Injury Update on San Francisco 49ers OL Banks

The San Francisco 49ers shared some good news today on one of their key offensive linemen. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed guard Aaron Banks suffered knee and ankle injuries in the team's Week 17 37-34 win over the Las Vegas Raiders but is expected to return in time for the playoffs.

The 49ers received good news about Dre Greenlaw and Aaron Banks. Shanahan said the team is still waiting on more info about Greenlaw, but he could play this week. As for Banks, he's out for Week 18 with a knee and ankle injury, but he could play in the first round of the playoffs
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) January 2, 2023

Banks played a mere 17 snaps in Sunday's game before his exit. Typically, he plays 100% of the offensive snaps. He has already been declared out for Week 18's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

At 12-4, the 49ers have already wrapped up the NFC West and only have the slimmest of chances of securing the conference's top seed, so they can prioritize the health of their starters in Week 18. Banks being unavailable for Sunday is a best-case scenario, considering how severe his injuries initially appeared.

Banks joined the 49ers as their 48th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has started 16 games for the team this season, earning a 62.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts.