Coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the media on Friday before his team's Week 17 matchup vs. Arizona.
Seemed like a pretty cool experience? (The 49ers hosted participants from the Football Camp for the Stars, which is for athletes with down syndrome who love football)
“Yeah. Yeah, great visitors today. And a nice experience for us and the youngsters.”
Do you know former MLB manager and infielder Tony La Russa?
“Tony, yeah. Tony La Russa, yeah I know Tony.”
How long have you guys known each other?
“About three years.”
Are there things that you guys can learn from him? Just, I know it’s a different sport, but just managing people or whatever. What might you be able to draw from him?
“From his experience, his knowledge, it’s been pretty much a one-way street. I’ve been the one doing the learning. And he’s been great. We probably talk if not every week, every other week. And follows our team closely and he’s somebody that I routinely ask advice.”
Why promote DT
“We felt that’s where we needed the depth this weekend, this game.”
What have you seen from him? What do you like about him?
“He’s been a big body. Been strong. Has a good understanding of our system. And he gets an opportunity. So, excited to watch him compete on Sunday.”
He seems to have that classic 3-4 end size, 6’5”, 300 pounds about. Is that where he’s mostly been playing on the ends and not so much at nose tackle?
“Yeah, he’s an end. Yeah.”
So you expect him to suit up and be in the rotation on Sunday?
“I do. Expect him to be involved Sunday.”
Does that mean that FB/DT
“Yeah, we’ll know more. But, yeah he’s working through something right now.”
Can you make up for the loss of DT
“Well, it’s the next guy’s got to step up. And we have great confidence in all our players. That’s why they’re here. And their opportunity to play and compete, and their opportunity to step up. So, we’re excited to give them that opportunity.”
Is there any risk for him if he does play in the playoffs of more severely hurting that arm, if he plays? Tearing that ligament?
“Justin?”
Yeah.
“Yes. I think there’s a higher risk. It’s something that he’ll have to have repaired, surgically repaired at the end of the season either way.”
With that in mind, how much would that BYE week if you guys can get it, assist him and assist you guys as a whole?
“We’re just kind of straight on this one, winning this game. And we’ll let the chips fall where they will after that.”
I think the game is going on simultaneously. Will you instruct the guys not to be scoreboard watching?
“I wouldn’t expect anybody would. We’ve got business to take care of. And I feel like our players understand what the challenge is this weekend. It’s an NFL game. It’s a football fight. Expect anything from the Cardinals. And pretty much going to take us playing our best football, like it does in any game. The only way you win these games is if you’re playing at your best.”
Will you recommend or demand that they not show the Vikings/Packers score at the stadium during the game?
“I hadn’t thought of it. Had not thought of that. I think we’ll be so focused on playing the game. I don’t know that anybody, and I’m just speaking from playing experience too, ever watching scores from other games when you’re immersed in your own game.”
Where do things stand with TE
“Tomorrow he’ll go through the final progression.”
Is he on course to play this weekend?
“He’s on course, yes.”
Is there anything that makes you think that it might be better to keep him out this week?
“Again, that’s something the doctors have full control over.”
What do you guys do with RB
“We’ll address that after the weekend.”
