SANTA CLARA — Linebacker Fred Warner took a diplomatic approach to Santa Clara County’s ongoing fan ban at Levi’s Stadium, perhaps in part because of his preseason stint on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list.
“Everybody wants fans. I’m going to let the county and state handle all that,” Warner said before Wednesday’s practice. “We miss the fans very much. I do, I always feed off them.”
County health officials said Tuesday that fans would not be allowed in “anytime soon” despite a state declaration allowing limited attendance at outdoor venues.
“I know they’ll do the right thing and come back safe when it’s all right to do so,” said Warner, who has not specified whether he tested positive for the coronavirus or not. Players are also placed on the NFL COVID-19 reserve list if they are in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said that having fans is a “huge deal” for teams. The 49ers started 0-3 at home before winning Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
“The feeling they brought our team last year really changed this building,” Shanahan said. “It’s been tough not having them this year and just disappointing.
“I understand the issues and stuff. I just hope that we can eventually figure out something.”
Shanahan noted that “most teams” won’t have to deal with an empty home stadium as restrictions have loosened around the league. He expressed dismay that his family can dine in at a restaurant in Santa Clara County, albeit under restrictions, but not attend games at Levi’s Stadium’s open-air venue.
With four home dates remaining, Shanahan hoped that at least the team’s family members are allowed into Levi’s Stadium, “because it’s a long season and people do want to be a part of that bad. I know how bad we want them to be a part of it. So, hopefully they’ll keep talking and figure out a way that they feel safe like the other places and I know it’ll help us if we do.”
VIDEO: Shanahan on Trent Williams, 49ers fans returning to Levi’s. CLICK HERE if you’re viewing on a mobile device.
TRENT WILLIAMS’ STATUS
Left tackle Trent Williams’ ankle injury is not as severe as those suffered by several teammates earlier this year, but it will keep him questionable this week as the 49ers prepare for Sunday’s game at New England.
Shanahan said of Monday’s MRI on Williams: “Nothing is broken and it wasn’t a high-ankle (sprain). That was good news. But he’s still in too much pain to practice and will be questionable throughout the week.”
Justin Skule, an eight-game starter last year as a rookie, will practice in Williams’ place.
Also out of Wednesday’s practice were running back Raheem Mostert (ankle), safety Jaquiski Tartt (groin) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle). Limited were running back Jeff Wilson (calf) and cornerback Dontae Johnson (groin).
SHERMAN, FORD UPDATE
Cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) and defensive end Dee Ford (back) are expected out at least three more games with a potential post-bye return Nov. 29 at the Los Angeles Rams.
Sherman is in an orthopedic boot after receiving treatment last week, said Shanahan, adding: “It’s taking longer than expected. We’ve got to play it smart with him.”
With Ford’s return also delayed, the 49ers agreed to a trade Wednesday for New York Jets edge rusher Jordan Willis, a deal that won’t go through until next week.
The other 49ers on injured reserve who can return this season are cornerback K’Waun Williams (knee), running back Tevin Coleman (knee), center Ben Garland (calf) and tight end Jordan Reed (knee).
GRASU’S WAITING GAME
When Hroniss Grasu signed with the 49ers two months ago, he was essentially the fifth center in a depleted depth chart. But he started Week 1, and he will reprise that role this Sunday. Grasu rebuffed offers from other teams this offseason with hopes of playing in Shanahan’s system, having gotten a taste of the scheme while with the Chicago Bears in 2017 under offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
“It was weird. I had a gut feeling to wait it out and stay patient,” Grasu said. “I wanted to come here a long time because of Kyle’s offense. We did it in Chicago and I really enjoyed it. I was waiting and waiting and started praying. Things came up and I was able to sign here.”
TRANSACTIONS
— The 49ers created $1.34 million in salary cap space by adding voidable years to guard Laken Tomlinson’s contract, ESPN reported Wednesday. His extension signed in 2018 was set to expire after next season, and even though the 49ers have him signed through 2024, his salaries escalate annually from $3.5 million this year to $4.5 million, $9.5 million, $12.3 million and $15 million, per NFL Players Association figures.
The 49ers have just $31,949 in salary cap space, according to the NFLPA’s latest report.
— Linebacker Joe Walker was promoted from the practice squad to bolster special-teams coverage and add depth to a unit missing Kwon Alexander (ankle; injured reserve) at least two more games.
— Tight end Daniel Helm, cut last week, and linebacker Jonas Griffith, released after training camp, signed back to the practice squad. Griffith recently had a one-week stint on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.
