News 49ers Team Notes

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: We’re on to Tampa Bay

49ers open Malik Mustapha’s practice window before Week 6 game vs. Buccaneers
“San Francisco on Monday officially opened the practice window for Mustapha, who underwent surgery in January to reattach a graft of the anterior-cruciate ligament in his right knee from a previous surgery. He remains on the physically unable to perform list, though he now can be activated at any point.

Mustapha could play Sunday when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.

The 49ers have up to 21 days to activate Mustapha to the 53-man roster for him to remain eligible to play this season.“

49ers vs. Buccaneers: Who missed Monday’s bonus practice?
“While the 49ers aren’t required to release a practice participation report until Wednesday, team reporters observed the early portion of Monday’s session. They provided insight into which players were absent or limited.”

49ers rookie review: Win over Rams added luster to an already promising class (paywall)
“Opposing quarterbacks have targeted Stout 24 times through five games and completed 17 of those passes for 161 yards and an 89.1 passer rating. Stout’s late-game pass breakup against the Arizona Cardinals was among the biggest plays in that win. He also was flagged for pass interference after a brief tug on Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Travis Hunter, negating what would have been the 49ers’ first interception since November and a momentum-swinging play in their lone loss.

Stout has already been matched against some of the best slot receivers in the league, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave and Nacua. Nacua caught 10 passes — one for a short touchdown — on Thursday, though his 85 receiving yards were a season low.“

Mac Jones is balling and Brock Purdy is hurt, but there is no 49ers QB controversy (paywall)
“Perhaps the conversation would be different if Jones provided a dynamic, game-changing element to Shanahan’s offense. But this isn’t 2012 when Kaepernick’s ability to run the then novel read option flummoxed opponents. The Packers sent their defensive staff to Texas A&M to learn how to combat it after Kaepernick rushed for 181 yards in a divisional-round beatdown at Candlestick.

Part of Harbaugh’s faraway look that evening: He was imagining the possibilities with a younger, stronger-armed and faster QB with gazelle-like strides.

Thirteen seasons later, Purdy, 25, and Jones, 27, are QBs with similar strengths. Both are known for their accuracy, processing speed and ability to play from the pocket, qualities that make them well-suited to run Shanahan’s system.“

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/golden-nuggets/151221/golden-nuggets-were-on-to-tampa-bay

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers host tryouts for 7 different defensive linemen, including a former second-round pick

The San Francisco 49ers terminated the contract of safety Jaylen Mahoney, per the transaction wire. That’s good news for the prospects of Malik Mustapha playing this Sunday.

The 49ers also had tryouts for seven different defensive linemen:

DT Tommy Akingbesote
DT Shakel Brown
DT Michael Dwumfour
Edge Jonathan Garvin
DT Bruce Hector
Edge Jah Joyner
Edge DeMarcus Walker

Most of these players should sound familiar, as they’ve been on the roster, practice squad, or were a previous tryout at one point with the 49ers.

Yetur Gross-Matos left Thursday’s game with a hamstring injury. Kyle Shanahan said Gross-Matos would miss some time, hence the multiple tryouts. The last name on the list might be the best scheme fit.

Walker, 31, was a second-round draft pick in 2017. He started every game for the Chicago Bears last season. At 6’4, 280 pounds, Walker has the size to play the run on the edge, but also the flexibility to kick inside on passing downs.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...-linemen-including-a-former-second-round-pick

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Kyle Shanahan is reaping the rewards of an atypical approach in 2025

A lot of things have been different for the San Francisco 49ers this season.

San Francisco, having to deal with a substantial amount of injuries, is nothing new, but aside from Christian McCaffrey and the likes of Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, the cast of characters on offense has been much changed.

Mac Jones has filled in admirably at quarterback for Brock Purdy and prospered while frequently targeting backups and players who were not on the roster last year.

Yet perhaps one of the most significant differences for San Francisco in 2025 through five weeks of the season has nothing to do with personnel. Instead, it concerns the approach head coach Kyle Shanahan has taken to decision-making.

Shanahan is traditionally known as a conservative head coach when it comes to his choices on fourth down.
While it’s still early in the campaign, things appear to be changing dramatically in that respect in 2025.

The 49ers have faced fourth down 36 times this season, and have gone for it eight times. That number might not immediately scream uptick in aggression from Shanahan, but it translates to San Francisco going for it 22.22 percent of the time.

That is a near-seven percent increase on 2024 (15.38%), when the 49ers went for it on just 16 of their 104 fourth downs. The numbers were similar in 2022 (14.81%) and 2023 (14.61%).

4th down decision-making

Maybe Ben Johnson learned a thing or two from his time in Detroit pic.twitter.com/BJvqQ39gWa

— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 7, 2025

To put it another way, the 49ers are already halfway to matching their total fourth down attempts from the entirety of the previous season, and the early returns suggest Shanahan should keep his foot on the pedal.

Indeed, the 49ers have converted on six of their eight fourth-down attempts, their success coming despite a running game that has been one of the worst in the league in 2025.

Three of their attempts came in the dramatic win against the Rams last week, all of which were successful. But Shanahan has been consistent in being willing to go for it. The Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints is the only game this season in which he has not done so, with Shanahan even willing to go for it while in field position as precarious as the San Francisco 36 against the Rams.

There are limits to Shanahan’s new-found aggression. He has yet to attempt a fourth-down conversion with over two yards to go, but these are encouraging signs from a traditionally conservative coach.

The rate at which each offense takes a 1st & 10 and earns a new set of downs (or scores)

I still believe in the Kansas City Chiefs pic.twitter.com/apFXd6x4nj

— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 7, 2025

Given the returns to this point, there’s a strong argument for Shanahan continuing in this manner. The 49ers have largely vindicated his aggressiveness when they have gone for it on fourth down, with their ability to convert a partial contributor to San Francisco ranking ninth in the NFL in the rate of offensive series that result in either a first down or a touchdown.

