News 49ers Team Notes

[San Francisco 49ers]

Report: Robert Saleh was offered a ‘hefty deal’ last offseason to be the Raiders DC

Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr went through the top potential head coaching candidates for 2026. As expected, Robert Saleh was included. What might surprise some is how strong a case Saleh has, and how he might already have a potential landing spot:

Saleh, 46, may have had the best candidacy boost of any coach this season simply by virtue of how his former quarterback and team performed without him. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell dug up the stat that has come to define Saleh’s candidacy for a second head coaching job: In the Jets’ final 17 games with Saleh as head coach, the team was No. 1 in defensive EPA per play allowed and points per drive allowed. In the team’s first 17 games without Saleh, they were the worst team in the NFL by those same metrics.

Saleh’s injury-battered 49ers defense is eighth in points allowed despite not having its best two players (Nick Bosa and Fred Warner) for most of the season. The 49ers have allowed just 17 points over the past two weeks. Saleh interviewed for openings in Jacksonville and Dallas last season, and was also offered a hefty deal to be the Raiders’ defensive coordinator and heir to Pete Carroll.

Carroll is 74. The Raiders don’t have a quarterback. They don’t have any direction. Saleh also has a perceived weak coaching pool to compete against. Sure, teams are generally lean toward having offensive minds in-house, but that would ignore what Mike Vrabel has done with a franchise quarterback in Year 1. It’s reductive to assume the only way to improve as a team is with an offensive head coach.

If the Raiders were high on Saleh last offseason, they should be thrilled with what he’s done under the 2025 circumstances. If the 49ers can continue to limit the damage defensively, the Raiders won’t be the only team interested in Saleh’s services in 2026.

The Titans have a vacancy, as do the Giants. And it would not be surprising to see teams like the Falcons or Browns also move on from their head coaches. Saleh would be an excellent fit for the Bengals if they decided to make a change. That would be a difficult gig to turn down. There will be no shortage of options or interviews this offseason for Saleh, who should once again be one of the top candidates during this head coaching cycle.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...-robert-saleh-pete-carroll-raiders-head-coach

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Christian McCaffrey pops up on the injury report with an illness

The San Francisco 49ers’ injury report had a couple of changes on Thursday. First and foremost, Christian McCaffrey was listed as limited because of an illness. The media gets to see roughly 10 to 20 minutes of practice. It’s mostly stretching and the individual drills portion. According to the reporters on hand, McCaffrey was on the field for the early part of the session, but did not do much after ten minutes.

According to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, McCaffrey “didn’t look terrific in the locker room after practice.” It’s Thursday, and it will take a lot more than being sick to prevent McCaffrey from playing. But you want to make sure one of your most important players is 100 percent. If McCaffrey isn’t, there’s little reason for him to practice. He’s the workhorse for the offense.

The other change was defensive tackle Kevin Givens returning, after missing Wednesday’s practice due to a personal matter. Givens has not played since Week 10.

Trent Williams returned after his usual vet day off on Wednesday.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke practiced for the second day in a row, as did kicker Eddy Pineiro. Here’s what Kyle Shanahan said about getting Rourke back:

“Really, it’s just nice to get him back. He’s been working to be healthy, to get out there on the practice field. We’ll see how he does in these three weeks. [QB] Adrian [Martinez] not being here will allow him to get up more reps on scout team. He will still be doing those with [QB] Mac [Jones] too because Mac’s got to get his reps in. But, it’s really just evaluate him for these three weeks and see where it goes.”

Linebacker Tatum Bethune and edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu missed practice once again, as did Nick Martin (concussion). The former two are recovering from high-ankle sprains and are unlikely to suit up this week. Both will be valuable going forward against three run-heavy teams, so it’s critical for them to get healthy without rushing them back.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...-pops-up-on-the-injury-report-with-an-illness

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Why the bye week could re-energize the 49ers defense

With four games remaining for the San Francisco 49ers, the bye week was a bit late in the season, but it could be just in time for the stretch run. Given all the adversity and injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers’ defense has allowed just 17 points combined over the last two games against Carolina and Cleveland. The formula has been bend, but don’t break, and make enough plays to end drives with either third-down stops or turnovers.

It’s hard to nitpick a defense that has allowed under ten points in back-to-back contests, but the 49ers have a missed tackles issue. Against Carolina, the 49ers missed eight tackles, but that number ballooned to 15 against Cleveland. The Browns routinely shot themselves in the foot, giving the 49ers’ offense opportunities, but with that many missed tackles, it will be hard for the 49ers to keep offenses from scoring.

Curtis Robinson is filling in at middle linebacker, but has five missed tackles in his two starts. Upton Stout racked up three against Cleveland, with the 49ers’ safety duo of Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown had two each. The issue needs to be cleaned up as the games get bigger and the lights get brighter.

49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh offered a theory for the 49ers’ poor tackling in Week 13 during his press conference yesterday.

When you spend the Bye Week self-scouting and stuff, I’d imagine the last couple games, obviously impressive, holding opponents under 10 points. So, what’s your state of the defense going into the final four here?

