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San Francisco Takes 10th Loss of Season Against Lions
Despite bringing a 21-13 lead into halftime, the 49ers fell short in a shootout with the Detroit Lions in a 40-35 finish. While the San Francisco offense was firing on all cylinders to start, QB Brock Purdy threw two interceptions in the second half to kill any momentum.
Purdy finished with 377 passing yards and three touchdowns, but his two picks to Lions S Kerby Joseph took San Francisco out of the game. Purdy suffered a late hand injury and was pulled, leaving QB Josh Dobbs to finish the game.
Even though they were facing the NFC’s best offense, the Niners defense deserves plenty of blame, giving up 40 points and 441 yards on offense.
There were issues in all three phases, however, as K Jake Moody’s poor season continued. The second-year kicker went 0-for-2 on field goal attempts, which was a definite factor. He also missed a PAT in overtime. The 49ers’ final drive saw them trailing by 12, meaning they could have been down less than 7 should Moody had made his tries.
After Moody’s first miss at the end of the first half, the 49ers were beaten 27-13 in the second half.
Niners Get Isaac Guerendo Back
While it will still be a tall order, the 49ers can at least enter Monday Night Football with RB Isaac Guerendo. San Francisco is eliminated from playoff contention, but the Lions are still trying to lock up the NFC North and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan spoke on Guerndo’s chances for Monday, and the update is a positive one.
“It was good to have him back,” Shanahan said. “We had a full-speed practice yesterday and he looked good so looks like no hold backs. He’s good to go.”
49ers Face Lions on MNF
Date/Time: Monday, December 30, 8:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: ESPN
Odds: Lions -3.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 40-28-1
Last Meeting: 49ers won 34-31 on January 28, 2024
Week 16
San Francisco Stumbles in Miami
The 49ers were unable to complete their comeback on Sunday, falling to the Miami Dolphins in a 17-29 defeat. Despite a Deebo Samuel touchdown that earned them a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter, San Francisco spent the large majority of the game trailing.
The Niners had a chance to win the game late, trailing 22-17 with just over 2 minutes remaining. However, QB Brock Purdy tossed a non-competitive pass that was easily intercepted by Miami CB Kader Kohou.
A 50-yard touchdown run from Dolphins RB Devon Achane shortly after put an exclamation point on Miami’s win. The Dolphins ran for 167 yards in the game, while San Francisco and RB Patrick Taylor struggled to get going with just 81 total rushing yards for the team.
A positive that the 49ers can take away was the performance from Deebo. After a controversial past two weeks and a year filled with struggles, Samuel racked up 121 total yards and a touchdown in the loss.
49ers QB Brock Purdy Evaluates Season
After a mixed bag this year, the 49ers and Brock Purdy are in a weird spot. He’s clearly a talented QB, but San Francisco has to figure out if and how they will pay him with a contract extension.
In 2024, Purdy has regressed in just about every statistical category. He recognized during a press conference on December 19.
“Yeah I think, there’s some plays out there that I’d love to have back and I wish I could’ve been better for my team and for myself. But at the same time, I feel like there’s been some growth in my game… I think I need to get better and get back to playing at the chip on my shoulder like it was my first two years of every game, every down trying to prove to myself that I’m the guy for this team and I’m capable of doing it,” Purdy explained.
In Purdy’s defense, the 49ers have faced a flurry of injuries this season. Names like RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Brandon Aiyuk and T Trent Williams have all missed significant time.
San Francisco Travels to South Beach
Date/Time: Sunday, December 22, 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: CBS
Odds: Dolphins -1.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Dolphins lead 8-7
Last Meeting: 49ers won 33-17 on December 4, 2022
Week 15
49ers Fail to Reach Endzone in Must-Win Game
In a must-win game, San Francisco was unable to reach the endzone. The Niners lost 12-6 on Thursday night, dropping the team to 6-8 and putting the playoffs nearly out of reach.
While Los Angeles was unable to cross the goal line themselves, the 49ers offense and head coach Kyle Shanahan will have to shoulder the blame of the loss. QB Brock Purdy completed just 14 of 31 passes on a windy night in Glendale, California, throwing for 142 yards and an interception in the process.
The 49ers were unable to get the rushing attack going either, as RB Isaac Guerendo ran 16 times for 63 yards. The stat line that may be a major talking point will be WR Deebo Samuel’s 3 catches for 16 yards.
Purdy targeted Deebo 6 times, but was unable to connect half the time. Considering Samuel’s recent comments about getting the ball, the follow-up comments from this game ought to be something to watch.
