SANTA CLARA — It appears the 49ers will be without both starting defensive tackles Sunday when they visit the Arizona Cardinals.
Official designations will come later from coach Kyle Shanahan, but general manager John Lynch made it sound Friday morning as if both Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead will be spectators.
Armstead was not present during the media window during the 49ers’ final practice, while Hargrave was working apart from his position group with the athletic training staff.
Hargrave has a hamstring strain, while Armstead has foot and knee issues. The 49ers (10-3) have already clinched a playoff spot and have an extra day of preparation following the Cardinals game as they host Baltimore in a Monday night game on Christmas.
In a 28-16 win over Seattle, Hargrave played a season-low 28 snaps and reported hamstring tightness. In his eighth season, Hargrave missed just three games with Pittsburgh (2016-19) and Philadelphia (2020-22) and he has played in 13 games with six sacks for the 49ers after signing a four-year contract worth a maximum of $84 million.
“I think it would be a reach for him to play this week but we’ll see,” Lynch said on his weekly appearance on KNBR. “He’s going to continue rehabbing. Javon has been a guy who’s been a healthy player throughout his career. He’s got the right type of mindset where he very much wants to play but we’ve got to be smart with that one. You don’t want those things to linger.”
As for Armstead, who has been much healthier this season after battling through lower body issues in 2022, he’ll likely miss his second straight game.
“Arik’s working extremely hard,” Lynch said. “We need Arik out there, and we need to keep him out there. We’re working through that. As for this week, it’s somewhat in play but I doubt Arik makes it.”
Assuming Hargrave and Armstead don’t play, the 49ers will look to Javon Kinlaw, Kevin Givens and Kalia Davis and can also rotate outside players for work on the inside.
“You look at what Kinlaw and Kevin have been doing the last couple of weeks,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said Thursday. “I’m very confident in their performance and how they’re going to play. We’re not going to put the onus on them. It’s going to be critical that they do a great job inside and penetrating and trying to play on thier side of the line of scrimmage, but across the board we’ve all got to step up.”
Lynch sounded more optimistic about cornerback Charvarius “Mooney” Ward but it’s possible he too will sit with Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir playing as the starting outside corners. Ward, like Hargrave, wasn’t with the defensive backs and was working off to the side as was tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle).
“I think Mooney is very much in play,” Lynch said. “He came out of the game early last week but we had him out there and Charvarius was comfortable going back in if we need him. Having said that, there was an injury. I think today’s going to be a big day to see where we can get him and we’ve still got time.”
Also not spotted on the field was running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee) The good news is starting guards Aaron Banks (hip) and Spencer Burford (knee) were participating, as was linebacker Dre Greenlaw (ankle, hip).
Check back for updates on this story.