“Same thing. We’ve got to continue getting better. You never want to sacrifice your style of play, the effort, the violence, the technique that we preach, and I think our guys have done a really good job of that. I think the Bye Week came at a perfect time. I think our guys were getting a little tired, which probably led to the, you know we had a lot of missed tackles, for example, against Cleveland. And a lot of missed tackles towards the end of the year, there’s a direct correlation between being tired and missed tackles for football teams throughout the course of the year. So, this Bye Week came at a perfect time. But overall, I’m going long answer short, it’s been good. We’ve got to continue getting better. We’ve still got a long way to go.”

A week off this late can be viewed as a blessing. The team will return Yetur Gross-Matos sooner rather than later, and others eventually. The little things add up in big games and playoff games. Cleaning up the missed-tackle issue is the last thing Saleh’s defense needs to do to be at its best.

Cheers to a late bye week. The 49ers will need every advantage possible for the rest of the season.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/general/153876/why-the-bye-week-could-re-energize-the-49ers-defense

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Todd Bowles may have entered Mike Singletary territory Thursday night

If you didn’t catch Thursday Night Football, you would have missed quite an interesting ending. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were leading the Atlanta Falcons and then let it all slip through their fingers. They were up by 14 points in the fourth quarter, then managed to squander it away.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had quite the postgame speech where he called out the players:

“It’s inexcusable. We don’t make excuses. You’ve gotta f***ing care enough where this s*** hurts. You’ve gotta f***ing care enough where this s*** hurts. It’s gotta f***ing mean something to you. It’s more than a job, it’s your f***ing livelihood. How well do you know your job? How well can you do your job? You cant sugarcoat that s***, it was inex-f***ing-cusable, and there’s no f***ing answer for it. No excuse for it. That’s what you tell ‘em in the locker room. Look in the f***ing mirror.”

Of course, it’s always better to see it:

Todd Bowles: not happy. pic.twitter.com/GB4cQOjLHl

— NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov (@NFL__Spotlight) December 12, 2025

This sounds familiar. This sounds like one of those postgame rants that would have been at home on a Coors Light commercial if they were still doing those. As a San Francisco 49ers fan, it also reminds me of this postgame gem.

On this day in 2008, #49ers interim head coach Mike Singletary explains why he sent Vernon Davis to the locker room during a 34-13 loss to the #Seahawks.

“Cannot play with them! Cannot win with them! Cannot coach with them! Can’t do it! I want winners!”#Random49ers #FTTB pic.twitter.com/8YWbncFg9q

— #Random49ers (@Random49ers) October 26, 2023

Does this get into the NFL pantheon of greatest postgame quotes ever, like “Playoffs?” or “They are who we thought they were?” Maybe. A coach calling out his whole team for not caring enough is definitely something. Singletary’s rant was about one player, tight end Vernon Davis.

The difference is twofold:

First, many cite this press conference as the turning point in Davis’ transformation into one of the better tight ends in the league. From seemingly out of nowhere, Davis developed into a ridiculous weapon for both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick during the Harbaugh years, and this rant was what lit a fire under him.

Second, this was when Singletary was the interim head coach of the 49ers after Mike Nolan was fired midseason. Bowles’ speech is happening when many wonder if he has lost the locker room and possibly his job after the 2025 NFL season comes to an end.

This is another reason we can ask all the Kyle Shanahan critics, “Do you really want to go back to this?”

I sure don’t.

It’s also something to point to when you know there are actual issues for a franchise. The 49ers are injured beyond belief and still winning. The Buccaneers fell apart up 28-14 in the fourth quarter against the Falcons.

The difference is obvious.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ered-mike-singletary-territory-thursday-night

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers elevate a pair of defenders ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Titans

It’s been a busy afternoon for the San Francisco 49ers. Christian McCaffrey was added to the injury report, but is expected to play. Meanwhile, we may have seen the last of Brandon Aiyuk in a Niners uniform.

As for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, the 49ers made a couple of moves ahead of that matchup. Linebacker Jalen Graham was activated from the practice squad, as was defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez.

The 49ers had the bye week to decide whether they needed to make any changes. They obviously had hoped Kendricks could be a part of that, but a setback will prevent him from playing in Week 15. Graham will likely continue his role on special teams with Eric Kendricks not having practiced all week with a calf injury.

Newly claimed linebacker Garret Wallow has been a lifetime special teamer. After a week of practicing, it’s hard to imagine he will play any defensive snaps. So, it’s likely Curtis Robinson remains the MIKE linebacker with Tatum Bethune out once more.

Valdez has not played a defensive or special teams snap this season. With Yetur Gross-Matos sidelined, Valdez gives the Niners an emergency body.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...d-of-their-week-15-matchup-against-the-titans

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers-Titans predictions: We’re predicting a multi-touchdown win

The San Francisco 49ers began their winning streak after we started making weekly predictions. Coincidence? I think not. Let’s keep the good vibes rolling and discuss what we expect in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans.

Kyle’s prediction – 49ers 31, Titans 17​

For the second time since 1970, the NFL’s most sacked quarterback goes against the defense with the fewest sacks in Week 15 or later. Titans QB Cam Ward has taken 49 sacks. The Niners have only managed 16 sacks. Something has to give!

Kyle Shanahan had a telling quote on Wednesday when he said Ward is “extremely accurate when his first read is open.” That tells me that Robert Saleh is going to go out of his way to change the post-snap picture. The Browns did last week and walked into an interception.

