RSS 49ers Team Notes

[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

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

The 49ers will be without their first and second round picks from the 2024 NFL Draft against the Colts

The San Francisco 49ers placed linebacker Nick Martin on the Injured Reserve. He’s been out since he suffered a concussion in Week 15. After being limited this week during practice, it’s likely the 49ers activate defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos from the Injured Reserve as the corresponding move.

Ricky Pearsall didn’t practice for the third straight day. For most players, that’s a sign that you’re not going to play in the upcoming game. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously stated this week that Pearsall “doesn’t need a full practice” to play. But Kyle Shanahan ruled Pearsall out.

Pearsall will not travel with the team. Shanahan said, “He was close, but not close enough.”

The team will likely rely heavily on Christian McCaffrey in the passing game, a week after McCaffrey wasn’t all that involved. As for the wide receivers, we’ll probably see an uptick in snaps for Kendrick Bourne, and perhaps a bigger role for Demarcus Robinson. Last week, Pearsall was targeted a team-high 30 percent, so there are plenty of targets to go around.

Here’s the 49ers’ final injury report:

Out:

WR Ricky Pearsall (ankle/knee)
CB Renardo Green (neck)
QB Kurtis Rourke

Questionable:

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring)

Shanahan confirmed that Green had a setback, saying, “His neck has been bothering him since the game. It just didn’t get any better, so we had to shut him down for the week.”

Darrell Luter Jr. has been the next cornerback up when either Green or Deommodore Lenoir can’t play.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks is available to play. Shanahan said the plan was for Tatum Bethune, who is not listed on the injury report, to step back into his role as middle linebacker. Bethune, “had a good week, is healthy, had no tag on him, so he’s good to go.”

As for Gross-Matos, Shanahan said, “He had a good two days when we got him out there. We rested him today. We’ll decide on that when we have to, which I think is Monday. We’ll feel it out over these next two days.”

Another defensive lineman, Sam Okauyinonu, had a good week of practice and is also expected to play.

Bethune, Okuayinonu, and left guard Spencer Burford were all upgraded from limited to full participants. Linebacker Dee Winters was listed on the injury report with a wrist injury, but he practiced in full both Friday and Saturday.

Here is a look at the Colts’ final injury report:

Out
QB Anthony Richardson (eye)
CB Sauce Gardner (calf)
WR Anthony Gould (foot)
S Daniel Scott (knee)
Questionable
DT DeForest Buckner (neck)
T Bernhard Raimann (elbow)

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...cks-from-the-2024-nfl-draft-against-the-colts

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: What a beautiful Sunday to hate-watch the NFC

49ers’ Ricky Pearsall out for Monday’s game at Colts with knee injury (paywall)
“Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall came close to playing versus the Colts. But he didn’t practice this week and was limited to sprinting on a side field during Friday’s session.

“He was close, but not close enough,” Shanahan said.“

49ers vs. Colts: The Standard’s 5 fast predictions (paywall)
“Kawakami: Colts 27, 49ers 24. Grandpa QB beats Purdy! Bring on the DISCOURSE! I’m predicting it and also saying likely in reality it won’t be as pointed as all that. I think Purdy will play fine. But if the 49ers aren’t super-efficient, there’s a window for Rivers to make a few plays and Taylor and the Colts’ offensive line to finish it off. (Yes, I’ve hit my last nine 49ers-game predictions. We’ll see if it’s 10-for-10.).”

Kyle Shanahan reveals funny story of why Brock Purdy made him proud vs. Titans
“”My wife tells me that sometimes I got to give people compliments more,” Shanahan said last month. “They got to hear them. So I’m trying to do that better.”….“So proud of you right there, Brock,” Shanahan was shown telling Purdy through their sideline-to-helmet radio communication.

It appeared to be a nice moment between coach and player, but . . .

“That was sarcasm,” Shanahan said on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan.” “I was trying to piss him off.”

Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area he did not properly execute a simple play against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. So when the same play was called against the Titans in Week 15, Purdy got derisive praise from his coach when the pass went to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the correct target.

Shanahan said the play in particular has been an ongoing battle to get Purdy to settle for the safe option.

“We have an easy, quick (pass) play to Juice in the flat,” Shanahan said. “It’s designed to get 3 yards, and he might turn it up and get more. And the last, like, five times I’ve called it, he’s bypassed (Juszczyk) and tried to go for a deeper one.

“So we’ve been giving him crap for a long time that he can’t hit a guy in the flat quickly. And then he did it, and I said that just to piss him off, so he could flip me off, kind of subtly. But it was awesome.”

Shanahan called the play on a second-and-6 situation in the third quarter. Juszczyk turned the short pass into a 7-yard gain.

Shanahan said he could not see Purdy’s immediate reaction to his wisecrack.

“He was too far away, but I know he’s rolling his eyes,” Shanahan said of Purdy. “That was cool, though. I’m glad he did it, and sometimes when you piss guys off, they do it more. So that was the ultimate goal.”

Kyle Shanahan states 49ers trading DeForest Buckner to Colts ‘sucked so bad’
“Coach Kyle Shanahan might still believe it was the correct decision, but he said on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan” that it does not minimize how difficult it was to part with a player and person such as Buckner.

“We’ve had some tough decisions since then, but I would say that was the toughest, because it wasn’t something that you had to do,” Shanahan said. “But it was something that was the right thing, and it had nothing to do with DeForest. He was that good of a player and, gosh, I wish he was still here.”

Why 49ers’ Brock Purdy might need to be better than ever against Colts (paywall)
“The last two QBs the 49ers have faced: Tennessee’s Cam Ward and Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders, 23-year-old rookies who have combined for 18 career starts and 607 pass attempts. Now they’ll get Rivers, who was a junior at North Carolina State when Ward and Sanders were born, and has 241 starts and 8,161 attempts, the 10th-most in NFL history.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh likely won’t be able to fool Rivers, who, he said, was able to expertly dissect coverages in last week’s 18-16 loss at Seattle, his first game since Jan. 3, 2021.

“You saw a guy who could make every single read, who’s still capable of getting the ball wherever he needs to get it to,” said Saleh, who is two years older than Rivers. “It’s amazing. I mean, it’s five years without playing football. … Shoot, I roll out of bed and I’m sore.”

Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Colts Week 16 matchup
“Atlanta Falcons QB Krik Cousins went viral this week doing a dissertation about how difficult it is for quarterbacks to decipher coverages pre-snap and how progressions have had to change as a result. When he first got in the league, it was half the field, now it’s pure progressions, one, two, three, four, five. Have you seen that evolution? Have you had to change your offense in the same way?

“Oh, yeah. We’ve been doing progression reads for a while. I’d say like when I first started just, [general manager and president of football operations John] Lynch actually sent me what Kirk did last night. Kirk’s a smart guy, he should be on TV. He explained it well. So, everyone should watch that instead of what I’m about to say. But, when we first got in the league, it was so simple with two-shell, one-shell, so you just picked a side and you had two guys down to your back. The teams that disguised, it was always harder and sometimes quarterback gets caught on the wrong side and you don’t have as good of a play and you’ve got to find your outlet to a back. The more years that have gone by, I can sit in my office with a remote slowing it down and everything and it takes me a while to figure out whether it’s two-shell or one-shell and things like that. So you start to, you have plays in that are across the board reads where it used to be maybe 90 to 10. And the more defenses get used to what you’re doing 90-percent of the time, they get better at it. So, the plays you do 10-percent of the time are the ones you have more success on. So, the next year you go into training camp and you work more of those plays and then it just slowly evolves. I thought what Kirk was saying is a good example of everything. Whatever someone consistently does, and you get good at, the defenses will eventually stop it. And everything has always got to evolve like that.”

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...out-monday-night-football-colts-philip-rivers

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

NFL Week 16 early game thread: It’s a battle for the NFC South lead

Most of the games on Sunday in Week 16 are between teams with nothing to play for. There are several examples, like Josh Allen traveling to Cleveland to take on the Browns. It’s somewhat of a sandwich spot for the Bills, as they are off a huge win against the Patriots and face the Eagles next week. How much will they be motivated to play the Browns?

The Dallas Cowboys looked like they were making a playoff run, but fell flat on their face last week. The Eagles’ loss ended their postseason dreams. The Cowboys host the 10-4 Chargers today. Jim Harbaugh is currently in the playoffs, but I think Dallas wins today.

