News 49ers Team Notes

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: Welcome back, D-Rob

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk ‘not close’ to return, GM John Lynch says (paywall)
““I keep coming back to (there are) different levels with these ACLs,” Lynch said. “And Brandon had a fairly significant injury involving a lot of different things in his knee.”

“George is doing really well,” Lynch said. “He’s tracking well, putting in a lot of good work like George always does.”

49ers LB Dee Winters getting rave reviews for his Dre Greenlaw impression (paywall)
“Winters said the New York Jets were one of the teams eying him that spring. When they told him they preferred him to be heavier, he obliged.

“They said, ‘We want to see what you look like at 230.’ And I was like 218 at the time,” Winters recalled. “I had, like, two or three weeks to put on 12 pounds. So I was eating everything under the sun.”

As a result, he began his rookie season at 232 pounds and without the zip that had made him jump out at TCU….“I thought that’s what it would take to be a linebacker in the NFL,” he said — and felt slow all season. That wasn’t due solely to the extra pounds (nowadays he’s 223). He admits he sometimes didn’t know where he was going as a rookie.

“I would say I was uncertain of what to do on some plays,” he said. “There would be some formations, and I would be like, ‘All right, I don’t know what to do. Let’s not just run anywhere. Let me kind of find a place to sit, find the ball, then run to it.’”

The defense became more second nature in his second season……The 49ers drafted Winters in 2023 because of his resemblance to Greenlaw, who was coming off arguably his best season. Both were around the same height — at 5-11 1/2, Greenlaw is a half-inch taller than Winters. Winters is lighter and faster, though Greenlaw’s plodding 4.73-second 40 in 2019 was recorded while he was dealing with a hamstring strain. Both appear spring-loaded when attacking the line of scrimmage, and both have the wheels to cut off plays at the sideline.

Winters remembers being struck by their physical resemblance when he was drafted two years ago. In fact, it’s what gave him assurance that he could make it in the NFL.

“I saw him and I thought, ‘On TV, he looks a whole lot bigger,’” Winters said. “He’s a big dude, don’t get me wrong. But when he was standing next to me, it was like, ‘OK, we are about the same size.’ I felt like that gave me some confidence that I could do the same thing.”

As 49ers’ defense relies on rookies, why is third-rounder Nick Martin riding pine in plainclothes? (paywall)
“It’s definitely tough,” Martin said. “I’m just just learning from it and taking every opportunity to get to learn and meet with the coaches, and always just staying prepared like I’m the guy starting.”

The 49ers defense this season fielded eight new starters, including three rookies. Martin hoped to be one of them, lining up next to the highest-paid linebacker in the league. He instead has to settle for sitting next to Warner in position meetings as if it’s an assigned seat.

“Usually it does take a year or two to be comfortable with all the technique and fundamentals” in this system, said linebackers coach Johnny Holland in the middle of training camp.

“Nick’s going to be all right.”

Kyle Shanahan reveals Brock Purdy ‘should’ return vs. Jaguars barring setback
“I think it’s feeling better each day,” Shanahan said of Purdy. “And if that continues, he should be good on Sunday. But hopefully that continues. It’s always delicate with the toe.”

During the period of practice Thursday that is open to the media, Purdy took the first snaps ahead of Jones.“

Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Robert Saleh, Klay Kubiak preview 49ers-Jaguars Week 4 matchup
“Here’s everything they said.”

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/golden-nuggets/150751/golden-nuggets-welcome-back-d-rob

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Brock Purdy is off the injury report

The San Francisco 49ers are trending positively on the injury report. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was in uniform for the first time this week after missing Week 3’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. That’s good news for a team that is getting its starting quarterback back against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Purdy took place during the portion of practice when the media were allowed to attend.

Shanahan said “Yes” when asked if Purdy would start this Sunday: “He looked good. Got to do a lot more than last week. I’d say he got a lot better.”

The hope was for Purdy to be cleared after a couple of games. Shanahan believes the fact that the Niners considered Purdy an emergency quarterback for Week 3, and after talking to him early in the week, was a good sign. The expectation became clear that Purdy would start as the week went along, as long as he woke up feeling good on Friday.

The following players did not practice on Friday:

CB Renardo Green (neck)
WR Jordan Watkins (calf)
DT CJ West (thumb)
DL Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)

Watkins and West were ruled out. Green, after being limited all week during practice, is questionable. It’s worth noting that he’s been spotted on the side doing work, although he wasn’t in uniform. Darrell Luter has been the next cornerback to sub in when Green is not on the field.

