The newest harm scenario involving 49ers defensive finish Dee Ford has sparked chatter and hypothesis that it may trigger Ford to retire. On Friday, the R-word got here up throughout coach Kyle Shanahan’s videoconference with reporters.

“It’s not being mentioned,” Shanahan stated, “and I don’t need to say something robust that folks blow up, however it’s much like what I stated a few weeks in the past. If you’re coping with the again and issues like that, every part’s a priority. Additionally, that stuff does loosen up simply randomly, too. That’s why we’re enjoying it sluggish. I simply noticed him right here a little bit bit within the hallway on my approach right here. I feel he’s doing higher than he was a few weeks in the past, that’s for positive. However, it’s one thing we’ve simply acquired to be good with and you may’t threat issues once you’re coping with that a part of the physique. So I wouldn’t get to saying all that stuff, however that’s why we’re being cautious with it.”

There’s one other necessary motive for Ford to not retire: He’d owe the 49ers $4.eight million if he did. The higher strategy can be for him to get via the present season, anticipate the 49ers to launch him, and stroll away with the rest of his $eight million signing bonus on a five-year deal that was structured to pay out all assured cash within the first two years.

He’d exit with practically $35 million over two years, after which Ford would have the ability to resolve whether or not to proceed his profession or whether or not, on account of his well being scenario, to name it quits.

For now, the 49ers plan to put Ford on injured reserve on Saturday. He has missed two video games, and the IR placement ensures he’ll miss a minimum of three extra.

Kyle Shanahan: Potential Dee Ford retirement is “not being mentioned” initially appeared on Professional Soccer Discuss