Saleh has dialed back his simulated pressure usage since Fred Warner went down with an injury. The 49ers’ defense is among the least aggressive in the NFL at pressuring quarterbacks, so it’ll be interesting to see if there is a change in philosophy moving forward. If there was ever an offense to experiment against, it’s one that’s in the bottom three in the NFL in points, yards, rushing, EPA, fumbles, and third downs.

The Titans’ defense shouldn’t provide much resistance, though they have been the beneficiaries of turnover luck this season. Tennessee is second in the NFL in sacks per game, but the 49ers give up the fewest sacks in the league. Staying ahead of the chains is how you end up second in third-down efficiency and eighth in red zone efficiency.

Blocking Jeffery Simmons isn’t something anybody has done, so I don’t expect the 49ers to. Simmons will get his, but Ricky Pearsall gets a favorable matchup. The Titans leave cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. on an island like he’s Darrell Revis. He gave up a pair of touchdowns last week, and I expect Shanahan to get Pearsall isolated on Baker Jr., leading to a few big plays for Pearsall.

Rohan’s prediction – 49ers 31, Titans 13​

This is an interesting matchup for the 49ers’ defense. They don’t get sacks, but, as Kyle said, they are facing the team that has given up the most sacks.

I think the Titans are going to struggle with efficiency on Sunday, even against this current iteration of the 49ers defense. A turnover or two could be in the cards, and the 49ers offense should have a good game coming off the bye with the matchups presented in the secondary.

Getting off to a big start would be a big help in making Tennessee one-dimensional. But, the Titans also haven’t run the ball well all year, and with their young, drop-prone receiving core, I struggle to see how they’ll score enough points to make it a close game from start to finish.

Brock Purdy did a good job of taking care of the football against the Cleveland Browns. Things should come easier against Tennessee, but if he has the same mentality, the offense should roll at a better rate.

I see the 49ers forcing at least one turnover and covering the spread en route to a big win.

Nicholas’ prediction – 49ers 33, Titans 16​

The Titans may only have two wins, but the numbers suggest they have a decent chance of stopping the 49ers doing what they want to do, which is control the game on the ground.

Tennessee has the eighth-best run defense in the NFL by success rate, though the Titans have been prone to giving up the explosive play on the ground. Indeed, they are 22nd in EPA per-play on run defense, indicating there is hope that Christian McCaffrey breaks a big one if the 49ers stick with the rushing attack.

But if the Titans managed to keep McCaffrey bottled up on the ground, then this may be a game where the arm of Brock Purdy is required more often, and that is where the mismatches in the passing game that Kyle referenced come into play.

Tennessee is 19th in success rate against the pass but 27th in EPA per play. In other words, the big plays will be there for Purdy if he plays the kind of clean game he produced last time out in Cleveland.

Jeffery Simmons and Co. have the ability to prevent Purdy from doing that, but with the 49er defense vastly improved against the run this season and the secondary showcasing recent strides that point to Cam Ward having to consistently work beyond his first read, Robert Saleh’s unit should buy the offense room for error.

Several Titans games this season have seen them briefly hang around before being outclassed and overpowered. Playing at home, I expect the 49ers to deliver a similar outcome on Sunday.

Andrew’s prediction: 49ers 31, Titans 13​

The 49ers have won five of their last seven games, with all five wins being by at least 10 points. Tennessee has lost seven of its 11 games by at least 10 points, including its most recent loss, a 25-3 defeat at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars. San Francisco has made a habit of taking care of business against teams in the Titans’ realm, with an average margin of victory of nearly 16 points in their three wins over the 2-11 Giants, the 3-10 Cardinals, and the 3-10 Browns. There’s no reason to believe Tennessee will be any closer, especially with the 49ers coming off their bye week.

Jason’s prediction: 49ers 28, Titans 10​

Regardless of Christian McCaffrey’s availability, this has to be a 49ers win that isn’t close. The 49ers’ offense should attack through the air, particularly the intermediate routes. Jauan Jennings and George Kittle should feast on the Titans’ secondary and linebackers. Pre-snap motion has been the kiss of death for Tennessee’s defense, and the 49ers’ pass rush should be disruptive enough to force mistakes and get off the field on third down. Of the final four games, this is the most winnable, especially out of the bye. Don’t mess around and get this one secured early.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ictions-were-predicting-a-multi-touchdown-win

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Vikings-Cowboys Sunday Night Football thread: J.J. McCarthy looks to spoil Dak Prescott’s playoff dreams

The Minnesota Vikings are officially eliminated from the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t play spoiler or will be an easy out for the remainder of the season.

J.J. McCarthy is coming off a solid game where Minnesota won 31-0, and McCarthy threw three touchdowns. Justin Jefferson hasn’t been involved much at all, but the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary hasn’t been able to slow anybody down. If there were ever a time for Jefferson to have a big night, it’s against the Cowboys.

Dak Prescott is currently on the outside looking in of the playoff picture. They are only one game behind the Eagles in the loss column, but losing to the Vikings tonight could make their postseason hopes a long shot. I think both offenses will thrive in what should be a relatively high-scoring affair.