Mac Jones, Jennings, Connor Colby, and Ricky Pearsall are all questionable. The 49ers, having a Thursday game and a critical one at that, will be on the minds of the 49ers as they determine who can and cannot play. But it’s also a game-by-game basis, and no wins are guaranteed. If a player gets cleared by the medical staff, they’ll play on Sunday.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-francisco-49ers-news/150780/brock-purdy-is-off-the-injury-report

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

3 matchups to watch between the 49ers and the Jaguars: It’s a battle of who can stop the big play

The San Francisco 49ers have a chance to start the season with a 4-0 record, but the Jacksonville Jaguars stand in their way. Brock Purdy seems to be trending toward a return for the 49ers offense, and it will be in the nick of time, given the Jaguars’ defensive line. Robert Saleh and the 49ers defense will attempt to replace Nick Bosa’s impact on defense against Liam Coen and the Jaguars’ offense.

Here are three matchups to keep an eye on Sunday.

Jaguars’ rushing attack vs 49ers’ run defense

Travis Etienne is in top form through three weeks, averaging nearly six yards per carry with 270 rushing yards. Bhayshul Tuten has been a potent option following Tank Bigsby’s departure via trade to Philadelphia, with 74 yards on 17 attempts and 60 yards after contact. Etienne has forced eight missed tackles and averages 3.63 yards after contact, with 167 of his 270 coming after contact.

The Jaguars run the ball inside 68.9% of the time, which is the fifth-highest rate in the NFL. Meanwhile, 31.1% of their rushes are to the outside (28th in the NFL), but they are first in the NFL in EPA per outside rush at 0.32. The 49ers’ run defense has fared well, allowing an EPA rate of -0.11 on inside runs and -0.12 on outside runs.

Stopping the run and forcing the Jaguars to turn to a drop-back passing offense is a huge benefit for the 49ers.

Jaguars’ defensive line vs 49ers’ offensive line

The Jaguars blitz 32.3% of the time, which is good for 14th in the NFL. Josh Hines-Allen and company are far more efficient rushing four and creating pressure with stunts and one-on-ones. Jacksonville has the fifth-highest EPA on non-blitzes at -0.32. Boasting the ninth-highest pressure rate at 36.2%, the 49ers’ offensive line will have its hands full protecting either Purdy or Mac Jones.

The 49ers offense has the sixth-highest EPA (0.16) on non-blitzes, but is 25th in the NFL when pressured with an EPA of -0.69. It’s fairly simple: keep the quarterback clean, and the 49ers offense will be fine.

Jaguars’ passing defense vs 49ers’ passing attack

While the 49ers’ rushing attack is yet to get on track, the success the 49ers have seen throwing the football has been impressive. Yes, the Jaguars have done well against the pass through three weeks, but the lineup of Carolina, Cincinnati (without Joe Burrow and still lost), and Houston’s passing offense isn’t exactly murderer’s row. The circumstances and schedule have inflated their numbers as their passing defense is second in EPA/DB at -0.18.

Kyle Shanahan’s offense is the best test for the Jaguars. The 49ers are tenth in the NFL with an EPA of 0.22 against single high looks and 11th with an EPA of 0.11 against two high safety looks. Thanks in large part to Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ deep pass EPA is tenth in the NFL at 0.68. While it will be great to get the running game on track, this may not be the week unless the run blocking turns it around.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/genera...ars-its-a-battle-of-who-can-stop-the-big-play

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: One more sleep until Eddy Piñeiro plays football again

49ers QB Brock Purdy cleared to play, will start in Week 4 game vs. Jaguars
“While Purdy has been cleared to return to action, backup quarterback Mac Jones is listed as questionable with a knee injury.”

Five 49ers to watch as team looks to remain undefeated in Week 4 vs. Jaguars
“Pearsall enters the week ranked No. 3 in the NFL with 281 yards receiving — behind only Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (402) and Puka Nakua (333) of the Rams.

The 49ers’ first-round pick of 2024, Pearsall likely will be matched on occasion against Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado. The Jaguars traded up to select Hunter at No. 2 overall. He is a two-way player who has yet to find his niche on either side of the ball.“

49ers vs. Jaguars: The Standard’s 5 fast predictions (paywall)
“That sets table for a matchup pairing the No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft — Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence — with the very last pick of the subsequent 2022 draft. That’s Purdy, of course.”

Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Jaguars Week 4 matchup
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Friday’s practice, providing final updates ahead of the team’s Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s everything he said.”

The 49ers are counting on Bryce Huff, and that has a nice ring to it (paywall)
““I told him at the beginning of the year, ‘I feel sorry for the tackles,’” left tackle Trent Williams said. “Once he gets that jump, and once he times that snap, his acceleration is so crazy off the edge, it’s like you can’t even play O-line. You basically just have to turn around and be a mall cop or security and get in his way.

“The speed is elite. It’s super elite.”

Back in familiar form, 49ers’ Trent Williams explains season-opening struggle in Seattle (paywall)
“So what happened? Williams referenced that injury and noted that the season opener was his first live game action since Nov. 17. That is, the blindside protector known for his machine-like dominance had collected dust from all that time on the shelf.

“I don’t make any excuses,” Williams said. “I hadn’t played a lot of football to that point. I wasn’t even walking until March. So, a lot of stuff played into it. But at the end of the day, that’s a good defense. Playing on the road. Coming back, first game, and you’ve still got to train your eyes. … I think it was just a few things I had to hone in on. And no matter how good you are, it’s never perfect. There’s always work to be done. At 37, there’s still work to be done.”

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/golden...sleep-until-eddy-pineiro-plays-football-again

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers elevate CB, don’t elevate WR ahead of Week 4 vs. Jaguars

The San Francisco 49ers announced they elevated cornerback Eli Apple from the practice squad ahead of their Week 4 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

Apple, 30, is making his first appearance of the season for the 49ers. He had joined the team back in July during training camp amid numbers issues in the cornerback room. He was subsequently released on August 7th, but returned to the team’s practice squad after cutdown day.

San Francisco is dealing with a neck injury to starting cornerback Renardo Green. The second-year defensive back was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday, but did not practice on Friday, and was considered questionable heading into the weekend.

Green had suffered an injury in San Francisco’s 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend, but returned and ended up playing over 86 percent of the defensive snaps in the game.

Apple’s elevation seems to be insurance for Green, as the 49ers have four other healthy corners on their 53-man roster: Deommodore Lenoir, Upton Stout, Darrell Luter Jr., and Chase Lucas.

In addition, the 49ers did not elevate a wide receiver, speaking to their comfort level with Demarcus Robinson and the potential of Jauan Jennings suiting up this week.

Both Jennings and Ricky Pearsall were considered questionable heading into the weekend, with head coach Kyle Shanahan revealing that the latter is more likely to go than the former on Friday. Pearsall was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday after not participating on Wednesday. Jennings, on the other hand, only practiced on Friday, which was logged as limited as well.

Currently, these are the 49ers receivers expected to suit up on Sunday: Pearsall, Jennings, Robinson, Skyy Moore, and Marques Valdez-Scantling.

San Francisco will face the Jaguars on Sunday, with kickoff slated for 1:05 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...evate-eli-apple-jauan-jennings-ricky-pearsall

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Fred Warner gets massive fine for unneccessary roughness from Week 3

It’s gameday for the San Francisco 49ers, but that came with some unfortunate news for one player: linebacker Fred Warner.

Warner, who has been on a tear to start the season, was fined $23,186 by the NFL on Saturday for unnecessary roughness, due to using his helmet on a hit.

There also were several fines issued for use of the helmet against defensive players in Week 3 — including #49ers LB Fred Warner getting docked $23,186 on this play. https://t.co/zaKS7I3mjE pic.twitter.com/M57ZZcVJXu

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2025

Warner made the hit early in the first quarter on Arizona’s first drive of the game, with the play being a 4th & 1 run from James Conner. Warner was not levied a penalty on the play.

The NFL has handed out several fines for use of the helmet this season, with Saquon Barkley receiving a massive $46,371 fine back in Week 1 for the same infraction.

This is the fourth time that Warner has been fined in his career, and the first for the impermissible use of the helmet. He was fined twice last year, once for an excessive facemask against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and again for a hip-drop tackle against the Miami Dolphins.

Warner has been playing at an elite level to start the year. He’s recorded back-to-back games with 10+ tackles, and has 30 tackles on the season to go with 12 run stops and a forced fumble. Now, he’ll have some extra motivation to play with on Sunday when the 49ers take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium.

Kickoff is slated for 1:05 p.m.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...arner-fined-unneccessary-roughness-week-2-nfl