SAN JOSE — San Francisco 49ers expect defensive end Charles Omenihu to play Sunday in the NFC Championship while the legal process unfolds regarding the veteran’s arrest on a domestic violence charge.
Currently, Omenihu is seeing limited practice time due to an injured oblique. But he is expected to recover enough to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
When asked about his status, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he expected to play Omenihu.
“We’re letting the legal process take care of itself, so if he’s healthy, he’ll play this week,” he told reporters.
“We’ve looked into it the last 24 hours or 48 hours, not necessarily myself, but other people,” Shanahan added. “We feel very good letting the legal process take care of itself and don’t feel we should kick him off our team at this time.”
Omenihu is a key reserve on the defensive line with 7 solo tackles, 13 assists, 4 1/2 sacks and one forced fumble this season.
He was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge following an argument with his girlfriend.
San Jose police said officers responded to the 300 block of Santana Row to investigate a domestic violence incident at 4:39 p.m. Monday.
The officers were met at the residence door by an adult female who told them that her boyfriend, Omenihu, pushed her to the ground during an argument.
The officers did not observe any visible physical injuries to the woman who was complaining of pain to her arm. She declined any medical attention at the time officers were conducting the investigation.
The officers also contacted Omenihu at the scene. He gave a statement and was cooperative. Based on the victim’s statement and the complaint of pain, Omenihu was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
In addition, an emergency protective restraining order was sought and obtained for the woman.
Omenihu, who suffered an oblique strain in Sunday’s playoff win against the Cowboys and is listed day-to-day for Sunday, was booked into the Santa Clara County jail and has since posted bail and is no longer in custody.
The case will be submitted to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges.
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