The Vikings don’t have anything to play for, but they are too talented to lose big. Don’t be surprised if they win.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...y-looks-to-spoil-dak-prescotts-playoff-dreams

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers injury updates: Ricky Pearsall re-aggravated his PCL and has an additional injury

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided injury updates on Monday afternoon.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall re-aggravated his PCL. He also has a sprained ankle. It’s a low sprain. Pearsall may not practice this week. Shanahan said there’s a “concern” with Pearsall’s injuries, but wouldn’t rule him out for next week:

“It’s real painful for awhile but it can go away. Not at all like it was when he first did it, but it does take time for that pain to go away. Hopefully sooner than later.”

Sounds like Pearsall will have to play through some pain. Shanahan believed it’s similar to what Mac Jones went through earlier in the season when he had a knee injury.

Pearsall’s injury isn’t as severe as the PCL injury he suffered earlier in the year, but the combination of injuries is what will make his status worth monitoring.

Shanahan said the goal is to open Jacob Cowing’s practice window ahead of Week 17’s game against the Bears. Last week, Shanahan said the team will open Cowing’s window as soon as he’s fully healthy.

As for wide receiver Jordan Watkins, it sounds like he needs to practice better. Or show more during practice so he can play during the games. Watkins has been buried on the depth chart and hasn’t played in several weeks.

The best news came when Shanahan said Spencer Burford checked out “pretty good.” Sounds like he avoided the dreaded high-ankle sprain. Burford left yesterday’s game in the fourth quarter. Connor Colby played the final drive. Burford is expected to practice this week.

The 49ers are hoping to get linebackers Tatum Bethune (high-ankle sprain) and Eric Kendricks (calf) back at practice this week, as well as edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu (high-ankle sprain). Linebacker Nick Martin remains in the concussion protocol.

Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott will practice after suffering an injury during pre-game on Sunday. The player the team called up, Sebastian Valdez, was rewarded for his hard work. Valdez received a game check each of the past two weeks, despite not being active on game day.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...gravated-his-pcl-and-has-an-additional-injury

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

There are 3 ways for the 49ers to clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 against Philip Rivers and the Colts

We are officially on playoff watch with three weeks remaining in the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams have already clinched a playoff berth. They are the only team in the NFC to do so. There are five clinching scenarios in the NFC for Week 16.

Let’s start with the San Francisco 49ers, who will face Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts on the road. There are three scenarios:

1) SF win at IND
2) DET loss
3) SF tie + DET tie

So, the Niners could already have clinched a playoff berth before they take the field Sunday Night. However, the Lions host the Steelers. Still, the 49ers can control their path by beating the 44-year-old Rivers, who completed just two of his eight attempts over 10 air yards in Week 15.

The Seattle Seahawks can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a tie over the Rams on Thursday. They can also clinch if the Lions lose.

The Bears are in the postseason if they beat the Packers and the Lions lose or tie. Chicago also gets in with a tie plus a Lions loss.

The Eagles clinch the NFC East if they beat the Commanders, the Cowboys lose, or both the Eagles and Cowboys tie.

Finally, the Packers clinch a playoff berth with a win and a Lions loss or tie. Or, if Green Bay ties and the Lions lose.

There will be plenty of Steelers fans in the NFC in Week 16.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-francisco-49ers-news/154014/49ers-playoff-berth-week-16-scenarios

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Steve Wilks doesn’t last a full season with the Jets

This is a San Francisco 49ers site, but this discussion is about the New York Jets, who fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday. You remember Wilks for his one-year stint as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator during the 2023–2024 season—the same year they went to the Super Bowl. The 49ers dismissed Wilks following the Super Bowl loss.

Wilks didn’t make it to the end of the season at his next stop as defensive coordinator with the Jets; they have three games left. Most recently, the Jets lost 48-20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It’s important to note that last year the Jets also fired Robert Saleh as their head coach. If you watched the Jets (and the 49ers), you’d realize Saleh was far, far from the problem. Was Steve Wilks an issue? The Jets’ defense is in the back half of the league in several categories. They also allowed 26.8 points per game.

Is that a fault of Wilks? Well, he certainly doesn’t have Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and others on his defense now. Saleh doesn’t have them either, and the 49ers are still doing better than the Jets in almost every category.

When Wilks was fired, many saw him as a scapegoat for the Super Bowl loss. That was a bit strong; he simply didn’t work out with the scheme the 49ers were trying to run. When you are getting called out by your head coach, something might not be right. It was an obvious decision given all the friction that happened during the regular season. Somehow, the loss of safety Talanoa Hufanga was enough for the entire defensive unit to decline, which didn’t make much sense. Then there’s the time out in the Super Bowl.

Jets Head coach Aaron Glenn said Chris Harris will be the interim coordinator. This was also Glenn’s first year with the team. So Wilks wasn’t given much time to gel with the new coaching staff either.

Does this vindicate the 49ers’ reason for firing Wilks? Or is this just the Jets being the Jets? Wilks had a cheat code with the 49ers defense in 2023, yet there were still some bizarre flaws.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...wilks-doesnt-last-a-full-season-with-the-jets

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

The 49ers are nearly touchdown road favorites for Week 16 against the Colts

Whether you are into the gambling world or not, the betting market is fascinating. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers were initially 14.5-point favorites over the Tennessee Titans.

By the time the game kicked off, the number got down to 12.5. A late touchdown by the Titans got them within ten points, but a final drive by the offense and an Eddy Pineiro field goal meant the 49ers covered.

The Indianapolis Colts were also 14.5-point underdogs in Week 15. They faced the Seattle Seahawks. It was Philip Rivers’ first game in four years, and everyone figured Seattle would destroy the Colts. That was not the case. The Seahawks needed a game-winning field goal as time expired to win.

They outgained Indy by 99 yards, but the fact that it was a competitive game, the Seahawks went 2-for-13 on third down, and they averaged 2.3 yards per carry against a defense that has not been good against the run, should be concerning for Seattle.

The Colts are now at home against the 49ers on primetime next Monday Night. The Niners are 5.5-point favorites over the Colts on FanDuel Sportsbook, with a total of 46.5. I don’t think this game will be 18-16, as it was for Indy last week. This was a line that was 3.5 before Daniel Jones was lost for the season.

The 49ers offense has faced an easy schedule of defenses since Week 10, but during that stretch, they are fifth in the NFL in EPA per play and second in success rate. On the flipside, the Colts go from playing a defense that’s the nastiest in the league. Since Week 10, Seattle has had an EPA per play of -0.22. The second-place team is -0.16. The Seahawks allow a 32.9 percent rushing success rate, which is also first in the NFL.

Johnathan Taylor and company go from that to a Niners unit that’s been 18th in the league in EPA per play during the past month against offenses that won’t sniff the playoffs. More concerning is the down-to-down success teams have had against them. The 49ers are 29th in success rate allowed and dead last in rushing success rate since Week 10. Gulp.

Needless to say, the Colts will score.

So will the 49ers. They may not score 37 as they did against the Titans, but the Colts gave up 36 the week before against the Jaguars, gave up 27 to the Cardinals earlier in the year, 25 to the Falcons in Week 10, 27 to the Steelers the week prior, and 28 to the Broncos way back in Week 2. If those offenses are putting up points, it’s difficult to imagine Kyle Shanahan having trouble scoring.

It’ll be an entertaining game, and if the 49ers can play keep away while putting pressure on the new-look Colts offense, they have an opportunity to pull away. Christian McCaffrey looked spry against the Titans. He has an opportunity to have a big day.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-francisco-49ers-analysis/154035/49ers-colts-odds-week-16

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: This team needs reinforcements on defense

49ers game review: What causes for concern emerged in win over Titans? (paywall)
“On Thursday, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh attributed the 49ers’ 15 missed tackles in a 26-8 win over the Browns on Nov. 30 to fatigue and said the bye week had come at a “perfect time” for his tired group. On Sunday, however, the refreshed 49ers missed 11 more tackles, including two from safety Malik Mustapha, who also dropped a gift-wrapped interception and was in coverage on wide receiver Van Jefferson’s 43-yard catch that set up Simmons’ score.

As for the other starting safety, Ji’Ayir Brown, he also dropped an interception, and he appeared to be out of position on tight end Gunnar Helm’s 34-yard touchdown catch on 1st-and-20 in the second quarter.“

49ers minutia minute: Brock Purdy’s wheels and Trent Williams’ knockdowns (paywall)
“The 49ers recorded no sacks for the fourth time this season despite Tennessee having surrendered 49 sacks — second most in the NFL — entering the game. San Francisco’s top pass rusher might have been White, who started at defensive end and had two quarterback hits.

The 49ers played without starter Jordan Elliott, who, according to Shanahan, had a “totally random” knee injury while getting ready for the game in the locker room at 11:20 a.m. Sunday. Collins started in his place, the first start of the rookie’s career. Shanahan said Monday the issue didn’t turn out to be serious and that Elliott should practice this week.

Meanwhile, Sam Okuayinonu (high-ankle sprain) is expected to return to practice this week, while Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) will continue to practice as he works to come off injured reserve.“

49ers overreactions: Will rehabbing Fred Warner return during 2025 NFL playoffs?
“He recently provided an update on social media, saying, “I’m ecstatic about where it’s at.”

Warner is lifting weights and rebuilding his strength while increasing his range of motion. He said he is doing sled walks and sled pushes as part of his physical therapy.

Lynch suggested it might not be realistic for Warner to rush back for the postseason. The first round of playoff games will open on Jan. 10.

“I think it’s outside the realm, and I promise you, it’s our duty, with a player like Fred, not to ever put himself in harm’s way in terms of not being ready,” Lynch said.“

49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 16 matchup vs. Colts
“Wednesday, December 17
Players’ day off

Thursday, December 18
11:15 a.m. – Kyle Shanahan press conference
1:05 p.m. – Practice

Friday, December 19
12:40 p.m. – Practice
After practice (approx. 2:35 p.m.) – Robert Saleh press conference
Following Saleh – Klay Kubiak press conference
Following Kubiak and locker room interviews – Brock Purdy press conference
Saturday, December 20
12:35 p.m. – Practice
After practice (approx. 1:35 p.m.) – Kyle Shanahan press conference”

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...-schedule-nfc-west-seahawks-rams-amazon-prime

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers bring back Adrian Martinez to the practice squad; have a pair of tryouts along the offensive line

The San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to the practice squad. Martinez recently cleared waivers after being cut by the New York Jets. As the 49ers find out what they have in rookie Kurtis Rourke, Martinez can play the scout team role for Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold, leading up to the final two games of the season.

The 49ers will likely face a mobile quarterback in the Wild Card round, whether it’s Jalen Hurts or Baker Mayfield — barring the bye week. So, there’s a role for Martinez during practice.

The 49ers also had a pair of tryouts, per the NFL’s transaction wire. Guards Iosua Opeta and Aiden Williams were brought in. Both players played right guard for their respective teams during the preseason.

The 49ers are likely bringing in a pair of offensive linemen in the event Spencer Burford, whose knee and ankle “checked out pretty good,” according to Kyle Shanahan, can’t practice. On Monday, Shanahan said Burford was expected to practice this week, but things can certainly change over a couple of days.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ve-a-pair-of-tryouts-along-the-offensive-line

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Has the past month changed your opinion about the 49ers defense?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Niners fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The San Francisco 49ers are on a 4-game winning streak. They beat the Cardinals, Panthers, Browns, and Titans bya. combined score of 124 to 64. That’s what you’re supposed to do to “bad” teams (although the Panthers could very well be the Niners’ Wild Card opponent). You dominate them.

The schedule flips back to a trio of difficult opponents ahead, with the Colts, Bears, and Seahawks remaining. Both the offense and the defense will face various challenges. There are fewer questions about the offense. We’ll see whether Ricky Pearsall misses time, but that unit has hovered around a top-five-to-ten unit all season.

There are far more concerns on the other side of the ball. Robert Saleh has been backed into an impossible corner as a coach. Saleh lost the two players the 49ers built their defense around. He’s also lost some key depth pieces along the way, including first-round pick Mykel Williams.

The scoreboard is all that matters once the clock hits zero. The Niners’ defense got a little sloppy in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals and Titans, allowing easy garbage-time scores. For the most part, the defense held up well and got stops when it mattered in each of the previous four games.

Today’s question of the day is more about who the 49ers played than how they played. You can poke holes in every game, like the drive against the Browns in Week 13, where the Browns ran the ball nine times in a row and ended up scoring a touchdown on a 90-yard drive. Surprisingly, you could argue that the best performance during the past month came against the team with the best record.

Have you seen enough from the defense to change your opinion during the past month, or are you still skeptical?

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/genera...-changed-your-opinion-about-the-49ers-defense

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

The Colts have 2 former 49ers on defense; One who ‘looks the same’ from 2019

Flashback to March 16, 2020. A few days after the San Francisco 49ers reached a five-year extension with Arik Armstead, the team traded DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a top-15 pick.

The Colts made Buckner the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL behind Aaron Donald at the time. Buckner wanted Donald money, and he got it. The move saved Buckner $12.3 million, but it also lost one of the most valuable pieces from one of the best defensive lines in recent memory.

Fast forward to today, and the 49ers haven’t sniffed replacing Buckner’s production. They’ve tried. Using a first-round pick on Javon Kinlaw never panned out. This past season, Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins were supposed to be a 1-2 punch to supplement Nick Bosa. Both rookies could wind up being quality players in this league, but Buckner’s play has proven he was always going to be impossible to replace.

Kyle Shanahan was complimentary of Buckner during Thursday’s media session:

“Yeah, Buck looks like the same guy to me. Buck was huge for us. Such a stud of a person when we got here. He was a dude who just did things the right way, just to me, naturally, that must come from how he was raised, coming out of college, whatever it was. But he did things the right way from day one. Such a good talent. One of the main reasons we had such a good, I started with him on the D-Line in ‘19 and was very grateful for my time here with Buck.”

Buckner has been sidelined since Week 9. He’s expected to return this week, naturally. On the season, Buckner has 33 pressures and 11 quarterback hits. The 49ers’ defensive tackle group this season has combined for 40 pressures and six quarterback hits. Buckner’s base salary this season is $13 million.

The 49ers will face another one of their former defensive lineman on Monday night. Samson Ebukam, who has been a productive role player this season for the Colts, will get his shot at revenge. Ebukam has started one game this year. He’s playing around 42 percent of the snaps. On the year, Ebukam has a pair of sacks and 23 pressures to go along with 13 run stops. For reference, Sam Okayinonu has 19 pressures and stops, so the drop-off is minimal, if there is any.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...-deforest-buckner-kyle-shanahan-samson-ebukam

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: Sam Darnold, 49ers Legend

Seahawks beat Rams in thriller: What the NFC West shift means for the 49ers
“If the 49ers win out—including what could be a pivotal Week 18 matchup against Seattle at Levi’s Stadium—they would have a legitimate claim to the top spot in the conference.

A win in Week 18 would mean the 49ers sweep the Seahawks and win the head-to-head tiebreaker (assuming their records match). The 49ers and Rams split their series this season. San Francisco is 5-1 in the NFC West while Los Angeles is now 4-2, giving the 49ers the edge there if their records match at the end.

Key 49ers defensive reinforcements nearing return ahead of Week 16 vs. Colts
“But wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s status for the 49ers’ game Monday night remains uncertain, though coach Kyle Shanahan said he has a chance to be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts.

In addition, 49ers veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks has been cleared for full practice after sitting out last week with a calf injury, Shanahan said.

Kendricks, a 10-year NFL veteran who remains on the practice squad, could make his debut with the 49ers when they return to action at the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.

