Shanahan doesn't expect Sherman, Ford back until after Week 11

The San Francisco 49ers have been without two of their defensive stalwarts for much of this season and the team expects their absences to continue.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive end Dee Ford like won't be back until after the club's bye in Week 11.

San Francisco placed Sherman on injured reserve with a calf injury after he appeared in a Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Ford has also been sidelined since Week 1 and on IR since Oct. 2 due to back and neck issues.

Both players are eligible to return after three weeks, but the 49ers will extend their absences.

"It's obviously going a little longer than we expected, gotta play it smart with him, but I don't see it being week-to-week right now, I see it being probably 'til around our bye week," Shanahan said of Sherman's injury.

The sideline boss was a little less certain about Ford's status.

"I would throw it similar into that category, after our bye week," Shanahan said. "He's got the work he's needed, he's got the shots he's needed, he's rested it, and now he's just starting to get back into some things. But still a ways away on that."