SANTA CLARA – Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed cautious optimism about the condition of 49ers left guard Aaron Banks on Sunday night.
Banks did not play again after halftime due to a biceps injury. Such injuries can require surgery, long-term recovery and physical therapy, but Shanahan said he’s confident Banks’ season isn’t over yet.
“We don’t know yet,” Shanahan said. “Luckily it was a higher one. The lowly are the ones you miss the year for. But we don’t know if it was already loaded or pulled, but it was higher.”
Shanahan is expected to provide an update on Banks’ condition around 2 p.m. Monday, when he is scheduled to speak to Bay Area reporters.
Veteran offensive lineman Jon Feliciano played the final 32 offensive snaps as the 49ers scored three touchdowns in both halves and cruised to a 42-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Feliciano, 31, is a nine-year NFL veteran with 54 career starts.
Banks is a third-year pro who spent most of his time as a rookie before breaking into the starting lineup to open 2022. The 49ers selected him in the second round (No. 48 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Banks started every game last season except the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals due to a knee injury. He returned to play every snap of the 49ers’ three postseason games.
Last week, Banks told NBC Sports Bay Area he was pleased with how he was able to build on his first season as a starter.
“I think I’m definitely a step further into the season than I was last year,” Banks said. “I think I’m playing better. I tried to make sure that I carried over the basis of all the repetitions from last year.
“For me it was about making sure I came back in the right shape and body composition to pick up where I left off.”
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