49ers Face Rams in Major NFC West Clash
Date/Time: Thursday, December 12, 8:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: Amazon Prime
Odds: 49ers -2.5 (-118) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 78-70-3
Last Meeting: Rams won 2 on 27-24 on September 22, 2024
Final Injury Designations for TNF
49ers
G Ben Bartch (ankle) – OUT
S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) – OUT
T Trent Williams (ankle) – OUT
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Khalil Davis (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE
RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) – QUESTIONABLE
Rams
CB Cobie Durant (chest) – OUT
TE Tyler Higbee (knee) – OUT
TE Davis Allen (shoulder) – QUESTIONABLE
DE Tyler Davis (calf) – QUESTIONABLE
T Alaric Jackson (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
C Beaux Limmer (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) – QUESTIONABLE
WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder) – QUESTIONABLE
Week 14
San Francisco RB Speaks on Recent Injury
While the 49ers were able to earn a comprehensive victory over Chicago, San Francisco faced another potential injury setback. RB Isaac Guerendo had to exit to the locker room after an impressive 2-touchdown performance.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said that the injury is likely a foot sprain, but that they were waiting for more info. When Guerendo spoke with the media, though, he downplayed the severity.
“Yes, everything is fine,” Guerendo said, according to 49ers Webzone. “They’re just being cautious. We have a quick turnaround this week, so we’re just making sure that we’re good to go.”
49ers Get Back on Track Against Bears
After back-to-back losses, San Francisco is finally back in the win column. The Niners beat the Chicago Bears 38-13 at Levi’s Stadium off the back of a masterclass performance by QB Brock Purdy.
The 49ers jumped on the Bears early as Purdy found WR Jauan Jennings twice for TDs and RB Isaac Guerendo added a score on a one-yard rush. After taking a 24-0 lead into halftime, San Francisco was able to coast in the second half.
It’s a much-needed win for the Niners, who will now prepare for a critical division clash against the Los Angeles Rams on December 12.
49ers Place Another Player on IR, Promote RB
After placing RBs Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey on the IR, the 49ers are now promoting RB Patrick Taylor Jr. to the active roster. Considering that there’s only 5 games left in the season, expect Taylor to be in the mix early and often.
Taylor has 7 total carries this year, going for 25 yards. He has played a significant amount of special teams snaps, playing 37% of the team’s special teams snaps during his 8 appearances.
Simultaneously, they also place DL Kevin Givens on the IR. To fill Taylor’s spot on the practice squad, San Francisco announced that Ke’Shawn Vaughn would be joining the team.
Week 13
Bills Take 49ers to Task on Sunday Night Football
It was always going to be a tall order for the 49ers. Playing a surging Bills team on the road in the snow is a massive challenge, but San Francisco did not come close to the task in a 35-10 defeat.
Buffalo got up early, as RBs Ray Davis and James Cook both scored in the first half. Bills QB Josh Allen then found Mack Hollins in the endzone through the air, giving the AFC East squad a 21-3 lead at halftime.
Allen then made one of the plays of the year after throwing to WR Amari Cooper and then receiving a lateral to run in for another score. 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo did score to make it 28-10, but Allen ran for his third score of the night to slam the door shut and seal the win.
49ers Travel to Buffalo for SNF
Date/Time: Sunday, December 1, 8:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: NBC
Odds: Bills -6.5 (-12o) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Bills lead 7-6
Last Meeting: Bills won 34-24 on December 7, 2020
Deebo Downplays Shanahan’s ‘Hot Seat’
During a November 26 episode of his podcast Cleats and Convos with Deebo Samuel, the 49ers WR discussed that 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan was on the hot seat in San Francisco.
Deebo explained that it didn’t make sense to him, mostly considering his track record.
“You can’t show me a losing season that he’s had since I’ve been here,” Samuel said. “First year, Super Bowl. Second year, I mean COVID hit. Year after that, NFC Championship. Year after that, NFC Championship again. Last year, Super Bowl. So it’s like, why are you saying he’s in the hot seat? At the end of the day, we’re 5-6 right now, but we’ve got like six, seven games ahead.”
Deebo having faith in his coach and the season should be encouraging. But the 49ers WR will need to back up his words in order to make them matter.
We want to hear from YOU. Does Kyle Shanahan deserve to be on the hot seat?
Kyle Shanahan Details Plan for Purdy
After struggling mightily without Brock Purdy this past Sunday, the 49ers will be waiting with bated breath to see if their starting QB will play.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t providing anything concrete as of this update, but he did reveal that Purdy threw the ball on Monday and that they will be preparing him as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
“He threw lighter today to see if that rest helped and the rest did help him,” Shanahan said on November 25. “So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday, and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week and hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.”
Purdy’s absence against the Green Bay Packers was the 24-year-old’s first start missed since taking over the job in 2022.
Week 12
San Francisco Takes 38-10 Defeat in Green Bay
Sunday’s 38-10 beatdown marked the second-biggest loss of 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan’s 8-year run with the team. While there have been plenty of ups during his time in charge, this may be the biggest low yet.
San Francisco struggled to get going early with backup QB Brandon Allen starting. They trailed 17-0 after the Packers scored two touchdowns and a field goal on their opening drive. The Niners did initially respond through Allen’s touchdown pass to TE George Kittle, but that ended up being the team’s sole touchdown in the game.
Any hope for a comeback was snuffed out when Allen and RB Christian McCaffrey fumbled on back-to-back offensive plays. The Packers took advantage with touchdowns after each error as the Niners’ defense could do little to stop Green Bay RB Josh Jacobs during an impressive 3-TD day.
Final Injury Designations for Packers Game
49ers
- QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) – Out
- CB Charvarius Ward (personal) – Out
- DL Nick Bosa (hip) – Out
- DL Kevin Givens (Groin) – Out
- WR Jacob Cowing (concussion) – Out
- LB Tatum Bethune (knee) – Out
- OL Jon Feliciano (knee) – Questionable
- T Trent Williams (ankle) – Questionable
Packers
- CB Jaire Alexander (knee) – Out
- LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) – Out
- DL Colby Wooden (shoulder) – Questionable
San Francisco Will Start QB Brandon Allen
After a season riddled with injuries, the 49ers still cannot catch a break after the team ruled out QB Brock Purdy and DE Nick Bosa. San Francisco also ruled out DL Kevin Givens, CB Charvarius Ward and WR Jacob Cowing.
Purdy has been dealing with a shoulder injury, while Bosa is battling a hip injury. Bosa being ruled out isn’t surprising, but Purdy practiced for the majority of the week before leaving practice on Thursday.
32-year-old veteran backup Brandon Allen will start in his place, three years removed from his last start. Allen has a 2-7 record as a starting QB.
How do the 49ers attack the Packers without Brock Purdy? Who would you be feeding in Green Bay?
49ers Return to Levi’s Stadium to Face Seahawks
Date/Time: Sunday, November 24 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: Packers -5.5 (-112) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Packers lead 38-34-1
Last Meeting: 49ers won 24-21 on January 20, 2024
Week 11
San Francisco Take Massive Loss Against Seattle
It was one to forget for the 49ers as they fell to 5-5 after a 20-17 loss to the Seahawks. San Francisco led for the majority of the game, but failed to stop QB Geno Smith and Seattle’s offense late.
Brock Purdy scored the first touchdown of the game with a nice run to the endzone, while also throwing for a score to Jauan Jennings. However, San Francisco’s offense struggled for the most part the rest of the game.
Seattle got a final chance down 17-13 with 2:38 to play and proceeded to drive 80 yards to score. The Niners were consistently pressuring Smith, but he ran for big gains multiple times, including the go-ahead score from 13 yards out. San Francisco was left with just 12 seconds after the Seahawks QB reached the endzone.
49ers Return to Levi’s Stadium to Face Seahawks
Date/Time: Sunday, November 17 4:05 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -6.5 (-112) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Seahawks lead 30-23
Last Meeting: 49ers won 36-24 on October 10, 2024
Final Injury Designations for SEA-SF
49ers
- DL Kevin Givens (groin) – Out
- CB Charvarius Ward (personal) – Out
- P Mitch Wishnowsky (back) – Out
- CB Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) – Doubtful
- OL Aaron Banks (thigh) – Questionable
- DL Nick Bosa (hip) – Questionable
- OL Jon Feliciano (knee) – Questionable
- DL Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) – Questionable
- TE George Kittle (hamstring) – Questionable
- T Trent Williams (ankle) – Questionable
Seahawks
- TE Noah Fant (groin) – Out
- TE Brady Russell (foot) – Out
- C Connor Williams (NIR-Personal) – Out
- DE Leonard Williams (foot)
- LB Boye Mafe (knee)
- S Coby Bryant (illness)
- T Abraham Lucas (knee)
- WR DK Metcalf (knee)
- LB Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder)
Week 10
Niners Earn Smash-and-Grab Win Against Buccaneers
It wasn’t always pretty, but the 49ers won’t care. San Francisco beat the Buccaneers with a last-second field goal in Week 10, marking the return of K Jake Moody from injury with a walk-off win.