The Chiefs aren’t in the playoffs. They take on the Titans. We’ll also see Quinn Ewers make his first start against the Bengals, another disappointing team. If you are watching the Jets and the Saints, you probably have a relative on one of the teams. The same is probably true for the Vikings and Giants.

The one game that means something this morning is between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses a week ago. Neither team is predictable, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions from the game. I think it would be cool to see the Panthers make the playoffs. I’m sure the San Francisco 49ers feel the same way.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...me-thread-its-a-battle-for-the-nfc-south-lead

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers playoff picture: The Lions loss means Kyle Shanahan is in the postseason

The Seattle Seahawks looked like a team that didn’t trust its quarterback. They were running the ball in situations perceived as passing. Sam Darnold threw two costly interceptions when Seattle let him throw. They couldn’t have happened at worse times.

On the flipside, Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams connected for 12 receptions and 225 yards, while Stafford threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns en route to 37 points.

Darnold threw an interception as the Seahawks’ offense was driving. Not only did it take points off the board for Seattle, but the Los Angeles Rams were opportunistic enough to not only catch it, but return it inside the five-yard line. That was the second time in as many games Darnold gifted the Rams the ball inside near the goal line.

Speaking of the goal line, Darnold’s second interception came on a disguise he didn’t see coming. It was yet another opportunity squashed. The final straw came when Seattle called a pair of screen passes and ran it on a drive after they tied the score at 30.

The Seahawks’ defense kept them in it, which is odd to say for a team that allowed 30 points. As the game headed to overtime, the one way the 49ers could beat the Colts and not move ahead of Seattle was if the game ended in a tie. That’d be because the Seahawks would still be one up on the Niners in the loss column, at 11-3-1.

A Seahawks loss would mean the 49ers would have the tiebreaker over the Seahawks with a Week 15 win over the Colts, as the 49ers hold the tiebreaker in the NFC West with four wins compared to Seattle’s two.

What’s been glossed over is how gettable the Rams defense has been. Despite Darnold’s turnovers, the Seahawks found ways to move the ball. That didn’t change in overtime, and Darnold made a tremendous throw to keep Seattle alive. Then, a two-point conversion to win the game.

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Seattle moved to first place in the NFC West and the NFC. If they win out, they will be the No. 1 seed in the NFL.

The 49ers also control their own destiny. If San Francisco wins its next three games, it will be the No. 1 seed. Thursday night went about as well as you could have hoped results-wise for the 49ers. Both teams showed cracks on both sides of the ball, and how they could potentially be vulnerable down the stretch. Best of all, the Seahawks won, opening the door to win the top seed and earn a coveted bye.

Any other loss by the 49ers would require the Rams to lose again to remain the No. 1 seed.

The biggest deal about the Rams losing isn’t just the 49ers’ odds jumping to 23 percent to get the No. 1 seed; it’s their playoff odds shooting up to 99 percent. There’s a way for the 49ers to lose all three games and still make the playoffs. The Lions winning out is one of the few ways the 49ers would miss the postseason if they lose every game.

Win, and you’re in.

What the Eagles and Bears’ wins mean for the NFC standings​

The Eagles clinched the NFC East by beating the Washington Commanders on Saturday. They will likely be the 3-seed in the NFC, barring something crazy happening. As it stands, the Eagles currently have less than a 1% chance of earning the No. 1 seed.

If the playoffs started today, the 49ers would face the Eagles. Those projections have been steady for a few weeks now. It may seem as though the Eagles are figuring things out, but we’re talking about the same team that was trailing 10-7 at halftime to the Commanders.

The Bears continue to do the improbable. They recovered an onside kick, went down and scored a touchdown to force overtime, and then were fortunate to recover a fumble in the extra period. Chicago hasn’t gotten countless breaks this season, but that shouldn’t take away from them winning 11 games.

The 49ers will move up to the fifth seed if they beat the Colts on Monday night and slide into the team that plays the NFC South winner. That’s currently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they travel to Carolina this Sunday to play the Panthers. If Carolina wins, that means they are the fourth seed.

Green Bay remains the seventh seed, but is holding on for dear life. One team that was likely thrilled with the Bears beating the Packers is the Detroit Lions, who are now only one game back in the loss column behind Green Bay.

