Kyle Shanahan car crash: What happened to the San Francisco 49ers head coach and what is his training camp status?

It’s been a difficult offseason for the 49ers - first, there was the very public war of words instigated by injury-hit receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who branded the franchise “stupid, dumb” - “little-ass boys” who need to “stop running from the bill.”

Kyle Shanahan inured in car crash

And while San Francisco are trying to find an amicable way of resolving the Aiyuk situation, head coach Kyle Shanahan was hospitalized just days before training camp was due to start after being involved in a traffic accident.

Shanahan suffered a broad range of injuries when his car collided with a sports utility vehicle while driving close to his home in Los Gatos, California on July 14. It’s reported that the crash left him with severe concussion, a broken nose, a fractured hand, three cracked ribs as well as cuts and abrasions that required over 40 stitches.

California Highway Patrol officer Nicholas Martinez told ESPN that drugs and alcohol had not been a factor in the accident and that the other driver involved was not injured.

It meant that Shanahan was unable to take part in the first day of training camp on July 18, when San Francisco’s rookies reported for duty.

The veteran players are expected at SAP Performance Facility today, Saturday July 25 as training camp gets into full swing at 10:15 a.m. PT.

Shanahan following concussion protocol

The franchise issued a statement in which they that Shanahan is still convalescing and will only participate in training on a limited basis. In the meantime, his assistant Chris Foerster will guide the players through their activities.

“San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers. Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.

“Assistant Head Coach Chris Foerster along with team coordinators will handle head coach responsibilities during this period.”

General Manager John Lynch gave an update this morning: “I think the best way to explain what Kyle’s been doing, just like our players, concussion treatment has changed. It’s much more proactive, so actually getting back to work is a positive thing. But he’s not ready yet to be taking to you guys, or talking to our team. So those are the duties that will be assumed. He may be out at practice, you’ll see him. He did break his nose and so the black eyes are getting better - he broke some ribs, that’s painful, but that’s not what’s keeping him away - it’s the concussion. We’ll continue to evaluate him, phase him back. That will be dictated by the doctors and nothing else”.

Lynch added that Shanahan should be back to full health by the time San Francisco kicks off the new season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.

“Just like we talk about with players, the timeline kind of takes care of itself so he’s got to meet certain markers but I think the expectation is that, long before that, he’ll be better. We’re going to do whatever it takes to have him right when he comes back. That’s the right thing to do,” he concluded.

The Niners start their preseason against the Tennessee Titans at Levis Stadium on Thursday August 13, followed by games against the Chargers and the Raiders.

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