The 49ers initially led the game 10-0 after an impressive TD from WR Ricky Pearsall, but gave up that lead to eventually trail 17-13. However, another TD toss from QB Brock Purdy got the team up 20-17.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and Tampa then tied it up with less than a minute to play, failing to score a go-ahead TD after reaching the red zone. Just enough clock was left for Purdy to lead a follow-up drive, setting up Moody for his 44-yard make.
49ers Visit Tampa for Week 10 Showdown
Date/Time: Sunday, November 10 1:00 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -6.5 (-114) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 20-7
Last Meeting: 49ers won 27-14 on November 19, 2023
Shanahan Provides Positive Update for Christian McCaffrey
All eyes are on Christian McCaffrey after the 49ers RB returned to practice this week. McCaffrey has been recovering from Achilles injuries in both of his legs since August.
After the team’s Wednesday practice, things appear to be signaling towards his first regular season appearance on Sunday. According to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that McCaffrey experienced “no pain” during his practice with the team on Wednesday.
The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year is looking to make his first regular-season appearance of the 2024 season.
Should the 49ers activate McCaffrey for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers? Or play it safe and bring him back in Week 11?
49ers Open Practice Window for Key OL
After missing the first half of the season, San Francisco may be getting a key player back in OL Jon Feliciano. The 49ers opened the practice window for the veteran guard on November 4.
Feliciano started 10 total games last year, including all three of the Niners’ playoff games. The 32-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury since early August, but has three weeks to be activated now that his practice window is open.
That being said, he may not return as a starter. G Dominick Puni has been a revelation at right guard despite being a rookie and will likely continue as the starter going forward.
Week 8
49ers Earn 4th Straight Win Over Cowboys
In a wild back-and-forth, the 49ers secured a 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys. After a sloppy first half from both sides that finished with a 10-6 lead for Dallas, San Francisco rebounded in a big way.
The 49ers exploded in the third quarter, scoring 21 points off the back of scores from RB Isaac Guerendo, TE George Kittle and QB Brock Purdy. At one point, San Francisco led 27-10.
However, the Cowboys had an offensive explosion themselves as WR CeeDee Lamb scored twice in the fourth quarter. Dallas was even able to get the ball back down 30-24, but a four-and-out from the 49ers defense on the Cowboys’ last offensive drive secured the win.
Shanahan Speaks on Pearsall
After getting more work than initially expected in Week 7 due to Brandon Aiyuk’s injury, 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall’s involvement ramped up further in Week 8. The former Florida Gator caught all four of his targets for 38 yards, while also taking a rushing attempt for a huge 39-yard gain.
After the contest, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan was asked about Pearsall’s performance. To say the coach is encouraged is an understatement.
“You could see it in practice. You see it really each practice with Ricky, just because he has been so limited in his stuff. But he picks it up fast. His stamina gets better and better and he just, he’s got a real natural feel for the game and now it’s about just getting a feel within our offense. And I think it’s gotten better each week,” Shanahan said.
What are your thoughts? If you had to give Ricky Pearsall a letter grade after his first two performances, what would it be?
San Francisco Hosts Dallas in Latest Edition of Storied Rivalry
Date/Time: Sunday, October 27 7:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: NBC
Odds: 49ers -3.5 (-118) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 20-19-1
Last Meeting: 49ers won 42-10 on October 8, 2023
The 49ers (3-4) are looking to rebound after a difficult defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (3-3) are coming off their BYE week and a 42-9 dismantling at the hands of the Detroit Lions in Week 6.
San Francisco has won three straight games against Dallas, as the two sides have played four times since 2020.
The Niners are one game back of the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in the NFC West. The Cowboys are sitting third in the NFC East and need a win to keep pace with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.
Week 7
San Francisco Falls to Kansas City, Loses Brandon Aiyuk
It was always going to be a tough game against the Chiefs, but the 49ers found it to be even more difficult than usual. That is primarily because the team’s top two receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, exited the game.
San Francisco lost 28-18 in a game that started close but finished with a fairly clear-cut victory for Kansas City. While a loss is hard to take, it’s losing even more players to injury that really stings.
