49ers Left Guard Aaron Banks Suffers Biceps Injury: Coach Kyle Shanahan Expresses Optimism
SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers are cautiously optimistic about the condition of left guard Aaron Banks, who left Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with a biceps injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update, stating that while the severity of the injury is still unknown, it appears to be a higher bicep injury, which may be less severe than a lower one.
Biceps injuries can be serious and often require surgery, long-term recovery, and physical therapy. However, Shanahan expressed hope that Banks’ season may not be over.
“We don’t know yet,” said Shanahan. “Fortunately, it was a higher one. The low ones are the ones you miss the year for. But we don’t know if it was strained or pulled yet, but it was higher.”
A more definitive update on Banks’ condition is expected on Monday when Shanahan addresses Bay Area reporters at approximately 2 p.m.
In Banks’ absence, veteran offensive lineman Jon Feliciano stepped in and played the final 32 offensive snaps, contributing to the team’s 42-10 victory over the Cowboys. Feliciano, a nine-year NFL veteran with 54 career starts, provided stability to the offensive line.
Banks, a third-year pro, earned a starting role at the beginning of the 2022 season after mostly sitting on the sidelines as a rookie. The 49ers selected Banks in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 48th overall pick.
Despite his injury setback, Banks has shown promise and growth since his rookie season. He started every game last year, only missing the regular-season finale due to a knee injury. Banks returned and played in every snap during the team’s three postseason games.
Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area last week, Banks expressed satisfaction with his progress as a starter.
“I think I’m definitely a step above where I was last year coming into the season and early on,” said Banks. “I think I’m playing better than that. I tried to make sure I carried over the foundation of all the reps from last year. For me, it was making sure I came back in the right shape and body composition to pick up where I left off.”
As the 49ers await further news on Banks’ injury, Feliciano’s experience and versatility will be crucial to maintaining a strong offensive line. The team hopes for Banks’ quick recovery and return to the field as they continue their campaign for a successful season.
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