The 49ers might have finally gotten some good news involving an MRI machine.
Raheem Mostert's latest tests revealed an MCL sprain, leaving the team optimistic its lead back won't be out for an extended period, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan previously noted Mostert isn't expected to play Week 3 against the Giants.
A return soon thereafter would be a boon as several offensive starters nurse injuries (e.g. Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle). Running back Tevin Coleman also has a knee sprain that Shanahan has expressed greater concern over. But it's Mostert who looms largest among San Francisco's backfield committee.
Despite missing the entire second half of Sunday's Week 2 win against the Jets, the former undrafted free agent leads the 49ers in rushing and receiving and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Mostert is also perhaps the fastest player in football, as his recent pair of 76-plus-yard touchdowns demonstrate.
The 49ers will just as gladly take a speedy recovery.
San Francisco is also hoping defensive end Dee Ford returns from his back injury shortly. However, the 49ers edge rusher is expected to miss their Week 3 game against the Giants, and there is no clear timetable for his return, sources told Pelissero and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The 49ers are expected to sign defensive end Alex Barrett in a move to add depth to the front-seven, per Pelissero. San Francisco is also looking to bolster its backfield depth with Mostert and Coleman's injuries and is hosting running backs Paul Perkins, Karan Higdon and Austin Walter.
Here's other news, injuries and transactions we're tracking on Tuesday:
- The Washington Football Team placed guard Brandon Scherff (knee) on injured reserve and elevated wide receiver Cam Sims from its practice squad. Scherff suffered a sprained MCL this past Sunday against the Cardinals and is expected to miss 3-5 weeks, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
- Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram is undergoing tests on his right shoulder after he crashed into a TV cart during Monday night's win, Pelissero reported. An X-ray was negative, but as Abram suffering a season-ending injury last year on the same shoulder, the Raiders are taking no chances.
- The Detroit Lions are releasing running back Jonathan Williams from their practice squad, per Rapoport. The fifth-year veteran had recently been called up to the active roster to provide depth but has yet to appear in a game this season.
- The Indianapolis Colts place receiver Parris Campbell (MCL, PCL) and safety Malik Hooker (Achilles) on IR. Campbell is out indefinitely, while Hooker is out for the season. Indy also elevated safety Ibraheim Campbell and cornerback Tremon Smith to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and signed tight ends Hale Hentges and Ethan Wolf to the practice squad.
- The Denver Broncos placed receiver Courtland Sutton (ACL) and defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones (PCL, bone bruise) on IR. Sutton is out for the season, while Jones is out several weeks.
- The New York Giants placed running back Saquon Barkley on injured reserve. Barkley will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus. New York also elevated cornerback Ryan Lewis from the practice squad.
- The Atlanta Falcons are releasing quarterback Kyle Lauletta from their practice squad, Pelissero reported.
- The Miami Dolphins' estimated practice report projected cornerback Byron Jones as a non-participant and wide receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) as limited.
- The Philadelphia Eagles placed offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (knee) on injured reserve. The starting left guard went down in Philly's Week 2 loss to the Rams.
- Two days before the Jaguars take on the Dolphins, Jacksonville kicker Josh Lambo (knee) was added to the injury report as a limited participant. Wide receiver D.J. Chark and tight end Tyler Davis were also limited. Center Brandon Linder did not practice.
- The New York Jets signed receiver Josh Malone to the active roster, placed cornerback Arthur Maulet on IR and released linebacker Paul Worrilow from the practice squad.
- Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams' hamstring strain is considered minor, Pelissero reported, but his status for their Week 3 game against the Saints is still to be determined.
- The Seattle Seahawks are placing receiver Phillip Dorsett on injured reserve, Pelissero reported. Dorsett needs time for his foot injury to heal. Cornerback Linden Stephens is also being promoted from the practice squad, Pelissero added.
- The Minnesota Vikings have signed linebacker Hardy Nickerson to the 53-man roster, signed defensive back Nathan Meadors to the practice squad and protected practice squad kicker Chase McLaughlin.
- Free agent defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson's suspension has been lifted by Commissioner Roger Goodell, per the transaction wire, Pelissero reported. Wilkerson was suspended two games following an offseason DWI arrest.
