Ambry

Thomas

Shanahan said Thomas will be out for “some time.” We’ll likely get more on the specifics of his absence in the coming days, but the third-year corner saw significant playing time in his first preseason game, with the 49ers sitting most of their starters. Thomas started five of the 13 games he appeared in for the 49ers last season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 70.5 while allowing 39 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns on 56 targets. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him open the regular season on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least the first four games of the season.

Thomas was listed as questionable after nursing a knee injury. He will now return for the 49ers’ Thursday Night matchup against the Giants.

According to 49ers reporter Cam Inman, Aiyuk’s status for Week 3 will depend on what he and the trainers conclude. Inman reports that head coach Kyle Shanahan said Aiyuk (shoulder) and CB Ambry Thomas (knee) will be limited in Tuesday’s practice. After a CT scan yesterday, Aiyuk has no clavicle break and may have an AC sprain. With a quick Thursday turnaround this week, it will be tough for Aiyuk to get back in time to play. However, a limited practice would provide an encouraging outlook for his Week 4 status.

Lenoir actually started across from Josh Norman in San Francisco’s last matchup against the Packers. Thomas’ absence is a huge one since he was previously slated to start. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner will play.

The 49ers are in a difficult spot with corners K’Waun Williams and Dontae Johnson placed on the list earlier this week. Thomas was forced into a starting role in Week 14 and has held onto the gig ever since. If none of the corners can get cleared in time for Week 18, expect Matt Stafford to tee off on the 49ers.

Thomas (5'11/191) opted out of the 2020 season, leaving 2019 as his only season in which he was a starter. Thomas performed rather well in that one season. He picked off three passes while knocking down three others. The first-year starter was named to the third-team All Big Ten squad by the conference’s coaches for his efforts. Thomas was also a special teams stud for Michigan, serving as their kick returner in both 2018 and 2019. He returned one kick for a score in 2019. Thomas is remarkably average across the board, except for his 4.38 40-yard dash time. Thomas tends to win by pressing at the line of scrimmage and winning reps before they get started. Thomas will need to clean up some of his footwork and technique to unlock his speed more consistently. He’ll join a Niners secondary graded by PFF as the league’s third best in 2020.

Thomas (6'0/182), who opted out of the 2020 season after the Big Ten originally announced the cancellation of its season back in August, is still on the radar of many teams heading into draft season. He’s been projected by multiple draft analysts as a potential second-round pick. Both Green Bay and New Orleans are set to pick later in that round, with the Saints holding the 60th overall pick and the Packers the 62nd. And with both teams needing to address the cornerback position, Thomas could very well be in play for both franchises come April.

Thomas (6'0/182) announced his intention to enter the 2021 NFL Draft back in August, shortly after the Big Ten announced its original decision to cancel the season. The senior defensive back has continued to prepare for the draft, and he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl as well. An all-Big Ten selection in 2019, Thomas finished that season with 38 total tackles (3.0 for loss), seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 13 starts. Thomas has been projected as a Day 2 selection in next spring’s draft, likely hearing his name called in the second round.

Thomas (6'0/183) won’t be sticking around Ann Arbor for any potential spring season. The talented cornerback, playing mostly press coverage in 2019, logged 38 tackles (3.0 for loss) to go with three passes defensed and three interceptions across 13 starts last fall. The Wolverines cornerback could potentially land as a Day 2 selection in the draft upcoming. And on the Michigan side, well, the Wolverines have a long, open autumn to figure out Thomas’ replacement.

Thomas (6'0/183) was thrown right into the fire in his first year as a starter. Despite the tough press-heavy role, Thomas executed quite well, giving up just eight receptions on press coverage targets of over 10 yards. He also picked off a pair of passes on such targets. Thomas considered declaring for the NFL draft this year, but decided to go back in January. The Wolverines coaching staff will surely be glad to have him back for a second season as a starter.