Source: 49ers guard Iupati has sprained knee ligament

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Mike Iupati sustained a sprained ligament in his left knee Sunday at New Orleans and it isn’t considered to be season-ending, a person with direct knowledge of the injury said Wednesday.

An MRI this week revealed the sprained medial collateral ligament, and Iupati isn’t expected to need surgery, the person said, requesting anonymity because the 49ers didn’t reveal specifics on what happened to Iupati.

He walked to the sideline with assistance in the third quarter of a 23-20 loss at the Superdome and then was carted off to the locker room. The injury happened when running back Frank Gore got tackled into the back of Iupati’s left leg.

The 26-year-old Iupati, a staple in San Francisco’s veteran, much-improved O-line, has started every game since the 49ers selected him 17th in the 2010 NFL draft out of Idaho. That run would end if he isn’t able to play Monday night at Washington.

“I don’t know the timetable or how much time he might miss,” the person said. “I’m not sure Mike knows. They’re still evaluating him.”

Iupati wasn’t in the locker room during the portion open to reporters Wednesday, when the reigning NFC champion Niners (6-4) canceled a scheduled walk-through because of a downpour and moved their preparations for the Redskins indoors.

Coach Jim Harbaugh will next address the media Thursday. Adam Snyder, who didn’t speak to reporters, would be the likely substitute to replace Iupati.

“Mike’s a great player, a Pro Bowl player,” running back Frank Gore said Wednesday. “He helps out our running game a lot, but Snyder is a vet player. He’s been playing since he was a rookie. He’ll be fine. But we will miss Mike. I think Snyder can come in and play.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens pitcher Charli Pugmire high fives first baseman Emery Fletcher after getting out of an inning against Glacier Peak on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens tops Glacier Peak in key softball encounter

The Vikings strung together a three-run rally in the fifth inning to prevail 3-0.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 23

Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 23: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) is taken off the field after being injured in the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. The former first-round pick is an example of the Seahawks failing to find difference makers in recent NFL drafts. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
A reason Seahawks have 1 playoff win since 2016? Drafting

The NFL draft begins Thursday, and Seattle needs to draft better to get back to its winning ways.

Shorewood and Cascade players all jump for a set piece during a boys soccer match on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Shoreline Stadium in Shoreline, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Shorewood shuts out Cascade 4-0 in boys soccer

Nikola Genadiev’s deliveries help tally another league win for the Stormrays.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 15-21

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 15-21. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Monday, April 22

Prep roundup for Monday, April 22: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Brynlee Dubiel reacts to her time after crossing the finish line in the girls 300-meter hurdles during the Eason Invitational at Snohomish High School on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. Dubiel placed fourth with a time of 46.85 seconds. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Big turnout for 34th annual Eason Invitational

Everett’s Ndayiraglje, Kings’s Beard and Glacier Peak’s sprinters were among the local standouts.

X
Silvertips swept out of playoffs by Portland

Everett’s season comes to an end with a 5-0 loss in Game 4; big changes are ahead in the offseason.

Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol’s status remains in question after the team missed the playoffs. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)
Kraken GM leaves open possibility of changes

Ron Francis was mum about coach Dave Hakstol’s status after Seattle missed the playoffs.

Everett freshman Anna Luscher hits a two-run single in the first inning of the Seagulls’ 13-7 victory over the Cascade Bruins on Friday at Lincoln Field. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Everett breaks out the bats to beat crosstown rival Cascade

The Seagulls pound out 17 hits in a 13-7 softball victory over the Bruins.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, April 20

Prep roundup for Saturday, April 20: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Friday, April 19

Prep roundup for Friday, April 19: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.