Pearsall, guard Spencer Burford (ankle, knee), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee) and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion) were not scheduled to practice Thursday, Shanahan said.

Linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) appear to be making good progress and could return to face the Colts on Monday. Both were scheduled for limited practice after missing multiple games with their injuries.

Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) were scheduled for limited practice, too. Gross-Matos remains on the injured reserve list.“

Kyle Shanahan previews 49ers-Colts Week 16 matchup
“What is it about the NFL and the quarterback position where a 44-year-old with diminishing physical skills can have more success than a 22-year-old with all the physical skills in the world?

“Because when you go against defenses, like it’s very rare, you just pick up Seattle last week, you’re not going to run away from something like that. You don’t out-athletic ever a really good defense, very rarely. Or you have to be on an elite level, like someone like [former NFL QB Michael] Vick or [Baltimore Ravens QB] Lamar [Jackson] or something like that just to athletically run away from teams. You’ve got to be able to get rid of the ball. And to be able to get rid of the ball, it’s a unique talent that doesn’t, it’s just some people have it and some people don’t. Whether it’s vision, whether it’s arm-throwing angles, whether it’s mental processing or whether it’s just your feel and clear mind in the pocket. But, when things are moving fast at an elite level, athletically, it’s really hard to get away from those guys. It’s about getting rid of the ball and letting someone else do it.“

Do 49ers teammates think Brandon Aiyuk quit on the team? Mailbag (paywall)
“If Campbell was a flameout, Aiyuk is more of a fadeout. The 49ers players know him and like him. And their rhetoric has been different than what it was last December. Here’s what Ricky Pearsall said Sunday, a day after Aiyuk was put on the reserve/left team list.

“I understand that there are things he may have done that (the team) didn’t agree with — whatever happened in the past with his whole entire contract situation,” Pearsall said. “What I do know is he’s a good dude. That’s what I do know. And I do know that he’s OK and he will be OK. And I just think we should be careful in judging the man because you don’t know what he’s going through with the emotions he has.

“I think it’s easy to point fingers … and see what his faults are. But at the end of the day, this is much bigger than a game.”

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk has been ‘extremely distant’ since 2024 (paywall)
“I didn’t get to hang out around Aiyuk much since he tore his ACL in Week 7,” Shanahan said. “So (I’ve) been trying to get him back to our team really since then and haven’t been able to pull that off. So I haven’t totally had the opportunity to get him part of our team. He has been extremely distant since he got hurt. I was hoping it would happen once he got healthy, but (that) never happened.”…..Aiyuk was with the team throughout much of training camp. He was regularly at practices and attended their preseason game in Las Vegas on Aug. 16, catching passes from quarterback Brock Purdy during warmups. After the game, Purdy said of Aiyuk, “You can tell he wants to get back out there and compete, which I love.”

During camp, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said Aiyuk was “engaged” in offensive meetings and was helping wide receiver coach Leonard Hankerson as “kind of (a) coach on the side.”

On Thursday, Shanahan was reminded about this summer’s version of Aiyuk, which clearly wasn’t distant from the team. So was there more happening behind the scenes?

Said Shanahan: “I think obviously.”

49ers bolster interior O-line in 2026 NFL mock draft
“Renner has San Francisco using the No. 27 overall pick on Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, whom he ranks as the fourth-best interior offensive line prospect in the class.

“Pregnon is an explosive athlete at left guard who’s had a breakout season for the Ducks,” Renner wrote. “His ability to play on the move would be perfect for a Kyle Shanahan scheme. He’s allowed only three pressures all season.”

Pregnon (6-foot-5, 318 pounds) has posted elite Pro Football Focus grades in 2025, earning an 87.0 overall offensive grade, an 86.9 run-blocking grade, and an 87.7 pass-blocking grade.“

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...t-football-monday-colts-playoff-one-seed-rams

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

3 things to watch in 49ers-Colts: Why Christian McCaffrey will find running room

The stage is set. Monday Night Football in Indianapolis. Philip Rivers starts his second game for the Colts, and a 49ers win clinches a playoff berth. DeForest Buckner should be activated off IR, setting up an old friend scenario. Unfortunately, Charvarius Ward was placed on IR, so that reunion won’t happen. The 49ers are looking to snap a five-game losing streak to Indianapolis. Their last victory was on November 25, 2001, against Peyton Manning as the 49ers won 40-21 and sent Indianapolis head coach Jim Mora into his infamous “PLAYOFFS” rant.

So how do the 49ers leave Indy with the win and a playoff berth? Here are three things to watch for on Monday.

Running Outside Zone vs the Colts defense

While the 49ers’ running game has been inconsistent in 2025, to put it nicely, and the Colts’ defensive line presents a tough challenge, Kyle Shanahan would be wise to utilize more outside runs on Monday night. Let’s be frank, the numbers when running outside aren’t pretty. With an outside run rate of 46.8% (16th in the NFL), the 49ers are 30th (!) in EPA on outside runs at -0.15.

If there is one place to attack this Colts defense, it is on the outside. Indianapolis’ run defense on inside runs is number one in the league with an EPA of -0.24. Buckner’s return only makes that task harder. However, teams have rushed outside against the Colts at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL (53.5%), and they are middle of the pack in EPA at -0.02 (17th).