Samuel entered Sunday with an illness that had not been disclosed previously. He suited up and was declared active, but essentially missed the contest as he did not feel good enough to go.
For Aiyuk, his knee injury looks to be a bad one. The 26-year-old was sandwiched between tacklers and had to be carted off. The severity is not currently clear, but the context speaks for itself.
Do the 49ers need to add a big-name receiver before the trade deadline? Or is it worth spending resources after the team has dropped to 3-4?
Purdy Throws 3+ Interceptions for Second Time in Career
49ers QB Brock Purdy is a certain bright spot for San Francisco, but he struggled mightily in Week 7. Not having his top three receivers is worth considering, but Purdy just did not have his best stuff.
Purdy completed 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards, but threw three interceptions in the process. The last two interceptions were back-breakers, arriving late in the 4th quarter when San Francisco still had a chance.
Purdy did not throw a touchdown pass, but did run for two touchdowns. It marks only the second time this season that the 49ers QB has not thrown for a TD.
49ers Meet Chiefs in 2024 Super Bowl Rematch
Date/Time: Sunday, October 20 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -1.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Chiefs lead 9-7
Last Meeting: Chiefs won 25-22 on February 11, 2024
As 49ers star Nick Bosa recently mentioned, San Francisco has not beaten the Chiefs with Kyle Shanahan at the helm. The 49ers have only squared off with Kansas City four times during his tenure, but twice clashed in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs are undefeated, but the 49ers are favored by the Las Vegas books. What do you think? Do the 49ers and Shanahan finally get over their bogey team and beat Kansas City?
49ers Get Positive Injury Update
After a much-needed 36-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers had even more injury concerns.
For one, RB Jordan Mason was pulled from the game with a shoulder issue. K Matthew Wright also suffered a shoulder injury when making a tackle, which was the same way starting K Jake Moody suffered a high-ankle sprain.
However, both Mason and Wright are back on the field according to San Francisco Chronicle write Eric Branch.
“#49ers RB Jordan Mason (shoulder) was participating at the start of practice (warm-ups) in a non-contact jersey,” Branch wrote on X. “Did not see #49ers K Matthew Wright (shoulder) on field at start of practice. Jake Moody (ankle) was observing on the sideline. Moody is out of his walking boot.”
That is mostly good news for San Francisco, who is getting extra rest time after beating the Seahawks this past Thursday. They also opened up the practice window for rookie WR Ricky Pearsall, although don’t expect him to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Week 6
49ers Travel to Seattle for Critical TNF Showdown
Date/Time: Thursday, October 10 8:15 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: Amazon Prime
Odds: 49ers -3.5 (-102) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Seahawks lead 30-22
Last Meeting: 49ers won 28-16 on December 10, 2023
San Francisco and Seahawks’ Final Injury Reports
49ers
- DT Jordan Elliott (knee) — OUT
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) — OUT
- S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) — OUT
- K Jake Moody (right ankle) — OUT
- WR Chris Conley (oblique) — QUESTIONABLE
- CB Charvarius Ward — QUESTIONABLE
Seahawks
- DT Byron Murphy II – (hamstring) OUT
- CB Riq Woolen – (ankle) OUT
- LB Uchenna Nwosu – (thigh) OUT
- LB Derick Hall – (foot) QUESTIONABLE
- LB Boye Mafe – (knee) QUESTIONABLE
- S Julian Love – (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
Brayden Willis Gets Call-Up
With George Kittle leading the TEs and Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges backing things up, the 49ers promoting another TE to the active roster comes off as a small surprise. But when Hufanga was placed on the IR, San Francisco promoted TE Brayden Willis to the active roster.
Willis has made 8 appearances with San Francisco after the former Oklahoma Sooner was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. He has played just 52 offensive snaps, primarily being used as a special teams contributor.
Willis had a relatively quiet college career at Oklahoma, before totaling 514 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in his senior season.
Week 5
San Francisco Scores First Special Teams TD of the Year
After star linebacker Fred Warner took an interception to the house in Week 4 for the 49ers’ first defensive touchdown of the year, Deommodore Lenoir has scored the team’s first special teams touchdown.
During a field goal attempt by Arizona, DT Jordan Elliott got a paw on the ball. It then bounced perfectly for Lenoir, who scooped and scored with ease. Watch the video here.
It marked the first touchdown of Lenoir’s NFL career. To make things sweeter, Lenoir is celebrating his 25th birthday during the game.
