UPDATE: Ian Rapoport is reporting the injury is a calf strain and should only cost Sherman a few weeks.
Just a calf strain for CB Richard Sherman, and a few weeks of rest and rehab… https://t.co/zUTDh3WACy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2020
UPDATE: Tom Pelissero is reporting this is a flare-up of an old injury but should not miss much time.
My understanding is this is just a flareup related to an old injury for Richard Sherman, who had the torn Achilles back in 2017. With new rules allowing return in 3 weeks, more players going on IR. Expectation is Sherman’s absence is short-term. https://t.co/RVm80FjhRQ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 16, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers defense is taking a big hit for the next few weeks. The team is placing cornerback Richard Sherman on injured reserve with a leg issue, according to reporter Mike Garafolo.
The league changed IR rules this year so you can place any number of players on the list for three weeks and then remove them. Garafolo is reporting Sherman will be sidelined “at least three weeks.”
The 49ers were starting Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley at cornerback, with K’Waun Williams serving as the team’s nickel back. Jason Verrett and Ahkello Witherspoon are the team’s two reserve cornerbacks, although free safety Jimmie Ward can also move to cornerback in an emergency.
The 49ers ranked 18th against the pass in Week 1, according to Football Outsiders. DeAndre Hopkins had a monster debut in Arizona, catching 14 passes for 151 yards. Larry Fitzgerald was the next closest receiver with four receptions for 34 yards. Sherman did not focus on one side of the field, instead moving around throughout the afternoon.