49ers inactives vs. Chiefs: Talanoa Hufanga clears protocol, will play

The 49ers were potentially going to be without Talanoa Hufanga for Week 7 against the Chiefs, but he apparently cleared the concussion protocol in time for the game.

After weeks of trending in the wrong direction with regard to injuries, the San Francisco 49ers should feel a bit better on the injury front ahead of their highly anticipated Week 7 bout against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs.

The Niners were already expecting to get four starters back for this contest: EDGE Nick Bosa (groin), safety Jimmie Ward (hand) and both of their starting tackles, Trent Williams (ankle) and Mike McGlinchey (calf).

However, San Francisco was at risk of missing its starting strong safety, Talanoa Hufanga, who suffered a concussion during last week’s road loss against the Atlanta Falcons.

And while Hufanga was able to return to action in that game after clearing the on-field concussion protocols, on the following Monday, he was forced to go back into the league protocol in relation to head injuries.

Officially listed as questionable heading into Week 7, it appears as if Hufanga was able to clear the concussion protocol in time and will play.

Hufanga has 36 tackles, five of which are for a loss, five passes broken up, a sack and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown in his first full year as a starter, and it’s safe to say the 49ers are happily welcoming him back to the starting lineup.

49ers inactives for Week 7 vs. Chiefs

The Niners won’t be dressing the following players against Kansas City:

• DT Arik Armstead
• RB Jordan Mason
• CB Dontae Johnson
• DE Kemoko Turay
• OL Nick Zakelj
• TE Tyler Kroft

Armstead is still dealing with a foot injury and will now have missed three games in a row. Considering the swarm of injuries San Francisco has dealt with recently, and the fact only so many players can be reverted off injured reserve and back onto the active roster, it makes some sense why the 49ers are holding out hope that Armstead can fully recover without requiring an IR designation.

Read More: 49ers vs. Chiefs: Week 7 betting odds and lines, how to watch

Noticeably absent from the list is cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin), who also exited last Sunday’s game and was listed as questionable for Sunday.

He’ll be able to go up against his former team, which is a massive boost in facing off against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the No. 1-ranked Kansas City offense.

San Francisco and Kansas City kick off on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4:25 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.