Attacking the edges with runs and designed throws to Christian McCaffrey can be the key to keeping the offense rolling.

Selling out to stop the run and Philip Rivers ADOT

Look, I’m not making an old man joke here, but anyone who watched Rivers play on Sunday in Seattle saw a man physically incapable of pushing the ball downfield. Short, quick throws to set up YAC is the name of the game with Rivers under center. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ tackling and run defense have been poor of late. You can expect the Colts to hand the ball off as much as possible, as long as the game script allows. You can’t ask the 49ers to turn into a top-five rush defense in this game, but the focus has to be slowing down Taylor and making Rivers beat them.

The Colts are third in the league with an inside run rate of 64.2%, but that torrid pace that Taylor was on has tapered off considerably. If the 49ers can get back Sam O, Tatum Bethune, and Yetur Gross-Matos in this one, they can improve this run defense and have the Colts play into their hands.

Late Game and Red Zone

The 49ers are top five in late-game offensive success rate (53.9%, 2nd) and red zone EPA (0.17, 4th). The Colts’ defense has struggled down the stretch of games, with a late-game defensive success rate of 48.6% (26th), but is very stingy in the red zone (-0.08, 8th). If the 49ers can continue their red zone success in 2025, it would shift the pressure on the Colts’ offense and make their playcalling more predictable. While you’d like to put this game away earlier, if it does come down to crunch time, the smart money is on the 49ers offense to deliver.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/genera...hy-christian-mccaffrey-will-find-running-room

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Week 18’s 49ers-Seahawks could be on primetime

The San Francisco 49ers have three more games remaining. Two of them could be on national TV.

After the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, it opened the door for the 49ers. Both the 49ers and Seahawks now control their destiny for the No. 1 seed and the NFC West crown.

Provided they can win up until then, of course.

The 49ers and Seahawks meet in Week 18, the final week of the NFL regular season. The actual game broadcast has not been finalized (listed as TBD). That’s because the NFL wants to make sure whoever gets primetime has something to play for in the final week of the regular season.

Looking at the Week 18 schedule, four other games outside the 49ers/Seahawks matchup would make sense for primetime: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans.

The rest of the games feature teams that either clinched or are facing a team out of contention, except for the Denver Broncos, who face the Los Angeles Chargers (Denver has clinched a playoff berth; the Chargers have not). Denver very well could have things locked up for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and may pull their starters against the Chargers, though a lot could happen between now and then.

The NFL probably won’t want to show a game where one team already has a playoff spot, facing another team that ‘might’ get into the playoffs with a win, so that removes a lot of those games.

Looking at what we have left: Colts/Texans could be a fun game—if the Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t leading the division. Provided the Jaguars don’t take a nosedive, this game would be for a wild-card spot. The Jaguars do have the Broncos and Colts back-to-back, but it’s doubtful they’d lose both of those. Now that Philip Rivers is back under center in Indianapolis, it depends on how he plays down the stretch. Depending on that, this whole AFC South thing could be wrapped up before Week 18.

Then there’s the Buccaneers/Panthers. That one could be interesting…if it weren’t two teams that right now have a 7-7 record. The two play each other this weekend, then they meet in Week 18. They could be 8-8 by the time their second game plays. Do you want to see an 8-8 team close out the season? OK. I mean, it worked for Green Bay and Detroit one season.

Then there’s the Ravens/Steelers. A solid pick for the East Coast. Except the Ravens have the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots first—both on national TV. While no team can play more than five prime-time games in a season, there’s no hard rule on how many in a row they can play. That said, three primetime games feels a bit oversaturated, even by NFL standards.

That leaves us with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. Should the 49ers lose to the Bears in Week 17 while the Seahawks beat the Carolina Panthers, this probably will be the game that gets the prime-time nod. If the 49ers and Seahawks both win those games (and assuming the 49ers notch a win this week on Monday Night Football against the Colts), there really isn’t anything on the schedule that seems more rating-needy than 49ers-Seahawks.

The last time these two teams closed out the season with all of this on the line was in 2019. The No. 1 seed, the NFC West, all of it was on the line. There was one tiny little difference: the game was in Seattle. The 49ers got a massive monkey off their back, snapping a losing streak in Seattle with the win. This was also the game where the 49ers, namely Dre Greenlaw, channeled their inner Dan Bunz for a goal-line stand:

On this day in 2019, Dre Greenlaw, 'The Seahawk Killa', stopped the Seahawks on the line to win the game, securing the No.1 seed in his rookie season.

One of the most famous moments in modern 49ers history#FTTB pic.twitter.com/hXtiwdCA4x

— Niners (@niners_app) December 29, 2023

Provided the 49ers can win their next two games, I don’t see how this is not the frontrunner for a primetime slot. That’s no easy task. The Colts are no gimmie, and the Bears are first in the NFC North (while the Packers are a game back—I sure didn’t see that one coming).

Unlike normal flexing, the NFL makes its Week 18 schedule decisions after Week 17 concludes. So they don’t have to give advanced notice of a schedule change and then hope the teams they plugged in are still relevant when the game arrives.

But it’s definitely looking like we might get a repeat of 2019. I only hope that despite the venue change, the same result happens.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...week-18s-49ers-seahawks-could-be-on-primetime