Shortly before the 49ers boarded a plane to Green Bay on Thursday, they issued a promising injury report.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb/shoulder) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) weren’t even listed, while defensive end Nick Bosa (concussion) was listed as questionable. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters he’s optimistic Bosa will return for Saturday’s Wild Card matchup at frigid Lambeau Field.
“We got to put him on [the injury report] because of the steps of [NFL concussion] protocol,” Shanahan said. “But it’s looking good.”
Bosa was a limited participant for the second straight practice on Thursday. He racked up 15.5 sacks in the regular season and many felt he was snubbed from the All-Pro teams. Bosa sacked Dak Prescott early in last week’s wild win but exited with a concussion shortly before half time. Warner also left in the fourth quarter of the contest with an ankle injury.
The presence of the two defensive stars will be huge against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is the runaway favorite to win his fourth career NFL MVP award after tossing for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns and four interceptions in the regular season.
As for the 49ers quarterback, Shanahan said Garoppolo “threw the ball great” in practice despite suffering a shoulder injury in last week’s game and suffering a thumb injury the week before.
“Jimmy’s been playing through some things, but that’s why he’s full-go,” Shanahan said. “Because he’s good enough to play and we don’t treat it any differently.”
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Shanahan said he’s not concerned about Garoppolo’s injuries affecting his play on Saturday.
" I think the thumb bothers him more than the shoulder, which he's gotten used to the past few weeks,” Shanahan said. “But it's a challenge. Just like a lot of guys are. I know it's harder at the quarterback position, but a number of guys are in that boat."
Cornerback Ambry Thomas (knee) and defensive lineman Jordan Willis (knee) are also listed as questionable. Otherwise, the 49ers should be completely healthy.
“I think he’ll be all right,” Shanahan said of Thomas, “but that’ll come down to seeing how he is on gameday."