49ers Welcome Cardinals in Week 5 for NFC West Matchup
Date/Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -7.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 36-29
Last Meeting: 49ers won 45-29 on December 17, 2023
49ers and Cardinals Game Status for Week 5
49ers
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) – Out
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) – Out
WR Chris Conley (oblique) – Doubtful
WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder) – Questionable
DL Kalia Davis (knee) – Questionable
TE George Kittle (ribs) – Questionable
LB Fred Warner (ankle) – Questionable
CB Isaac Yiadom (thigh) – Questionable
Cardinals
G Isaiah Adams (thumb) – Out
CB Garrett Williams (groin) – Out
T Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) – Questionable
T Christian Jones (ankle) – Questionable
K Matt Prater (left knee) – Questionable
DT Khyiris Tonga (knee) – Questionable
Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Worse Than Initially Thought
Suffering an Achilles injury is already bad enough, but two simultaneously is brutal. Unfortunately for McCaffrey and the 49ers, it appears he has bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
NBC Sports reporter Matt Maiocco highlighted the news on September 30, which means that McCaffrey’s recovery may not be as simple as once thought. The latest update from San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan did not provide much clarity going forward, but he did explain that it is not a new injury.
“No, during the time he’s had it in both. I think it started in one, you overcompensate, it went to the other. But mainly one of them has just been bothering him, but he’s had it in both,” Shanahan said.
While it’s not an update anyone wants to hear, it is probably better that both Achilles are being addressed simultaneously. Ideally, the 49ers can help McCaffrey recover and prevent future issues with the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year’s health.
49ers Continue to Roll Behind Jordan Mason
When Christian McCaffrey’s Achilles issue became a clear issue at the start of the season, there was immense pressure on Jordan Mason to step up. Four games into the year, the former Georgia Tech Yellowjacket has answered the call and then some.
In the 30-13 win over the New England Patriots, Mason ran for 123 yards on four touches, scoring a touchdown in the process. He also added 37 yards on two receptions. No other player totaled 100+ yards in the game.
With the Patriots game behind San Francisco, Mason is on pace for a monstrous year. If he keeps up his current production, the 25-year-old would total 1900 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. While there is no question that the 49ers are a better team with McCaffrey, Mason is playing so well that it doesn’t feel like they miss C-Mac all that much.
What would you do in San Francisco’s situation? Should they look to get McCaffrey back as soon as possible, or should the 49ers encourage the RB to take his time while Mason leads the way? Sound off in the comments below.
Week 4
Brock Purdy Throws Three ‘Touchdowns’ on Single Drive
A flurry of penalties nearly denied 49ers QB Brock Purdy a touchdown pass during the 49ers’ contest against the Patriots. While up 13-0 on New England, San Francisco was looking to extend their lead.
Eventually, Purdy found TE George Kittle with an exceptional pass and catch. But before they finally reached the end zone, two different touchdowns were nullified by offensive penalties.
First, Purdy hit RB Jordan Mason for a 38-yard catch-and-run TD, but Kittle was penalized for holding. Three players later, Purdy made a fantastic throw to FB Kyle Juszczyk but a questionable illegal shift ruled it out. Still, the pass is worth a watch.
Brock Purdy with an INSANE play and touchdown pass, but it’s called back because a flag was thrown…
But the former Iowa State Cyclone would not be denied, eventually floating a ball to Kittle in the back corner of the end zone.
OH MY GEORGE. @gkittle46
📺: #NEvsSF on FOX
📱: t.co/waVpO8ZBqG
The TD came on 3rd and 10. Had Kittle not been able to bring it down, San Francisco would have had to kick a very frustrating field goal.
49ers and Patriots Clash in Week 4 Matchup
Date/Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers favored by -10.5 (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 9-5
Last Meeting: 49ers won 33-6 on October 25, 2020
Injury Report
49ers
DL Javon Hargrave – Out
T Trent Williams – Questionable
LB Dee Winters – Questionable
TE George Kittle – Questionable
QB Brock Purdy – Questionable
WR Jacob Cowing – Questionable
DL Jordan Elliott – Questionable
LB Curtis Robinson – Questionable
S Talanoa Hufanga – Questionable
CB Charvarius Ward – Questionable
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. – Questionable
Patriots
OT Vederian Lowe – Out
G Michael Jordan – Out
CB Alex Austin – Out
OT Caedan Wallace – Questionable
G Sidy Sow – Questionable
LB Anfernee Jennings – Questionable
CB Jonathan Jones – Questionable
Comments
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