49ers news: Kyle Shanahan won't go to NFL Combine, Laken Tomlinson released and more

Let's take a look at some of the recent 49ers news out there, including Kyle Shanahan skipping the NFL Combine and a former player who'll soon be available.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week, which means there'll be plenty of overblown analysis about how some obscure star improved his NFL Draft stock by running one of the fastest 40-yard dashes in recent memory. Or how some Round 1-projected prospect underwhelmed and could now end up going in Round 2.

We've seen it before. One might argue the combine is, perhaps, the most over-analyzed event in the buildup to the draft later this April.

Perhaps that helps explain Niner Noise's first bit of news for Tuesday, Feb. 27.

49ers news: Kyle Shanahan, coaches won't attend NFL Combine

On Monday, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that head coach Kyle Shanahan and the remainder of San Francisco's coaching staff will not be in attendance at the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana this week.

Instead, Shanahan is in the middle of interviews for San Francisco's vacancy at defensive coordinator, recently opened in the wake of the team's firing of former coordinator Steve Wilks following the 25-22 overtime defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58.

Instead, the 49ers will be represented by general manager John Lynch and his team of scouts.

Shanahan hasn't attended the previous two combines, and Lynch pointed out that the head coach can watch the performances remotely anyway.

49ers news: Jets to release veteran OL Laken Tomlinson

Arguably the Niners' biggest offseason need is the offensive line, and it wouldn't be shocking to see John Lynch use at least a couple of draft picks to reinforce this beleaguered group.

Or they could go through free agency.

Another name is going to be added to the mix: soon-to-be former New York Jets left guard Laken Tomlinson.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are releasing the 32-year-old Tomlinson in a cap-saving move:

Tomlinson spent five years with San Francisco, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 before signing a free-agent deal with New York the following season.

So, should the 49ers entertain a reunion?

For starters, the Niners are already limited in salary cap space, so even if Tomlinson would be willing to accept a cheaper deal, inking him would have its challenges. Additionally, Tomlinson has been a left guard over his entire NFL career, and San Francisco already has Aaron Banks entrenched there.

Lastly, this year's draft is laden with quality talent for the O-line, meaning the 49ers may prefer to get both younger and cheaper instead of going with an aging veteran.

49ers news: Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Drake Jackson injury updates

The Niners have a number of noteworthy players attempting to make their way back from serious injuries including edge Drake Jackson, Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward and All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Jackson, who had three sacks in the 2023 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers but didn't tally another for the rest of the year, was eventually shelved on injured reserve and subsequently underwent knee surgery.

"I’ll be out there sometime this spring. I can’t wait," Jackson told Matt Maiocco. "I’m going to be ready for training camp, for sure."

Ward, meanwhile, underwent core muscle surgery -- an injury he apparently played with during the Super Bowl -- according to himself and shared by NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan:

He, too, is expected to be ready in time for training camp.

Hufanga, meanwhile, tore his ACL last November but is expected to make a full recovery. The only question remaining, however, is whether or not he'll be fully recovered in time for training camp.

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