Tag: 49ers news

Kyle Shanahan has positive update on Brock Purdy shoulder injury

Brock Purdy’s shoulder is good to go.

It looked after Week 11 like another injury might take out one of the San Francisco 49ers key players.

Quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a right shoulder injury during the 49ers’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks that looked like it may wind up hindering him as the team tried holding onto its increasingly slim postseason hopes.

Purdy missed Week 12 vs. the Green Bay Packers, but returned in Week 13 vs. the Buffalo Bills.

It was hard to judge just how healthy Purdy was in Buffalo because the weather conditions and game script made it difficult for the 49ers to execute their passing game.

After Purdy went through a full week of practice leading up to Week 14 vs. the Chicago Bears, head coach Kyle Shanahan is confident the signal caller is fully healthy.

“He is good,” Shanahan said. “We had to wait a while to give him rest to make sure it healed, and we could see that it did at the end of last week and that’s why there’s no issues last Sunday and it’s been great all week. So, glad to get him back to full-speed and get him a full week of practice.”

With running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out, the 49ers desperately need Purdy to play at the level he played in 2023 when he was an MVP candidate.

Getting there without weapons like McCaffrey, Mason and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be difficult, but doing it with a banged up throwing shoulder would’ve been nigh impossible.

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Who will 49ers backup RB be against the Bears in Week 14?

So, what’s the 49ers RB depth chart look like for Sunday?

The San Francisco 49ers’ exceedingly deep backfield thinned out rapidly when running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason both went down with injuries during the team’s Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

McCaffrey is already on Injured Reserve because of a PCL injury in his knee, and Mason is expected to land there with a high ankle sprain. That leaves rookie running back Isaac Guerendo atop the depth chart with only unproven players behind him.

It stands to reason Guerendo will play a lion’s share of the snaps. If he does, expect RB Patrick Taylor to work in as the backup for now. He was with the team throughout the offseason and played in the team’s first eight games of the regular season. In those contests he primarily contributed on special teams, but he also had seven carries for 25 yards and one reception for 12 yards.

His familiarity with the offense should make him head coach Kyle Shanahan’s trusted No. 2 RB in Sunday’s showdown with the Chicago Bears.

Recently-acquired RB Israel Abanikanda figures to work in as the No. 3 RB behind Taylor. Shanahan on Wednesday said he’s familiar with Abanikanda after scouting him in the 2023 draft.

“I liked him coming out of college,” Shanahan said. “I haven’t studied him a ton in the NFL, but he was a guy that I had good notes on from college and liked. And I know our scouting department thought he was the best guy out there being available and stuff. So in our situation, especially glad to get him here.”

While Shanahan liked him in the draft, that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically step into a huge role. The 49ers on Tuesday claimed him off waivers which means he’s had only three practices with the team. His lack of familiarity with the offense may limit him early and relegate him to a backup role even if Taylor steps into a larger workload.

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49ers Week 14 injury report bad news for 2 of team’s most important players

The injuries persist.

The San Francisco 49ers can’t get out from under the injury woes that have played a key role in their disappointing 2024 campaign.

Their slim playoff hopes nearly require them to win in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, but they’ll likely once again be without defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams.

Bosa is listed as doubtful on the 49ers Week 14 injury report because of hip and oblique injuries. Williams has officially been ruled out because of an ankle issue.

That duo has missed the 49ers last two games, which San Francisco has lost by a combined score of 73-20.

With running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave already on IR, the 49ers once star studded roster is looking much more ordinary heading into Sunday’s virtual must-win game vs. Chicago.

Here’s the full injury report:

Out

LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
S George Odum (knee)
RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)

It sounds like Mason is headed to IR with a high ankle sprain. Odum showed up as a non-participant on Thursday’s practice report and it’s not a great sign he was ruled out. Greenlaw could return for the 49ers on Thursday Night Football vs  the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15 per head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Doubtful

DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)

Questionable

LG Aaron Banks (concussion)
LB Demetrius Flanagan-Fowles (knee)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)

Hufanga hasn’t been activated off IR. That will be a necessary roster move if the 49ers plan on playing him vs. Chicago.

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49ers practice report: Star CB a full participant after knee injury

The San Francisco 49ers injury situation is bad despite some good news on the Thursday practice report.

The San Francisco 49ers had a handful of changes on their Thursday practice report.

Most notably, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was a full participant after being limited to begin the week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was optimistic about Lenoir’s chances to play in Week 14 after missing Week 13 with a knee injury.

