“This is effectively a preseason game, and it’s almost like a roster cutdown situation. The 49ers just need enough bodies to get through the game, and while they’re stressing the importance of treating this practice week seriously, there are certain players who simply shouldn’t play Sunday.
It seems a bit like Shanahan is trying to keep that vague to ensure that those high-value players keep the energy and intent high this week in practice. The reality is that they may be told they’re not playing just before the game, or late in the week.
He laughed when asked if Trent Williams (who was not seen in the locker room or practice field Wednesday) could use the week off, before putting a serious face back on.