An MRI on Friday morning revealed that 49ers guard George Odum is safe with a torn bicep, officials told NBC Sports Bay Area.
Odum will undergo surgery, and the 49ers will place him on injured reserve.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday night that Odum could be available later in the season. O’odham will only get a chance to play again this season if the 49ers advance in the postseason.
“He couldn’t believe we were losing George,” Shanahan said. “He’s one of the best special teams players here in the league. He’s a very good safety for us as well.
“We were thin there because of our depth. Losing him is a big deal. Once you get in, see what options you have here.”
After Talanoa Hufanga suffered a season-ending knee injury, Odum moved up to become the team’s top backup at the safety position.
Tashaun Gipson and Ziair Brown will be the 49ers’ starting safeties. The 49ers’ backup position isn’t very clear right now.
The 49ers could move veteran cornerback Isaiah Oliver to safety. Freshman Taylor Hawkins is the only safety currently on the 49ers’ practice squad.
Odum, 30, was injured Thursday night while playing 13 snaps on special teams in the 49ers’ 31-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Odum signed with the 49ers in 2022 after spending four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, starting 10 of the 65 games he played in.
Since joining the 49ers, he has appeared in all 31 games, including the postseason. He was named second-team All-Pro for his play on special teams.
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