Of course, the 49ers want to stay out of fourth down by doing better on early downs. However, consistent fourth-down success gives them another avenue through which to extend drives, control the clock and shorten the game.

San Francisco has reaped the benefits of Shanahan’s change in approach to fourth down this season. It has served as a clear improvement, and there’s no reason for Shanahan to revert to his previous type.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...anahan-reaping-rewards-atypical-approach-2025

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall lead loaded injury report on Wednesday for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are getting ready to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, hitting the road for a matchup between 4-1 teams.

Heading into the week, the 49ers have quite a few injuries to monitor after missing a number of key starters against the Los Angeles Rams last week. Now starting the week, that injury report remains loaded.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that several players will not practice on Wednesday, including quarterback Brock Purdy. Here’s the full injury report for the day:

OUT

WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)

WR Jordan Watkins (calf)

DE Robert Beal Jr. (ankle)

QB Brock Purdy (toe)

WR Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib)

DT Alfred Collins (knee)

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring)

RB Christian McCaffrey (vet day)

OL Trent Williams (vet day)

LIMITED

DL C.J. West (thumb)

CB Upton Stout (ankle)

QB Mac Jones (knee/oblique)

DL Kevin Givens (pec)

DL Kalia Davis (hand)

While Purdy will miss the first practice of the week, Shanahan said there hasn’t been a thought of putting him on Injured Reserve.

San Francisco is opening the practice windows of defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who suffered a pec injury in training camp and was expected to be sidelined for the season. That follows the news that safety Malik Mustapha’s practice window would also open ahead of Week 6.

Mustapha was a full participant on Wednesday. Mustapha said he’s ready to play. Reporters asked Mustapha whether he’d play with the same feocity, to which Mustapha responded, “I didn’t get surgery on my brain.”

The 49ers do still have a couple of key starters on IR, including tight end George Kittle and left guard Ben Bartch. Where are they in their recovery from a hamstring strain and high ankle sprain, respectively?

“They’re all progressing,” Shanahan said of those on IR. “Hopefully, we’ll have a chance of [George] Kittle next week. Just a chance. I don’t think [Ben] Bartch is up next week, though.”

Wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings remain out on Wednesday with their respective injuries. Shanahan said the team was looking for the former to get back to practice this week, but that has yet to happen.

“We were hoping last week that he’d probably be able to get in this week,” Shanahan said about Pearsall. “He wasn’t able to get in Monday. Not able to today, so we’ll see if there’s a turn here on Thursday or Friday, but I’m not counting on it right now.”

Early in the week, it’s a pretty loaded injury report for the 49ers. We’ll see how things progress on Thursday.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...urdy-ricky-pearsall-lead-loaded-injury-report

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

3 things to watch against the Bucs: The 49ers secondary will be tested early and often

The San Francisco 49ers head into Sunday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with some troubling injury information. Kyle Shanahan isn’t counting on Ricky Pearsall returning for Sunday’s game, and Jauan Jennings has a chance, but it is far from a certainty. Meanwhile, the Bucs have injuries in their secondary and will likely be without Mike Evans and Bucky Irving. Also, Chris Godwin, who just returned from injury, has yet to practice this week.

Mac Jones is going to get the start on Sunday, with Brock Purdy still not fully healthy. Jones executed a masterful Shanahan game plan, including underneath throws and protecting the football, last Thursday. Will the possible lineup of Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson, Jake Tonges, Christian McCaffrey, and Marquez Valdez-Scantling be enough again on Sunday?

Here are three things to watch for on Sunday:

The Bucs’ deep passing attack

Baker Mayfield is playing the best football of his career. The departure of Liam Coen to Jacksonville hasn’t slowed down this Bucs offense. Ranking eighth in the NFL with an explosive play rate of 10.6%, the Bucs attack defenses through the air but not in the short area window of throws: Mayfield and the Bucs offense rank 30th in the NFL for short passing attempts at 60.8%.

Where the Bucs thrive is in the intermediate and deep portions of the field. With a 22.2% intermediate throw rate, which ranks 13th in the NFL, and a 17% deep throw rate, which is first in the NFL, the 49ers secondary will need to remain disciplined in coverage as they will be tested downfield.

When Mayfield escapes the pocket and extends the play is another point of emphasis for the defense, as explosives and back-breaking first downs have resulted from Mayfield’s legs.

Lastly, the 49ers use two high safeties at a 41% clip (14th in the NFL), and the Bucs have a league high 0.46 EPA against two-high safeties.

Doubling the Rams’ game plan against Tampa Bay

The Bucs have a top run defense in 2025. Sunday’s game isn’t the week for the 49ers’ run game to kick start. You can expect Jones and this offense to operate as close as possible to Thursday’s game plan against the Rams. The extension of the run game will be with underneath throws to Christian McCaffrey. It’s important for the 49ers to at least show the run, but it will be tough sledding against this defense.

The 49ers rank eighth in the NFL with 70.4% of their throws being short, and the Bucs have allowed the third most underneath throws (73.6%) and the third-worst EPA on short throws at 0.24. The middle of the field is the place to attack the Bucs, who allow an EPA of 0.39 on MOF throws, while the 49ers are second in the NFL with a 26.6 middle of the field throw percentage.

Handling the Bucs blitz attempts

The Bucs defense blitzes at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL at 40.2%. While that hasn’t translated into success for the defense, the 49ers must be prepared with hot throws and identifying pre-snap where the pressure is coming from. Jones has shown his ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and that will need to continue on Sunday.

The 49ers have the 11th-best EPA against the blitz (0.17), the eighth-best EPA against non-blitzes (0.15), but the ninth-worst EPA against pressure (-0.60). Seems simple enough, get the ball out and protect Jones on straight drop-backs.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/genera...9ers-secondary-will-be-tested-early-and-often

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Eagles vs. Giants Thursday Night thread: Let’s all watch Kayvon Thibodeaux

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on a radio appearance Thursday morning that he wouldn’t be shy about making a trade at or ahead of the deadline if he believes a player will improve the Niners’ roster. Of course, that means said player would need to be acquired at a reasonable price and be a fit with the team culture.

That player is on TV tonight. Kayvon Thibodeaux has recorded a sack in three of five games. He’s notched multiple pressures in every game and has at least one run stop in each game. Thiboduax is 6’5″, 260 pounds, with the type of athleticism that makes defensive coordinators salivate over.

Tonight is an audition for Thibodeaux for multiple teams, not just the Niners. The Giants look dead in the water after a brutal loss to the Saints last week. New York is a team that could sell at the deadline. Thibodeaux is a logical option, given Thibodeaux is in a contract year.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/game-d...night-thread-lets-all-watch-kayvon-thibodeaux

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Ricky Pearsall will miss another game

The San Francisco 49ers hit the highway on Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mac Jones threw during Friday’s practice. That’s a step in the right direction after Jones didn’t attempt any passes during Thursday’s practice.

Ricky Pearsall and Brock Purdy did not practice once again. Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings was present and active during today’s session.

Here’s a look at the 49ers’ final injury report:

Out –

Brock Purdy (toe)
Ricky Pearsall (knee)
Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring)
Robert Beal (ankle)
Jordan Watkins (calf)
Kevin Givens (pec)

Questionable –

Mac Jones (oblique/knee)
Jauan Jennings (ribs/ankle)
Alfred Collins (knee)
Upton Stout (ankle)
Kalia Davis (hand)
Malik Mustapha (knee)

Adrian Martinez will serve as Mac Jones’ backup once again, unless the team signs one of the three quarterbacks they worked out on Friday: Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman, or Quinten Dormady. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the 49ers didn’t sign either of them…yet.

This could be viewed as them wanting an upgrade over Adrian Martinez in the event he has to play because Mac Jones goes down with an injury. The team has had a few weeks to gauge whether he Martinez can run the offense or not.

Collins and Stout practicing is another positive development for a defense that can’t afford to miss anymore bodies.

Shanahan didn’t sound like he was concerned about Mac Jones’ availability: “I pretty much already have. But you gotta put it that way if there’s any doubt at all.”

The team also intends to open rookie Kurtis Rourke’s practice window soon. Shanahan said Rourke is “probably a few weeks away” from practicing. The rookie quarterback is returning from a torn ACL injury.

Mustapha’s role and how it impacts the rest of the roster will be something we’re keeping an eye on. Will Robert Saleh let rookie Marques Sigle continue to take his lumps, or does he roll with the veteran, Jason Pinnock?

Head coach Todd Bowles ruled out a pair of cornerbacks, two of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets, and their big-play running back:

WR Mike Evans
WR Chris Godwin
RB Bucky Irving
CB Zyon McCollum
CB Benjamin Morrison

Iriving didn’t practice all week. He’s battling multiple injuries and was last seen in a walking boot.

Evans will miss his third game in a row with a hamstring injury. Godwin suffered a fibula injury against the Seattle Seahawks last week. He missed the first three games after recovering from a dislocated ankle last season that required reconstructive surgery.

The 49ers still have to go against rookie wide receiver Emeka Egubuka and attempt to keep him out of the end zone. Egbuka has been electric to start the season. But now he’ll have to do it with Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson as the other wide receivers on the field.

McCollum has started at cornerback in every game this season for the Bucs. Starting cornerback Jamel Dean was a full participant during Thursday’s practice after missing Week 5. So Tampa Bay will lose one starter but get another back. Dean is their CB1.

Morrison was Tampa Bay’s second-round draft pick in 2025. He’s filled in when one of the other cornerbacks suffered an injury. He’ll miss his second game in a row. Morrison held up well against AJ Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago before injury.

Morrison’s absence means musical chairs in the secondary for the Bucs. Rookie Jacob Parrish goes from playing nickel to the outside. On passing downs, Kindle Vildor was the next cornerback in. Week 5 was Vildor’s first defensive snaps of the season.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ed-out-4-starters-and-their-second-round-pick

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers work out 3 quarterbacks; share plan for rookie QB

The San Francisco 49ers will be without quarterback Brock Purdy this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mac Jones is officially questionable, although head coach Kyle Shanahan made it sound like Jones would start.

Here’s what Shanahan said when asked if he’d made up his mind about Sunday’s starter: “I pretty much already have, but you’ve got to put it that way, if there’s any doubt at all.”

Rookie seventh-round quarterback Kurtis Rourke is getting close to returning to practice, according to Shanahan: “We should open his window soon. It’s getting real close to it. Probably a few weeks away. It can be anywhere from next week to a few weeks. But he’s close, he’s moving good. It’ll be soon.”

Rourke is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee. It would be borderline malpractice to expect Rourke to contribute under these circumstances, given all the time he’s missed. It will take more than three weeks of seeing an NFL defense during practice to determine whether Rourke can contribute in this league.

Here’s Shanahan on how the team plans to handle Rourke:

I think that’s a lot. I think he’ll look when he’s ready to go in those three weeks. Someone who has missed all of the offseason and everything, that would be tough to call ‘him next man up’ or any situation like that. So that’s why he probably could’ve gone this week, especially with us being down a quarterback and everything. We’d like to wait until he’s fully healthy. We’re not going to put him up for that reason.

So we’ll see how these three weeks go, and if it makes sense on our roster, and you can do that, we’ll do it. And if not, we’ll shut him down.

Under normal circumstances, 2025 would be an automatic redshirt year for Rourke. He’d have time to fully grasp the playbook, play scout team quarterback, all while getting valuable practice reps. There’d be no pressure to accelerate his learning curve.

Welcome to the 49ers, Kurtis. The word “normal” does not exist in these parts.

A toe injury to Brock Purdy means the Niners are in a position nobody in the league wants to be in: Where the third-string quarterback actually matters.

Shanahan was a TV timeout away from finding out if Adrian Martinez could throw in a meaningful game. This week, Shanahan said Martinez took more reps with the first team, so the team had the chance to evaluate him running the offense as opposed to running scout team cards, where the cards tell you who to throw the ball to before you leave the huddle.

Shanahan said, to a degree, he has a package of plays in his head about what he’d potentially have to run for Martinez. And a better feeling about Martinez than he had in the past few weeks.

Coincidentally, after seeing Martinez practice for a week, the 49ers worked out three quarterbacks. Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman, and Quinten Dormady. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said the team didn’t immediately sign any of them. So, for at least another week, Martinez will back up Jones.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...k-out-3-quarterbacks-share-plan-for-rookie-qb

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers only elevate one player; Malik Mustapha set to make his season debut

The San Francisco 49ers officially activated safety Malik Mustapha from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List. Mustapha was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but is now expected to make his season debut.

Mustapha has the reputation as a premier run defender, but that undersells how impressive he was in coverage as a rookie. Mustapha only allowed 39 yards in coverage all season. Mustapha got his hands on nearly as many passes on defense (3) as receptions he allowed (4). Regardless of which safety comes off the field, the 49ers are getting back one of their best defensive players from a season ago.

The 49ers elevated edge rusher Trevis Gipson from the practice squad. To make room for Gipson, the Niners waived Robert Beal. That was the only transaction the team made ahead of Sunday.

So Jauan Jennings, Alfred Collins, Upton Stout, and Kalia Davis — all listed as questionable on the final injury report — are likely to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With temperatures expected to be in the low 80s in Tampa Bay around game time, the 49ers will need depth to keep their already depleted defensive line fresh for four quarters.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...r-malik-mustapha-set-to-make-his-season-debut

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Report: Report: The 49ers have called about a pass rusher on the Packers

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed that he’d been having productive conversations about pass rushers ahead of the November trade deadline.

One report surfaced on Saturday that the Niners would call to gauge the availability of Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who turns 31 in December. That’s a player that would cost the 49ers at least a third-round pick. Hendrickson does not seem like the type of player the 49ers would acquire midseason.

According to a report by Easton Butler that was confirmed by SB Nation’s ACME Packing’s Justis Mosqueda, the 49ers are one of two teams that called about the availability of Kingsley Enagbare.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract. Enagbare, 6’4″, 270 pounds, is not a player who would require serious draft capital or the type of financial investment that would jeopardize the Niners’ future cap status.

Enagbare has not played more than 30 percent of the snaps in a game this season. The 49ers might see value in a player who can contribute on special teams. Enagbare has played 51 snaps this season on five different special teams units.

Enagbare would be the “big end” in Robert Saleh’s defense, lining up on the strong side of the formation. He’s a big body that would allow the team to keep Bryce Huff as a pass-rush first player. Enagbare is the type of player who sets the edge against the run. The 49ers no longer have that player opposite of Mykel Williams, with Nick Bosa banged up.

If the 49ers do end up acquiring Enagbare, it won’t be for his pass-rush productivity in the first half. Enagbare currently ranks 47th in the NFL in win percentage among all edge rushers at 13.6 percent. For reference, Sam Okuayinonu’s win percentage is 11.6 percent. Enagbare has four pressures on 44 pass rushes this year. That’s better than Okayinonu’s four pressures on 97 pass rushes.

The 49ers need bodies. They are asking Okayinonu to play Bosa’s snaps. Against the Los Angeles Rams, Sam O played in over 76 percent of the snaps. By adding bodies, you take some of the workload off your role players. That’s part of the reason many fans want John Lynch to swing for the fences. But even a lesser-known name like Enagbare would strengthen the defensive line.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ave-called-about-a-pass-rusher-on-the-packers

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Lions-Chiefs Sunday night thread: Can Dan Campbell get it done on the road?

The Detroit Lions have been foolproof recently under Dan Campbell. He always seems to have his team prepared, regardless of where or who they are playing. Tonight, Campbell takes on a challenge few can handle. Detroit travels to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Lions lead the league in scoring at 34.8 points per game. That towers over the Chiefs’ 25 points per game. But Patrick Mahomes and company have no problem stepping up in class. This should be a great game to watch, full of big plays.

Can the Chiefs generate a pass rush? Will the Lions’ defense succumb to Mahomes, inevitably making superhero plays? It feels like a game where Xavier Worthy and Jameson Williams feast on weaker competition. This isn’t a game where field goals will get it done.

Despite what the Lions have done to date, I like the Chiefs to get it done at home.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/game-d...read-can-dan-campbell-get-it-done-on-the-road

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: We’re on to Atlanta

49ers’ George Kittle might play this week, but Brock Purdy’s return remains unclear (paywall)
“Head coach Kyle Shanahan said tight end George Kittle will return to practice Wednesday and the hope is that he will play on Sunday night against the Falcons at Levi’s Stadium after missing the past five games. Kittle was placed on injured reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the 49ers’ win at Seattle in their regular-season opener on Sept. 7.

Shanahan was less definitive about Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy, who has missed four of the first six games due to a toe injury. Shanahan indicated Purdy could return to practice and “do a little bit more” after he was limited to work on a side field last week. Shanahan said the medical staff was “still evaluating” whether wide receiver Ricky Pearsall could return to practice this week from a knee injury that’s sidelined him for the past two games….Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins will return to practice this week after injuries have delayed the fourth-round pick’s NFL debut.“

49ers Week 6 rookie report: As injuries mount, so do demands on 2025 draft class (paywall)
“Sigle received the sixth-highest overall defensive grade for the 49ers via PFF, due in large part to his strengths as a tackler in the open field. His tackling grade was 79.9, good for second best on the team. … Stout allowed three catches for 35 yards. Three of his five tackles were considered stops. … Defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West had a relatively uneventful evening, each tabbing one tackle apiece. West also recorded a quarterback pressure. … Left guard Connor Colby continued to struggle in pass protection with a 42.6 pass-blocking grade, allowing three pressures and a sack. Of his 69 snaps, 48 were designed pass plays: “Nothing’s perfect,” Shanahan said of Colby. “I think he’s got a number of good plays and a number of plays he’d like to take back. But this is a moment in his career that is going to help him going forward, and not hurt him.”

49ers minutia minute: How Tatum Bethune and the defense fared without Fred Warner (paywall)
“It was a rough outing for Puni, who was twice bulldozed to the ground by Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and who committed a false start on fourth-and-1 late in the fourth quarter that preceded Jones’ second interception. The six pressures allowed were the most in Puni’s career.

Shanahan was asked whether Puni’s preseason knee injury was still affecting him.

“Yeah, I think Dom has played better before, in his rookie year,” he said. “I think his injury coming into this season was a big setback for him, and it made things more difficult. … But a lot of guys are battling stuff. And I’ve got a lot of confidence in Dom. He’s played at a high level before, so I expect him to do it again.”

Mac Jones’ moxie isn’t enough to offset the 49ers’ stunning loss of talent (paywall)
“Some reinforcements are on their way. Purdy could be back for next week’s prime-time game against the Atlanta Falcons. So could Kittle and Pearsall. And with Warner and Bosa out for the season, the 49ers will need plenty of offensive firepower from Kittle and others to remain competitive.

But the season already seems too precarious. Every time someone important returns to the lineup — for example, safety Malik Mustapha on Sunday — someone even more essential — Warner, for example — is lost. And when that happens, the margins for error grow even thinner.

“Fred’s our team captain, and he’s been the leader of this team for a long time,” Jones said. “Really, all you can do is pray for him and know that we have his back. I was disappointed that I didn’t play better for him today.”

Why Fred Warner’s season-ending injury must change 49ers’ trade strategy
“That means any possible conversation surrounding Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, for example, is a non-starter … unless the 49ers intend to sign him to a multi-year contract extension. And that does not seem realistic, either.

Hendrickson is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Whatever it would take for the 49ers to acquire him is too much.

While there is no possible way for the 49ers to reach their ceiling this season without Bosa and Warner, it does not have to mean this year is lost.

The 49ers have 18 first- and second-year players on their 53-man roster. Many of those players are considered key components for the future. They have opportunities to gain valuable experience that will benefit them greatly in 2026 and beyond.

Then, when Bosa and Warner are back in the lineup, they will be surrounded by a better supporting cast.“

Kyle Shanahan provides 49ers updates after Week 6 loss vs. Buccaneers
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Monday, the day after the team’s 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here’s everything he said.“

Shanahan sets the record straight on heated exchange with Jennings during 49ers-Buccaneers
“”I think when you’re in an intense football game and stuff, two people that know each other pretty well and are pretty competitive, [they] can have really, really intense conversations that don’t always come off as a normal conversation, just hanging out after a press conference with you. But it’s stuff that you don’t need to make too many assumptions about because it wasn’t anything that big of a deal.

“Yeah, we were aggressive and intense in our conversations, but I think conversations like that can also lead to making people closer and leading to a better outcome for people.”“

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/golden-nuggets/151532/golden-nuggets-were-on-to-atlanta

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

2 bounce-back performances: Colton McKivitz was the lone bright spot for the 49ers offensive line

I had to squint very hard to find two bounce-back candidates for the 49ers on Sunday. Kendrick Bourne didn’t need to bounce back, but followed up his Thursday night performance with another big receiving day. Renardo Green was good again in coverage for the second straight week. Mac Jones didn’t play terribly, but just not as well as he did against Los Angeles. Jake Tonges was solid again, and Christian McCaffrey continues his streak of the hardest-fought 100-yard scrimmage games in NFL history.

So, who did I settle on from Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay?

Offense: Colton McKivitz

The 49ers’ offensive line, the interior offensive line specifically, didn’t have a great day as a collective unit. However, Colton McKivitz rebounded from his four pressure, two QB hits, a hurry, and a sack allowed performance against the Rams. McKivitz finished with one pressure and a hurry allowed, and was the highest graded offensive player (81.8) and run blocker (82.9). Couple that with a not-too-shabby 76.8 pass blocking grade, which was second only to Trent Williams, and McKivitz bounced back in a big way.

As of today, of all NFL offensive tackles with at least 20% of 433 blocking snaps, McKivitz ranks 12th with a pass blocking grade of 74.4. Lane Johnson of the Eagles is two spots ahead of him. As a run blocker and an overall offensive grade, McKivitz ranks 16th in the NFL in both categories.

Defense: Ji’Ayir Brown

First of all, we’re not blaming Ji’Ayir Brown for Fred Warner’s unfortunate injury. It is worth noting that the 49ers’ defense had only 10 players on the field, and the Bucs ran right toward where the 11th player should have been. Ok, now that we’ve got that out of the way, Brown bounced back in a big way when his number was called after falling out of favor with the 49ers coaching staff.

It was Jason Pinnock who left the field with the return of Malik Mustapha, but with the 49ers easing Mustapha in, it was Brown who was on the field for all 53 defensive snaps. Brown wasn’t targeted on Sunday and finished with two tackles, but cleaned up his angles to tackles and didn’t miss any. With a 79.8 tackling grade, which is good for third best on the team, Brown can use this performance as a confidence builder.

There may not be a spot for him to start with Mustapha back and the team interested in developing promising rookie Marques Sigle, but Brown remaining ready when his number was called shows his mental makeup and toughness.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/genera...lone-bright-spot-for-the-49ers-offensive-line

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

7 pass rush options for the 49ers as they continue to scan the trade market

The San Francisco 49ers only sacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback one time this past Sunday. Mayfield was also pressured 12.6 percent lower than Mac Jones was. In fact, Mayfield was pressured at the sixth-lowest rate of the week.

The lack of pass rush has been consistent for the Niners ever since they lost Nick Bosa for the season. So, it’s no surprise when ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano report that the team is doing their due diligence and scanning the trade market for pass rush options.

One name that continues to come up is Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key, who missed Week 6 with a thigh injury. Watching him against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 was mildly disappointing. Key had a sack, but he was largely invisible for the game. That was the only pressure Key generated all game. It’s mostly been that way for Key this season. He’s had one game where there has been more than one pressure in the box score.

Fowler said the Cincinnati Bengals have no plans to trade Trey Hendrickson as they believe they are still in the hunt. Of course, plenty could change over the next couple of weeks. The Bengals could lose their next three games and end up 2-7 heading into the deadline. Fowler led with the 49ers considering Hendrickson as an “ideal fit” for their defense if the Bengals would part with him for reasonable compensation, whatever that would entail.

Here’s more from Fowler:

Other potential options I suspect the 49ers will check on include edge rushers Rashan Gary (Packers), Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins), Bradley Chubb (Dolphins), Jermaine Johnson (Jets), Will McDonald IV (Jets) and Arden Key (Titans). If the Packers won’t part with Gary — and I don’t think they would — they have pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare, a former starter who’s relegated to a reserve role in a contract year. Pass rusher could elicit the most movement on the trade market overall, and I suspect San Francisco will be involved to some extent.

Robert Saleh drafted Johnson and McDonald. Johnson has only appeared in three games, but has seven run stops and a pressure rate of 12 percent in limited action. His numbers are intriguing, and Johnson is under contract through the 2026 season.

McDonald has played in every game, but he’s a pass-rush first player. He’s playing in 57 percent of the snaps and has two sacks this season with a pressure rate of 10.6 percent.

We discussed Enagbare this past Sunday. Gary feels like a long shot.

That leaves the Dolphins duo of Chubb and Phillips. Chubb’s contract doesn’t void until after the 2027 season, when he’ll be 31. He’s without a doubt the most accomplished player on this list. In six games, Chubb has four sacks and a pressure rate of nearly 13 percent.

You have to cross your fingers every time Phillips takes the field in hopes that he stays healthy. However, the talent is there. He has 11 stops, one sack, and a pressure rate of 15.1 percent. His athleticism and hustle make him a good fit for Robert Saleh’s defense in a pinch.

Will San Francisco look for a temporary replacement for Fred Warner? We can’t rule that out, according to Graziano:

I do think — given their history, their 4-2 record and their goals for this season — that the 49ers will look to add at any or all of the three levels of the defense. They have plenty of cap space to take on contracts if teams are unloading them. I don’t think it needs to be edge help, though that’s probably a priority. If the Jets are dealing players, as most people seem to expect they will, could linebacker Quincy Williams (who’s playing on the final year of his contract) make sense for San Francisco?

Williams is currently on the Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. He is the type of linebacker who can thrive on every down and has sideline-to-sideline speed the Niners covet.

Fowler mentioned Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris, who is also in the final year of his contract, as a potential option to help fill the void left by Warner. The former third-rounder out of Alabama lost his starting gig after missing most of the 2024 season with a calf injury.

In 2023, Harris had three separate games with 12 tackles. He has a nose for the football. He’s also 24 and ran a 4.44 40-yard dash in the 2022 NFL Combine. A linebacker with a 97th percentile 40-yard dash and a 98th percentile broad jump should always raise eyebrows or pique an evaluator’s interest.

One of Harris’s closest comparisons is Nick Martin, who has been a healthy scratch in every game. Is the 49ers’ rookie that far behind where he won’t sniff the field with Warner sidelined? We’ll find out in the coming weeks.

Graziano added that he wouldn’t be shocked if the help the 49ers bring in from the outside comes on the offensive side of the ball, given the injuries at wide receiver and the uncertainty of Brandon Ayiuk’s return.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ers-as-they-continue-to-scan-the-trade-market

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Injury updates: Brock Purdy and Mac Jones practice; Brock is the ‘more limited’ QB

The San Francisco 49ers will return to practice on Wednesday. Kyle Shanahan provided injury updates. Here is who will not practice:

Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring)

Ricky Pearsall (knee)

Skyy Moore (ankle)

Trent Williams (vet day)

Christian McCaffrey (vet day)

Since it’s the first day the injury report is required, always keep an eye on how these players progress as the week goes along. Last week, Alfred Collins was a DNP on Wednesday, but was upgraded to limited on Thursday. Collins ended up playing on Sunday.

Shanahan was asked whether Pearsall’s knee turned out to be more problematic than originally anticipated: “We hoped it would go faster. It’s a thing that’s normal. It’s not going faster than expected. But he’s better this week than last week. Hopefully, it continues.”

Here are the players who will be limited:

Jordan Watkins (calf)

Brock Purdy (toe)

Mac Jones (knee/oblique)

Dominick Puni (knee)

Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib/shoulder)

Renardo Green (neck)

CJ West (thumb)

George Kittle (hamstring)

Kalia Davis (hand)

Shanahan said Purdy is “itching” to get back out there with his teammates. As of now, “Brock is more limited than Mac,” per Shanahan. So, as of now, Jones is likely taking more reps with the first team. Again, keep an eye on whether Brock’s status changes throughout the week.

