Fans collectively held their breath when DeForest Buckner left Friday night's win with an ankle injury. The San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman got hurt just six plays into the game.
Let's start with the good news. Buckner's ankle isn't believed to be serious. He's dealing with the same low ankle sprain that kept him out for a few days of practice earlier in camp. Unfortunately, Buckner isn't expected to play against the Denver Broncos next Saturday.
Kyle Shanahan called the defensive lineman "doubtful" during his conference call Saturday evening. That also means that Buckner will miss the two joint practices against the Broncos. Disapponiting as that may be, San Francisco will be content to put Buckner on ice to make sure he's ready for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
Ronald Blair III is likely to be in a similar situation with a groin strain. He's also doubtful against the Broncos.
Outside of the injury updates, Shanahan shared praise for C.J. Beathard, Aaron Lynch and Lorenzo Jerome. The biggest takeaway was Shanahan hinting that we might see C.J. Beathard get playing time in the first half against the Broncos. His play during the joint practices will likely be a determining factor.
The 49ers have Sunday off before returning to practice on Monday. Denver will join the 49ers at the SAP Performance Facility on Wednesday and Thursday.
