Latest 49ers News, Rumors on Trent Taylor, Shon Coleman Injuries

The San Francisco 49ers will be starting the season with two key depth players on the sidelines.

Wide receiver Trent Taylor is recovering from a Jones fracture and is expected to be out four to six weeks, as head coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday morning, per Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee. Offensive tackle Shon Coleman is expected to miss the entire season, meanwhile, with a lower right leg injury, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Taylor underwent surgery Friday after experiencing pain following Thursday's practice:

"We decided to do it now, so it will be more of a four- to six-week injury than an eight- to 10-week (injury)," Shanahan said Sunday morning.

Taylor suggested he would only be out for "a couple of games," though it was unclear if he was including the regular season in that update:

With Taylor sidelined, Richie James and Jalen Hurd will have a chance to prove whether they deserve an increased role. Deebo Samuel should see more snaps out of the slot.

As for Coleman, his loss means the Niners now need a new swing tackle behind starters Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey. The backup tackle was taken off the field on a medical cart in Saturday's preseason game.

Willie Beavers appears to be next in line, while rookie sixth-round pick Justin Skule could also win the job this preseason.

For the Niners, injuries have been the theme of the preseason:

Last year, the team went 4-12 after a number of key players suffered injuries, including franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and starting running back Jerick McKinnon.