The Lions face the Steelers this week, then get the Vikings next week. Green Bay, which may not have Jordan Love after he left with a concussion on Saturday night, gets Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. A Packers loss combined with Lions wins in the next two weeks means Detroit leapfrogs Green Bay into the seventh seed. As far-fetched as it seems, the Lions can still reach the No. 2 seed if they win out, as they travel to Chicago in Week 18.

What the Lions loss means for the 49ers playoff hopes​

The Detroit Lions got the help they needed from Green Bay on Saturday, but ended up losing a home game to the Pittsburgh Steelers in dramatic fashion. The 49ers could have clinched a playoff berth by beating the Colts on Monday night. We won’t have to wait until the Niners play, as the other scenario involving them making the postseason was the Lions losing to the Steelers.

The Panthers beat the Buccaneers, which means they catapult to the fourth seed, while Tampa Bay falls below a team that’s eliminated from playoff contention. That’s how porous the NFC South has been this season.

But if the 49ers beat the Colts on Monday night, they’ll swap spots with the Rams, as the 49ers. Both teams split head-to-head, but the 49ers have one more division win, thus owning the tiebreaker over Los Angeles.

It’s been a good weekend for the 49ers, and they haven’t even played yet.

NFC West standings​

1. Seattle Seahawks 12-3
2. Los Angeles Rams 11-4
3. San Francisco 49ers 10-4
4. Arizona Cardinals 3-12

Current NFC playoff picture​

1. Seattle Seahawks 12-3 (clinched playoff spot)
2. Chicago Bears 11-4
3. Philadelphia Eagles 10-5 (clinched NFC East)
4. Carolina Panthers 8-7
5. Los Angeles Rams 11-4 (clinched a playoff spot)
6. San Francisco 49ers 10-4
7. Green Bay Packers 9-5-1
8. Detroit Lions 8-7
9. Minnesota Vikings 7-8 (eliminated)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-8

NFC teams eliminated from playoff contention​

• Minnesota Vikings
• Atlanta Falcons
• Arizona Cardinals
• New Orleans Saints
• Washington Commanders
• New York Giants

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...s-nfc-standings-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers’ injury report boosts hope of a defensive bounce back in Week 16

While the 49ers’ Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans never looked in doubt, the dominant nature of the victory did not mask a troubling performance from the San Francisco defense, which will need to bounce back if Kyle Shanahan’s playoff-bound Niners are to take another step towards the one seed in the NFC by beating the Indianapolis Colts.

The 49ers proved hugely susceptible to the run, giving up 6.8 yards per rush, with Tony Pollard averaging 7.4 yards a carry as he racked up 104 yards and a touchdown.

San Francisco was relatively successful in getting off the field as the Titans went three for nine on third down, with three of their drives ending in a punt. Yet the secondary had a difficult day in preventing the big play and Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward had what was his best game of the season by passer rating (101.2) — prior to Tennessee’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs (122.3) — as he threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

The defensive issues stemmed in part from a glaring lack of pass rush. The 49ers had zero sacks on 29 pass attempts on a quarterback who, following the Titans’ clash with the Chiefs, has suffered 51 sacks this season.

In addition, the drop-off in play at linebacker was noticeable with several members of the depth chart at that position sidelined.

Curtis Robinson’s story is a superb tale of perseverance and it has been great to see the 49ers’ Man of the Year nominee get his chance to start, yet the drop-off from Fred Warner — watching again from the stands as he rehabs his ankle injury — to third-stringer Robinson at MIKE linebacker could hardly have been more stark.

Robinson’s athletic limitations showed up in coverage and against the run as the 49ers continually gave up significant gains to the Titans on outside zone runs.

The 49ers can ill-afford have sub-par play at linebacker in their matchup against the Colts, one in which Indianapolis will likely lean on Jonathan Taylor and the run game to take the pressure off 44-year-old Philip Rivers in his second start since his surprise return to the game.

Rivers is sure to focus on attacking short to intermediate areas and place an emphasis on throws inside the numbers, making improved play at linebacker paramount.

Fortunately, the 49ers won’t need to rely on Robinson on Monday Night Football.