His upgrade to a full practice is a good sign that he’s on track to return against the Chicago Bears.

Other changes include defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos showing up as a limited participant because of a knee issue after not appearing on Wednesday’s report.

Safety George Odum was also new to the report. He didn’t participate because of a knee injury.

Here’s the Thursday practice report:

Did not participate

LG Aaron Banks (concussion)
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)
S George Odum (knee)

Limited participation

LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee)

Full participation

DT Jordan Elliott (concussion)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (wrist)
RG Dominick Puni (shoulder)
QB Brock Purdy (shoulder)

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Kyle Shanahan raves about Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan raved about Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

The 2024 season certainly hasn’t gone how Chicago Bears fans were hoping it might with rookie quarterback and recent No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams taking over.

Chicago enters its Week 14 date at San Francisco sporting a disappointing 4-8 record and riding a six-game losing streak.

The stretch of futility and the embarrassing finish to its 23-20 Thanksgiving Day loss at the Detroit Lions resulted in the Bears firing head coach Matt Eberflus. It probably didn’t help matters that a record-setting 37.5 million viewers tuned in to watch Eberflus and the Bears bungle those final seconds.

As Williams and the Bears navigate early turbulence in his career, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had plenty of good things to say about the young Chicago signal-caller.

“As talented as there is. The stuff that you saw in college, you can see in the NFL. As good of a thrower as there is, born to play the position, got the athletic ability to do whatever, he’s got the speed to do whatever.

“He’s gotten a lot of playing time, he’s getting better as this year goes, I think he’s getting a lot more consistent. I think he’s been playing his best ball probably here the last few weeks. He’s put them in a chance to win here in these last few games there,” Shanahan said of Williams.

Williams is completing 61.6% of his passes and has thrown for 2,612 yards and 14 touchdowns against five interceptions. Each of Chicago’s past three defeats have come against NFC North divisional foes and each have been determined by one score.

For Williams’ part, he says the early adversity in his career will help he and the Bears longterm.

“I think this is a stepping-stone of development, to be able to have all of this in my first year. I wouldn’t say that I’m happy for it. Having these moments is definitely something that will help me in the future.

“Having these situational moments that it’s hard to rep in practice, having some of these moments, having your coach fired or coaches fired, and people being promoted. You know, things like that all happening within a couple weeks of each other, you know I think it would help me in the long run being able to handle all of this, handle this first year and being able to grow from it,” Williams said.

Thomas Brown is serving as the Chicago Bears’ interim head coach.

As Williams and Co. stroll into town, San Francisco (5-7) is looking to snap its own three-game skid when the Bears come calling to Levi’s Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT and the game will be televised on Fox.

49ers new starting RB ‘ready to go’ after rough stretch

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo suddenly has an expanded role. How ready for it is he?

Given the current state of affairs in its backfield, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in need of a quick learning curve from rookie running back Isaac Guerendo.

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury in the 49ers’ defeat at Buffalo. McCaffrey’s injury won’t require surgery but he is expected to miss six weeks, which sidelines the Pro Bowler throughout the remainder of the regular season.

49ers running back Jordan Mason also sustained an ankle injury against the Bills and has likewise being placed on injured reserve.

That means San Francisco is turning to its rookie running back in Guerendo. A fourth-round selection out of Louisville in the 2024 NFL draft, Guerendo has carried 42 times this season for 246 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

San Francisco claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets, but the expectation is that Guerendo will be the 49ers’ featured runner in San Francisco’s Week 14 date against the Chicago Bears.

Thrust into a starring role, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan feels good about Guerendo’s readiness for that opportunity.

“I think he is ready to go. We were excited about, he got off to a late start with injuries in preseason. I thought he finished in those games well, especially that kick return he had versus the Raiders, I think.

“Did some decent things when he started out, didn’t get a lot of carries, had some ups and downs but got better through everything. And then when he got the bulk of the carries, I want to say some more versus Seattle, he only got better and he’s gotten better throughout the year. So, I think he’s ready for this,” Shanahan said.

Guerendo’s two best games of the season came during San Francisco’s Week 6 win at Seattle and in the 49ers’ Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The 6-foot, 221 pound running back rushed 10 times for 99 yards in that 36-24 win at Seattle and 14 times for 85 yards and a 4-yard rushing touchdown against the Cowboys.

Shanahan said Guerendo is starting to get his feel for what it takes to run effectively in the NFL.