With Moore not practicing, Shanahan said Jordan Watkins will “get a shot at” returning punts. That position will be evaluated during the week. Shanahan said, “That’s a no. A big no. We’re still working on that,” when asked if Moore should be fielding punts inside the five. That doesn’t sound like Moore will be fielding punts again anytime soon.

Fred Warner’s surgery went “great.” Kyle Shanahan put the timetable for Warner’s return out there for three months. That would mean Warner could return if the 49ers make a playoff run. However, Shanahan said, “We haven’t thought about that yet,” when asked whether Warner could play in the postseason.

Shanahan also said it’s a “huge opportunity” for rookie linebacker Nick Martin to get on the field with Warner’s injury.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...c-jones-practice-brock-is-the-more-limited-qb

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Why the 49ers run game could start to improve this week

The San Francisco 49ers have really struggled in the run game to start the season, being one of the most inefficient rushing attacks in the NFL to date.

Running back Christian McCaffrey has been peppered with volume, ranking second in the NFL with 108 carries. But, he’s only 20th in yards, going for 336, which equates to 3.1 yards per carry. Yikes.

His backup, Brian Robinson Jr. hasn’t been all that efficient either, averaging only 4.0 yards per carry on 27 attempts.

The 49ers don’t have a single rush over 20 yards this year after Jordan Mason had nine a season ago, and McCaffrey had nine in 2023 when averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Red zone running has remained a problem as well. McCaffrey has 25 carries inside the 20-yard line, which is third in the NFL, but has only 34 red zone rushing yards. The main issue has been between the 20 and 10-yard line, where McCaffrey averages just 1.25 yards per carry.

On the contrary, Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league with 31 attempts in the red zone, is averaging 4.3 yards per attempt between the 20 and 10-yard line. For Jahmyr Gibbs, who has the second most attempts at 27, it’s 3.9 yards per carry between that range.

When it comes to the 49ers run game, there have been issues across the board. Naturally, instinct points to the offensive line, where the interior group, specifically guards Connor Colby and Dominick Puni, has struggled.

But, that’s not all the issues. The tight ends and wide receivers have really struggled to block on the outsides, which is a reflection of the team’s injuries. George Kittle has been missing, as have Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel from a year ago. Pair that with Jauan Jennings being nowhere near 100 percent, and you’re relying on Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson for blocks, where the standard is much lower.

Well, Kittle is slated to make his return this week, which should provide a boost to the 49ers run game. Yes, he’s only one player, but the standard is significantly higher when Kittle is on the field as opposed to Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell.

There are questions about Christian McCaffrey’s burst, which looks diminished compared to his 2023 self, but San Francisco should be able to find more efficiency with better blocking in front of the running back.

Now, will it come this week? That’s unclear, but San Francisco is facing an Atlanta defense that ranks 17th in rush yards allowed per game (114.0) and 27th in yards per carry (4.8). However, the Falcons are the best passing defense in the NFL, so it will be important to get positive yardage on early downs, which the team knows.

“I think it’s important to just have positive runs, whether it’s two yards, one yard, just staying ahead of the sticks to give us a chance,” wide receiver Kendrick Bourne said ahead of the week. “I think that’s how you want to play. You don’t want to just try to take shots [and] not trying to do anything that we don’t normally do. I think that’ll keep us in a good position to just help control the game.”

San Francisco needs its run game to start picking things up. With Kittle back, that may finally start becoming a reality.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...art-improve-christian-mccaffrey-george-kittle

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Thursday Night Football thread: It’s a battle between a pair of 40-year-old QBs

In 2008, Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers started every game. It is the year 2025, and both Flacco and Rodgers are starting in October. There’s another 40-year-old pitcher on the diamond that’s starting tonight. I’ll be watching him.

Rodgers, who turns 42 in December, has the Steelers off to a 4-1 start. The Steelers lost to the one quality team on their schedule by two touchdowns. They were fortunate to beat Drake Maye, squeaked by Justin Fields and Carson Wentz, and got Dillion Gabriel in his first start.

Pittsburgh’s schedule doesn’t get much tougher on Thursday night. Now they’ll face 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who led the Cincinnati Bengals to a season-high 19 points against the Green Bay Packers last week. Flacco threw the ball 45 times. The Bengals don’t have much of a running game, so Flacco could see plenty of attempts once again tonight.

I think Flacco and the Bengals win. If you’re tuning in to watch Trey Hendrickson, he’s inactive.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/game-d...ts-a-battle-between-a-pair-of-40-year-old-qbs

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris meet again

The “Shanahan coaching tree” has many members. Many of whom are employed as head coaches or assistant coaches to this day. That applies to both offensive and defensive minds alike. Sunday night’s game is a reunion of sorts between Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris.

The pair worked together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004 under Jon Gruden. Shanahan started as offensive quality control coach, and Morris was a defensive assistant in 2003 before becoming the assistant defensive backs coach in 2004. Shanahan would break down game film for Gruden and draw up plays that Gruden would use and add to his playbook.

Morris would depart for Kansas State before the 2006 season to become their defensive coordinator. Shanahan was hired by Gary Kubiak to become the wide receivers coach for the Houston Texans. With a return to the Bucs in 2007, Morris began his second stint with Tampa Bay, but this time as the primary defensive backs coach. The Buccaneers became the top pass defense in the NFL. Shanahan became the Texans’ quarterbacks coach in 2007, while being offered the offensive coordinator position at the University of Minnesota. Citing the desire to be an NFL coach, Shanahan declined.

Before the 2009 season, Morris took the defensive coordinator job for the Bucs under Gruden. One month after his promotion, Morris would be promoted to head coach following Gruden’s dismissal. Shanahan had become the youngest coordinator in the NFL as the Texans promoted him to offensive coordinator before the 2008 season. Matt Schaub led the NFL in passing yards, and Andre Johnson led the league in receiving yards under Shanahan.

Morris would fail to reach the playoffs in the NFC as head coach in Tampa Bay and was let go before the 2012 season after losing his final ten games. Shanahan joined his father in Washington in 2010 to become the offensive coordinator, and Morris would join him following his time in Tampa Bay to become the defensive backs coach. The younger Shanahan would try to convince his father to hire Morris as the defensive coordinator. Mike would ignore his son’s case.

Following the 2013 season, Shanahan would move on to Cleveland as offensive coordinator under Mike Pettine. After a one-and-done year, Shanahan moved on to Atlanta for the OC job and was joined by Morris, who was hired as assistant head coach, defensive backs coach, and defensive pass game coordinator. After an 8-8 season in 2015, Shanahan and Morris would team up as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, and pass game coordinator. The Falcons would come within moments of winning the Super Bowl.

The Falcons would see Shanahan walk to become the 49ers’ head coach, while Morris would stay with the organization until 2020, serving as defensive coordinator and head coach in his final season. The duo would clash from 2021 to 2023, as Morris became the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams won the ultimate prize, and Shanahan is still in search of his Lombardi.

Now, Morris and Shanahan meet again on Sunday night. The two have grown together with different organizations and jobs. Shanahan has never been shy about his praise for Morris.

Following his hire as head coach for the Falcons before the 2024 season, Shanahan said, “Oh, it’s way past due. Raheem’s one of the best coaches I’ve been with.”

Shanahan continued: “I got to work with him earlier in my career in Tampa. When I was young, I was trying to get my dad to hire him as a D-Coordinator. He ended up becoming a head coach so fast. Then I got a chance to work with him in Washington. Then Atlanta, he actually was on defense.”

The two are very familiar with each other. The chess match between two coaches will be fascinating on Sunday night.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/general/151663/kyle-shanahan-and-raheem-morris-meet-again

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Mac Jones will get a 5th start on Sunday

The San Francisco 49ers ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy on Friday, as Mac Jones will get his fifth start of the season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

Purdy had been limited all week with his toe injury, but head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged it was likely that Jones would start as the former continues to rehab.

In addition to Purdy, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been ruled out and will miss his third consecutive game with a knee injury. Pearsall did not practice at all this week, marking his third straight week without participating in a session.

Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos was ruled out with knee and hamstring injuries. He also did not practice this week and will miss his second straight game.

The 49ers listed defensive tackle Kevin Givens, cornerback Upton Stout, and cornerback Renardo Green as questionable for the game. Givens is slated to make his season debut, as he works his way back from a pectoral injury that prompted him to start the year on Injured Reserve. Shanahan said Givens will ‘most likely’ be activated for the game.

Stout wasn’t on the injury report on Wednesday, but popped up on Thursday with an ankle injury and wasn’t out there at the start of practice on Friday. Shanahan said he suffered the injury on the last play of practice Thursday, which is why he wasn’t out there on Friday. Green has been limited all week with a neck injury, which was the case in Week 5 as well.

San Francisco is also activating tight end George Kittle off Injured Reserve, so he’ll return after missing the last five weeks with a hamstring injury. With Fred Warner and wide receiver Marques Valdez-Scantling going on IR, Givens and Kittle could take the two open roster spots that are created.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...jones-to-start-brock-purdy-ricky-pearsall-out

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Former 49ers exec says to keep an eye out on trade for familiar face

The San Francisco 49ers are heading into Week 7 with a 4-2 record, coming off a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend.

At 4-2, the 49ers are leading the division, but there are more questions than answers after it was revealed that star linebacker Fred Warner had dislocated and broken his ankle, effectively ending his season.

San Francisco was already down star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who tore his ACL earlier in the year, and now loses their other most important defensive player, who had been playing at a high level before the ankle injury.

The two injuries have raised the question whether the 49ers should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, with some looking to keep pushing with a 4-2 record and others looking to recoup some draft capital in a “reset” year.

CBS Sports’s Jonathan Jones sees them as buyers at the trade deadline, specifically focusing on help at edge rusher, which he believes is an even bigger priority after the Warner injury.

“Quite a large [injury] bug for the San Francisco 49ers,” Jones said earlier this week. “Before Fred Warner’s injury, they needed edge rush help. Nick Bosa goes down with that ACL. They needed edge rush help before he went down with the ACL. They certainly needed it after that fact, but teams aren’t willing to just part with really good edge rushers.

“Of course, we know, as evidenced by just a moment ago, they’re going to be in competition with other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps the Baltimore Ravens, if they still feel like they have a window, for an edge rusher. And what is making it even more crucial is that they’re not going to get a replacement for Fred Warner at the inside linebacker position. No one out there is like Fred Warner, and so it becomes even more imperative to be able to affect the passer. And so that’s why, even more than before Fred Warner’s injury, now especially, the 49ers need to go get some edge rush help.”

In addition, former 49ers executive and Tennessee Titans General Manager Ron Carthon pointed out one specific player as a potential trade candidate: Arden Key.

“A name that I want everyone to keep an eye on is Arden Key, who’s an outside linebacker/edge for the Tennessee Titans,” Carthon said on CBS Sports earlier this week. “Obviously, they just let go of their head coach today. He is a guy that is on an expiring contract, and he played there in 2021, where he resurrected his career. It wasn’t for Robert Saleh, but it was under DeMeco Ryans, but it was under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.

“And so that’s a name to keep an eye on there because he gives you an edge presence, but he also made his hay rushing inside, which will then allow them to continue bringing along Mykel Williams.”

San Francisco was linked to several edge rushers earlier this week by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, making it likely that they look to make a move in the coming weeks to add depth there. If they’re not looking to make a major swing, Key seems like a good fit on an expiring deal that shouldn’t cost too much draft capital.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...e-says-trade-edge-rusher-arden-key-john-lynch