A double boost at linebacker​

Rookie seventh-rounder Tatum Bethune is back from an ankle injury and primed to return to the MIKE spot. While Bethune is far from the caliber of Warner, he gives the 49ers a huge boost over Robinson with his athleticism and play in pursuit.

On top of that, veteran Eric Kendricks shaking off a calf injury puts him in a position to make his debut with an elevation from the practice squad. With Bethune, Dee Winters and potentially Kendricks in the lineup, the 49ers have a strong blend of physical gifts and experience at linebacker.

The 49ers can, as such, afford to have some confidence of limiting Rivers’ safety nets, and there is also reason for optimism surrounding the anaemic pass rush.

Pass rush in a better spot​

Sam Okuayinonu, quietly one of the 49ers’ better pass rushers this season, is set to return from an ankle injury and play for the first time since the Week 12 win over the Carolina Panthers, while Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) is questionable to make his return and play for the first time since Week 5.

If the 49ers get back Gross-Matos back in addition to Okuayinonu, it would greatly diversify San Francisco’s options up front by giving them two pass rushers who can thrive playing both inside and out. Gross-Matos, who still leads all interior defensive linemen in pass rush win rate (23.8%) despite only playing five games, figures to offer a substantial boost to the 49ers’ hopes of generating pass rush up the middle.

San Francisco’s defense is still far from full strength but, with the positive injury news at linebacker and on the defensive front, the 49ers are in a much better spot to defend against the Colts’ attack and make the most of going against a quarterback who has significant limitations at this point in his career.

In a key primetime matchup, the 49er defense is in an excellent position for a bounce-back effort.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...ort-boosts-hope-defensive-bounce-back-week-16

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Golden Nuggets: Victory Tuesday!

Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey have big night against Colts
“McCaffrey, who racked up 117 yards on 21 carries, surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season, the fifth time he has done it in his career.”

The 49ers want you to believe they don’t need a defense
“The positives for that group were that CJ West and Alfred Collins were put in increased roles, and both came up with monumental plays. West, at least, looked constantly disruptive, and I will be watching his sack through a double team a half-dozen more times.

Upton Stout, too, looked tremendous. He had two elite reps against Josh Downs tonight.

And Dee Winters was rewarded with a score for a high-IQ baiting of Rivers on an “Orlando” audible he’d already called earlier. He’s been the 49ers’ defensive player of the year.

Is that enough, though? Is getting Yetur Gross-Matos back, and having a defensive end group of him, Bryce Huff, Sam Okuayinonu, Keion White and their young defensive tackle group enough to survive in the playoffs? With a weak, ailing middle linebacker (or a veteran off the street in Eric Kendricks) and a secondary no one trusts behind it?“

Brock Purdy throws five TDs as 49ers outgun Colts in 48-27 scoreboard bonanza (paywall)
“Colts fans began to filter out with a little more than four minutes left in regulation, paused for a late Purdy interception, then proceeded to leave after Rivers tossed a pick-six to 49ers linebacker Dee Winters that clinched the final outcome.”

Meet Siran Neal: How the 49ers’ most underrated player emerged this season (paywall)
“It’s basically like driving a car,” Neal said. “Just keep looking two cars ahead of you. And keep your foot on the gas.”

Neal has 14 tackles on kick coverage this season, as well as helping clear a path for others.

“His name doesn’t always pop up, but man, those are huge plays in a game and that outside gunner it’s a really thankless and tough job,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said on his weekly KNBR radio show recently. “I think it’s the hardest job, outside of quarterback, in all of football. It is brutal out there.”

Has 49ers’ Robert Saleh rebounded back into head coach talks?
“To that end, Saleh has continued to adapt his scheme. He has skewed away from rushing four and playing Cover 3 behind it, opting to play Cover 4 at the second-highest rate in the NFL (22.4% of snaps) and with two-high safeties the sixth most in the league (50.9%). (In 2019, Saleh’s Niners played Cover 4 on 17.4% of opponent dropbacks, with two-high safeties on 37.8% of snaps.)

The idea is to force opposing offenses to execute long drives where more snaps increase the possibilities of a mistake. San Francisco has allowed the fourth-fewest explosive plays (passes of 20-plus yards or rushes of 10-plus yards) in the league.“

Brock Purdy throws five TDs as 49ers outgun Colts in 48-27 scoreboard bonanza (paywall)
“The game initially appeared like it might belong to the team that last had the ball, but a costly kickoff return fumble by the Colts in the second quarter helped the 49ers gain separation. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown punched the ball out, and tight end Jake Tonges recovered the fumble. The Niners scored six soon thereafter.

The 49ers then added another touchdown to open the second half. The Colts won the coin toss but elected to receive. They apparently wanted Rivers to get the ball first.“

49ers reflect on difficult journey to the postseason, look ahead to the playoffs
“I remember starting this offseason, bringing the guys over to my house back in OTAs and all the vets, guys that have been here for three or four years,” Shanahan said. “There were always guys who, every time we’ve gone to OTAs, it’s been all about trying to get to a Super Bowl, trying to win a Super Bowl, and I wanted to make sure that we didn’t really talk that way this year. We needed to focus on just trying to be the best team we could be and we’ll see what happens. That’s kind of been our motto all year, and I was just so proud that I actually now, last night, could congratulate them and actually talk about the playoffs because they are in that, they got in there, and now it’s time to position ourselves to try to do something special in that.”

Shanahan wanted to implement that mindset based on the lessons learned from 2020, which was another season where the 49ers were coming off a Super Bowl but wound up with six wins. Injuries sunk that team’s chances and crushed player morale, which is something Shanahan wanted to avoid.

“I wanted guys to just know like you can’t always look at it that way (Super Bowl or bust),” Shanahan said. “Like if you do, a couple bad things happen, a couple injuries happen and you can get very deflated. I wanted guys to just focus on being the best they can and earning the right to talk that way and those guys did that. They earned to get in the playoffs and now we’ll see what we can do in it.”

That strategy has worked for the 49ers, who have seen their one-game-at-a-time approach build a team that could wind up being tough to beat once the postseason begins.

“I think that was awesome that he did that because the last couple of years, the culture and the teams that we’ve had, that was a realistic goal to go attack the first seed, go make it deep into the playoffs, go make it to the Super Bowl, win it,” Purdy said. “Like those are great goals and realistic. This year, I think it was just really cool for him to understand our team, where we’re at, the turnover and all that kind of thing and being real with the older guys that have been here. “And the challenge of, ‘Hey, man, we’ve got to win some gritty games early in the year, in the middle of the season, and then late in the year, and see where we’re at when it’s all said and done.’

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...e-ankle-knee-injury-dee-winters-saleh-defense

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

George Kittle believes the Colts hip-drop tackled him and that’s how he got injured

We’ll know more about how the San Francisco 49ers fared on the injury front once Kyle Shanahan speaks. Tatum Bethune and George Kittle’s ankles are what we should be concerned about.

After Monday night, Kittle told the media he believed he avoided a serious injury: “My concern level? I don’t think it’s a high ankle sprain. You know, we’ll take it one day at a time, and we’ll go from there.”

The last thing the 49ers can do is have Kittle miss a game. Kittle continued explaining when the injury happened: “It happened in the second quarter. Felt like I got hip-dropped. Ankle got stuck on the grass or the turf. The cork turf, really weird field.”

Kittle came up gimpy on this play:

George Kittle left the game with an unfortunate-looking ankle injury and is questionable to return per @AdamSchefter.

Hoping it's nothing bad. pic.twitter.com/aB9yWCrTAa

— Covers (@Covers) December 23, 2025

This is the play where Kittle got rolled up on:

George Kittle said last night that he injured his ankle in the second quarter on an apparent hip-drop tackle. That play appears to have come early in the third quarter on the reception that put Kittle over 100 yards for the game. pic.twitter.com/qSHSaaMrOE

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 23, 2025

The play above happened in the third quarter, where safety Cam Bynum landed on Kittle’s ankle.

Kittle continued: “Tried to tape it up, went in in the third quarter. It just got worse from there. If I can’t run very fast or plant, then I think it’s better for other tight ends to go out there and make plays.”

This is the definition of a hip drop tackle: “When a defender grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms and unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

For the second week in a row, the 49ers likely missed out on a 15-yard penalty.

Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/san-fr...drop-tackled-him-and-thats-how-he-got-injured