“I think just the urgency of running the ball in the NFL. I think it takes guys some time. You start to get a feel for it the more, if you’ve got the right stuff, the more you get reps, the more you can adjust to it.

“How hard you’ve got to hit stuff, how quick those holes close, how when there is a hole how you have to hit it full-speed and can’t hesitate at all or it closes like that. We’ve seen that stuff get better in practice and we’ve seen it carry over into games,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan also commented on the 49ers’ addition of Abanikanda.

“I liked him coming out of college. I haven’t studied him a ton in the NFL, but he was a guy that I had good notes on from college and liked. And I know our scouting department thought he was the best guy out there being available and stuff. So in our situation, especially glad to get him here,” Shanahan said.

The 49ers (5-7) host Chicago on Sunday with kickoff set for 1:25 p.m. PT and the game set to be televised on Fox. San Francisco is looking to end a three-game losing streak.

Some good news for 49ers on 1st Week 14 practice report

49ers practice report for Wednesday is here:

The San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday began their week of practice as they gear up for what amounts to a season-ending stretch of must-win games if they hope to sneak into the postseason.

Their first practice report of the week had a handful of good news with linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga both appearing as limited participants. Greenlaw is returning from a torn Achilles he suffered in the Super Bowl. He had his 21-day practice window opened last week in hopes he’ll be able to return from the PUP list in time to play in 2024.

Hufanga hurt his wrist in Week 5 and went on IR. He had his 21-day practice window opened and also appeared as a limited participant.

Both players are due to hit free agency in the offseason, so getting on the field to end the year may be a priority for them even if the 49ers don’t have anything to play for down the stretch.

Quarterback Brock Purdy was also a full participant after returning last week from a shoulder injury. He didn’t suffer any setbacks during the game and figures to be on track to suit up against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Here’s the full practice report:

Did not participate

LG Aaron Banks (concussion)
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee)
RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)

Mason figures to go on IR with a high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 13. Bosa and Williams have missed the last two weeks, and both will be evaluated throughout the week to determine whether they’ll be able to return in Week 14.

Limited participation

LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)
CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee)

Lenoir missed Week 13 after hurting his knee the previous week. It looks like he’s trending toward a Week 14 return.

Full participation

DT Jordan Elliott (concussion)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (wrist)
RG Dominick Puni (shoulder)
QB Brock Purdy (shoulder)

Good signs all around here. Barring a setback this quartet will play against Chicago.

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Will Kyle Shanahan, 49ers fire another defensive coordinator?

Nick Sorensen doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.

One of the side effects of the San Francisco 49ers disastrous 2024 season has been an increasingly bright spotlight on the coaching staff.

While head coach Kyle Shanahan earned his share of scrutiny, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen has come under fire after the 49ers defense allowed a combined 73 points across Weeks 12 and 13 in losses to the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.

Despite a pair of putrid defensive performances, Shanahan backed his defensive coordinator in a Monday conference call.

“Yeah, I’m very satisfied with Nick,” Shanahan said. “I’m not at all satisfied with the results and how it’s going right now. But, some of the mistakes that we’ve made, I don’t think or what’s happened here in these last two weeks, I don’t think that’s a schematic issue. It’s a little bit more of a fundamental issue. And that also starts with me. That goes to all coaching, and it goes down to the players, it goes to everyone in this building. But the results here these last two weeks haven’t changed my opinion on Nick.”

The 49ers parted ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after last season, so it makes sense Shanahan wouldn’t be eager to make another change in the coming offseason.

It’s also worth noting Sorensen is a first-time defensive coordinator and that Robert Saleh dealt with a couple of rough seasons before breaking out a star DC and head coaching candidate in 2019.

What’s clear, if Sorensen is indeed sticking around, the 49ers need something to change defensively. If it isn’t the defensive play caller, then it’s either a schematic shift that needs to happen or a personnel overhaul.

Even before their two-week meltdown there was a clear issue with a once-dominant San Francisco defense this season. How they go about making those changes will ultimately determine Sorensen’s future, and perhaps the future of the Shanahan era.

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A couple ways 49ers can miraculously still win NFC West

The San Francisco 49ers playoff chances are slim, but there’s still a (narrow) path to them winning the NFC West.

It appears on the surface like the San Francisco 49ers hunt for an NFC West title is over following a second consecutive blowout loss in Week 13.

