who injured his ankle during a play in Sunday’s 31-28 comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals.