Tevin Coleman’s Super Bowl appearance undecided due to dislocated shoulder
San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman suffered a dislocated shoulder two weeks ago at the start of the NFC Championship game. With Super Bowl Sunday coming this weekend it remains uncertain whether Coleman will take the field. To play on Sunday would mean a second Super Bowl appearance, the first being with the Atlanta Falcons three years ago.
Regarding his injury Coleman has expressed cautious optimism that he will be in playing shape come Sunday. In conversation with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Coleman reported that he’s dedicated “all my time” to getting his shoulder on the mend. According to Coleman, everything will come down to his recovering a full range of motion and appropriate pain management. He told Pelissero that if he plays this weekend he will “definitely” be himself, playing at pre-injury levels or not at all. Coach Kyle Shanahan has also expressed cautious optimism for Coleman, and reports that the team remains hopeful that he can join them against the Chiefs.
While Coleman’s presence in the game would surely help against the Chiefs, how does his absence weigh in the odds? At present bookmakers favour Kansas City over San Francisco, if only slightly. Bet-at-home, for example, at the time of this writing puts the Chiefs @ 1.8 and the 49ers @ 2.05. With Interwetten the odds are even @ 1.9 for both teams to win. Over the next few days we should watch if this budges in relation to Coleman’s final injury status.
All things considered, the 49ers came out of the post-season relatively unscathed. Their lack of injuries only draws more attention to Coleman’s recovery as excitement intensifies into Sunday’s meeting in Miami. Defensive end Dee Ford also ranks among the injured with tendonitis and hamstring trouble, but ensures onlookers he intends to play regardless of pain.
However, the 49ers will need all the strength they can muster to take on the Chiefs, whose powerful offense is led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. San Francisco’s performance this season is the result of a strong running-based offense and a stonewall defense. Raheem Mostert has proven himself as the team’s star running back, but Coleman serves no mere supporting role. Over fourteen regular season games Coleman delivered 544 yards on 137 carries, which included six touchdowns. In his first year with the team he has undoubtedly proven himself to be an asset.
Sources:
https://sports.yahoo.com/tevin-coleman-shoulder-feeling-better-033510085.html
https://clutchpoints.com/49ers-news-tevin-coleman-says-he-will-be-himself-in-the-super-bowl/