The Buffalo Bills annihilated the 49ers 35-10 at Highmark Stadium just one week after the Green Bay Packers thumped them 38-10. Those two losses were preceded by a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and after 12 games the 49ers are at 5-7 and alone in last place in the NFC West.

As the injuries pile up alongside the losses, it’s hard to believe there’s any real chance the 49ers find a way to win the NFC West for a third consecutive season.  Alas, there is a chance.

The 49ers could win out and finish 10-7 while the other clubs stumble down the stretch to worse finishes. San Francisco could even lose one of their final five to finish 9-8 while the rest of the division dukes it out to 8-9 finishes or worse.

But what if they wind up tied?

Here are a couple of different ways that could look:

San Francisco 49ers (5-7)

Week 14 vs. Chicago Bears: Win
Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Rams: Win
Week 16 at Miami Dolphins: Win
Week 17 vs. Detroit Lions: Loss
Week 18 at Arizona Cardinals: Win

Record: (9-8)

Note: We can flip the Dolphins and Lions games and this still works.

Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

Week 14 at Arizona Cardinals: Loss
Week 15 vs. Green Bay Packers: Loss
Week 16 vs. Minnesota Vikings: Win
Week 17 at Chicago Bears: Win
Week 18 at Los Angeles Rams: Loss

Record: (9-8)

Note: The key for San Francisco is that the Seahawks lose to Arizona and then two of their final four. 

Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

Week 14 vs. Seattle Seahawks: Win
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots: Win
Week 16 at Carolina Panthers: Win
Week 17 at Los Angeles Rams: Loss
Week 18 vs. San Francisco 49ers: Loss

Record: (9-8)

Note: The 49ers just need Arizona to beat Seattle. The rest of them don’t matter.

Los Angeles Rams (6-6)

Week 14 vs. Buffalo Bills: Loss
Week 15 at San Francisco 49ers: Loss
Week 16 at New York Jets: Loss
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win
Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks: Win

Record: (8-9)

Note: San Francisco needs the Rams to win those last two NFC West games unless Seattle stumbles and drops two against the NFC North. Then a Seahawks win over the Rams in Week 18 doesn’t affect much. 

In this above situation, the 49ers would win the three-way tiebreaker with the Cardinals and Seahawks because they’d own a 6-6 record in the conference. The three-way tiebreakers in the NFL start at head-to-head matchups, but all the teams split their division games, which also eliminates the division record tiebreaker. They also have the same record in common games with each team landing at 5-5 in their common matchups.

That turns the tiebreaker to conference record where the 49ers would somehow have an edge. San Francisco in this scenario would finish 6-6 against NFC teams, while the Rams and Seahawks would both wrap up at 5-7, lifting the 49ers over both to a home playoff game on wild card weekend as the NFC West champions.

This scenario also works if one of the Seahawks or Cardinals lose an additional game or two and land at 8-9 or worse. San Francisco would still hold tiebreakers over both clubs in a two-team tiebreaker battle.

What about a 4-way tie?

If the Seahawks lose to both the Packers and Vikings, then beat the Rams in Week 18, while the Rams earned victories over the Bills in Week 14 and Jets in Week 16, it would give the 49ers a division win in a four-way tie.

Alas, these scenarios are hyper-specific with not a lot of wiggle room because of the tiebreakers. Still, there’s a modicum of hope for the optimists looking for something to cling to entering Week 14.

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49ers sign Christian McCaffrey’s replacement, add WR to practice squad

The 49ers have a new running back.

The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday announced how they’d replace running back Christian McCaffrey.

In a slew of roster moves the 49ers placed McCaffrey on IR, claimed RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets and signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell to the practice squad.

McCaffrey suffered a season-ending PCL injury in his knee during the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated on Monday McCaffrey would go on IR with only five games to go and McCaffrey expected to miss at least six weeks.

While Abanikanda will replace him on the roster, the expectation is that rookie RB Isaac Guerendo will carry a lion’s share of the workload in the backfield. Abanikanda may work his way into the backup RB role depending on how the team feels about RB Patrick Taylor who is on the practice squad and spent the first nine weeks on the active roster before McCaffrey returned.

Abanikanda was a fifth-round pick of the Jets in the 2023 draft. He played in six games as a rookie and churned out 70 yards on 22 carries.

Bell was waived by the 49ers on Friday before Week 13. The 2023 seventh-round pick gives San Francisco a reliable internal option if they need depth at WR or on special teams.

We may see additional roster moves in the backfield with RB Jordan Mason also potentially hitting IR after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 13.

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