San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was recently involved in a car accident, according to a statement released by the team on July 25.
The coach suffered “non-life threatening injuries” in the crash, but will be limited as the Niners begin training camp.
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“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,” the team said in a statement.
“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.”
Shanahan is set to enter his 10th season as the team’s head coach. The 49ers hired him ahead of the 2017 season after the coach spent nine years as an offensive coordinator with the Atlanta, Cleveland, Houston and Washington.
San Francisco will open its preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 13, leaving just under a month until the regular season opener in Melbourne, Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. That begs the question – when will Shanahan be back on the sidelines?
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Here’s what we know about Shanahan’s car accident, when it happened and any injuries he suffered.
What happened to Kyle Shanahan?
Shanahan was involved in a car accident and suffered multiple injuries.
Dispatch received a call about a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue near Stanford University on July 14 at 6:13 pm, and Palo Alto Police Officers and Palo Alto Fire Department responded to the scene, Palo Alto Police Department Lt. Nicolas Martinez told USA TODAY Sports.
Two drivers were involved in the collision, and one was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash.
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Martinez added that there was no impairment suspected and both drivers remained on scene and were cooperative with the police. No one was cited for the collision.
Kyle Shanahan car accident date
Shanahan’s car accident happened on July 14.
Kyle Shanahan car accident injuries
49ers general manager
49ers’ general manager John Lynch spoke about Shanahan’s recovery and the crash during a press conference on July 25, saying that the coach suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, some “bumps and bruises” and a concussion.
“Kyle is doing good. He’s got some bumps and bruises. He did suffer a concussion in the accident, has some lingering effects from that concussion,” Lynch said. “We’re going to let the condition, the doctors, dictate how he comes back, when he comes back. He’s been in the building, so we’ve seen him.
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“It’s kind of like we do with our players, a phased back approach. Number one for Kyle and the Shanahan family is getting him back right. He’s a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that. This is about his well-being and we’re going to take the time necessary and I think we’re very equipped to do that.”
At this moment, the concussion remains the major obstacle for Shanahan to clear before returning.
“He did break his nose, and some black eyes are getting better,” Lynch said. “He broke some ribs, that’s painful, but that’s not what’s keeping him away. It’s the concussion. And like I said, we’ll continue to evaluate him, phase him back. And as he can tolerate things, we’ll expand those. And that will clearly be dictated by the doctors and nothing else.”
Where was Kyle Shanahan’s car accident?
The accident occurred at the intersection of Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto, California near Stanford University.
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When will Kyle Shanahan return?
Shanahan’s timeline for a return is dependent on his recovery from the concussion, which could put his Week 1 status in doubt.
Lynch expressed some optimism about Shanahan’s recovery, telling reporters that they aren’t expecting him to miss the season opener.
“That’s not what we’re anticipating,” Lynch said. “That’s not what I’ve heard from the doctors, but you know, 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. But again, everyone responds to these things differently. And you know, we’re going to do whatever it takes to have him right when he comes back and and that’s the right thing to do.”
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Who is replacing Kyle Shanahan?
Chris Foerster, the 49ers’ assistant head coach, will handle the head coaching position while Shanahan is out. The 49ers’ announced that the team coordinators are also set to take on some responsibilities during the head coach’s absence.
Foerster has been with the Niners since 2019, holding a variety of titles during that time. He has been primarily an offensive line coach since entering the NFL ranks in 1993 with the Minnesota Vikings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan injured in car accident. What we know
