The San Francio 49ers' game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4 on Sunday will be a bit emotional for Kyle Shanahan. After all, he'll be meeting two of his former players in Kerry Hyder and DJ Reed on the other side.
In an appearance on the 49ers GamePlan, Shanahan commended the two and how they are playing for the Seahawks this 2021. However, he admitted that it's quite difficult for him to see Hyder and Reed wearing the uniform of their NFC West rivals in Seattle.
“They are playing real good,” Shanahan said, via NBC Sports. “Those are two guys that … it's hard for me to see them in a Seahawk uniform because those are two guys I love and respect a lot. Kerry and DJ, they are good players, but it's the way they play that is special. Those guys fight every single down, whether it's practice, whether it's games, whether it's preseason.”
DJ Reed has been with the Seahawks since 2020 after two years with the 49ers. He was a solid contributor for San Francisco during his time with the team, proving depth at the cornerback position for Kyle Shanahan and Co.
Meanwhile, Kerry Hyder joined Seattle this past offseason in a huge blow for the 49ers. He was the team's sack leader with 8.5 in 2020 as Nick Bosa went down, all while recording 10 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits and 49 combined tackles.
Despite the regrets of losing two special players, though, Shanahan can't focus too much in the past. The veteran coach knows that very well, which is why he assured that they won't be holding back and will be going to play to win no matter what.
“They only know one way and that's why they are making a name for themselves out there,” Shanahan furthered. “And DJ's done a hell of a job getting in there and owning that role and playing at a high level. He's going to be a challenge for us. Wish he was still here, but he's not, so we're going to have to get after him.”
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