49ers expect Kyle Shanahan to be cleared from concussion long before season opener

The 49ers held their opening news conference Saturday, and General Manager John Lynch was conspicuously alone on the podium. The team announced earlier in the day that coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car wreck that left him with serious injuries, including a concussion.

"Here's the great news: It looks like everyone’s doing all right," Lynch said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. "The other driver seems to be doing all right. I don't want to speak to that, because that's just second-hand knowledge. 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.

"We don't have a protocol for staff members when it comes to concussions, but we do with players, and it's become very helpful. So, Kyle basically is going to be in the protocol, and [Dr. Anthony "Nino" Saglimbeni] and all the great doctors we have are giving him great care, and we're going to let the condition, the doctors dictate how he comes back, when he comes back."

Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, and he required 40 stitches to his face following the July 14 accident. He also was diagnosed with a severe concussion following the collision with an SUV near his California home.

Shanahan, who has visited the team facility since the wreck, is expected to have a limited role to start camp that could include attending some practices. Offensive line coach and assistant head coach Chris Foerster handling the head coaching responsibilities until Shanahan returns.

"He's a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that," Lynch said. "This is about his well-being, and we're going to take the time necessary. I think we're very equipped to do that."

Shanahan should be cleared in plenty of time for the season opener against the Rams in Australia.

"I think the expectation is that, long before that, he'll be better," Lynch said. "But again, everybody responds to these things differently, and we're going to do whatever it takes to have him right when he comes back, and it's the right thing to do."