49ers injury news: Reinforcements may be on their way vs. Chiefs

The 49ers already have a lengthy injury report in the wake of their Week 6 loss to the Falcons, but some names may be returning ahead of the Week 7 Chiefs game.

If there’s one glaring theme stemming from the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, it’s the fact head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad was awfully shorthanded.

Missing six defensive starters to enter the game, the Niners subsequently lost two more: cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (concussion).

Hufanga, who had to exit the game on Atlanta’s first drive, eventually came back after clearing concussion protocols. However, on Monday after the game, Hufanga showed signs of a head injury and was subsequently placed back into the protocol.

On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan briefed reporters on some of the injury news and notes in the wake of Sunday’s loss.

And while there are some notable concerns, there’s also room for optimism.

49ers injury news: Charvarius Ward, Mike McGlinchey considered day-to-day

It wasn’t just the offense that suffered injury setbacks. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey exited with a calf injury. And while he was able to return after a brief absence, San Francisco ultimately deemed it necessary to pull him from the game, which eventually led to the versatile Daniel Brunskill taking over that spot.

Normally, that would be great news for an offensive line now down both McGlinchey and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

However, Shanahan pointed out that McGlinchey is on a day-to-day designation, meaning he could potentially return in time for Week 7’s highly anticipated showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ward, meanwhile, would be eager to face off against his old team this upcoming weekend, too:

Ward is also day-to-day.

49ers to get Trent Williams, Nick Bosa back soon?

Shanahan was optimistic that McGlinchey and Ward might be healthy enough to return to action against Kansas City.

And the head coach was also hopeful Williams, who has been out with a high-ankle sprain since the end of Week 3, would be able to make his return to the field, too, telling reporters:

"It was good news to at least know that we have a chance with Mike this week and we have a much better chance this week than we did last week with Trent."

While the 49ers clearly have a downgraded offensive line without Williams in the fray, one can at least acknowledge third-string tackle Jaylon Moore has improved considerably since being tossed into the fray immediately after Williams’ injury.

However, it’ll be good to have Williams back.

The same goes with Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa, who exited in the third quarter of Week 5’s tilt against the Carolina Panthers with a groin injury and didn’t return, subsequently missing Week 6 despite reportedly being awfully close.

When asked if Bosa and Williams were imminently returning, Shanahan also had hope.

“I’m really hoping for it and I think there’s a decent chance,” Shanahan responded.

A number of other Niners players may not be back in time, though, including defensive tackles Arik Armstead (foot) and Javon Kinlaw (knee), while safety Jimmie Ward (hand) might have to wait one more week after suffering his own injury against Carolina in Week 5.

Either way, it appears as if San Francisco won’t be quite as depleted as it was in Atlanta last Sunday.