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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Monday that defensive tip Dee Ford is not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the 2021 season because of back problems.
Via Eric Branch’s San Francisco ChronicleFord’s rehabilitation process for a back injury has been somewhat difficult. The injury limited him to just one game this season.
“I can’t say with great (certainty) that, yes, it will be ready for 2021,” said Lynch. “We are working hard – and he is working hard – to try to get there.
“When you’re dealing with a part of your body – your back – sometimes these things take longer. I think Dee tries to stay encouraged. But I think it was a fight for him. And we try to remain encouraged as well. “
Since arriving at the 49ers in a Kansas City Chiefs exchange before the 2019 season, Ford has managed to appear in just 12 games for the team. Of the 12 games in which he participated, he played more than 50 percent of the team’s defensive snap only twice. Both games were the opening of the season.
Ford had knee problems and a tendon injury that limited his time on the pitch last year. He also had previous back problems, which included a herniated disc and surgery for a lumbar discectomy.