Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) is helped off the field during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dolphins WRs Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill ailing for 49ers’ clash

Miami Dolphins receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are both ailing as the team prepares for Sunday’s home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Waddle (knee) was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report after missing all three practices this week. He was injured in the second quarter of last weekend’s 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans.

Hill is listed as questionable with a wrist injury that has bothered him all season. Hill has said he will consider getting the wrist surgically repaired after the season.

Hill has 67 receptions for a team-best 805 yards in 14 games this season. He has caught five touchdown passes.

Waddle has 54 catches this season for 700 yards and two touchdowns.

Miami ruled out long snapper Blake Ferguson (non-football illness) and listed receiver D’Wayne Eskridge (knee) as doubtful.

Also listed questionable were left tackle Terron Armstead (knee), right tackle Kendall Lamm (back) and linebackers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Cameron Goode (knee).

San Francisco will be without left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/hamstring). Questionable for the contest are defensive end Nick Bosa (hip/oblique), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) and defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle).

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) waits on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa to miss third straight game

San Francisco 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa will miss his third straight game after being downgraded to out for Sunday’s contest against the Chicago Bears.

Bosa has been sidelined by hip and oblique injuries. He didn’t practice at all this week.

Bosa has seven sacks in 10 games. He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2022.

San Francisco activated safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) from injured reserve. He was limited in practice all week.

Hufanga tore ligaments in his wrist during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 6.

Hufanga had also missed the first two games this season as he finished up rehab from an ACL injury. He injured his right knee against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November 2023.

The 49ers also placed leading rusher Jordan Mason (ankle) and safety George Odum (knee) on injured reserve. Mason has rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns.

Earlier in the week, San Francisco placed running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) on IR. The 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year was hurt during last Sunday’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo is now the 49ers’ top healthy back. He has a stellar 5.9 average per carry while rushing for 246 yards and two scores.

Also, offensive lineman Aaron Banks (concussion) was downgraded to out.

The 49ers (5-7) have lost three straight games and are in last place in the NFC West.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Injuries pile up, 49ers uncertain QB Brock Purdy can return Sunday

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams.

Wednesday’s practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers.

Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17.

Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again.

“I don’t know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out,” Shanahan said. “We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they’re all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation).”

The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021.

Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom.

Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury.

“It’s something I deal with every game,” Warner said. “I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it’s not an excuse. It’s just what it is. That’s the NFL. You’re not going to be healthy. You’ve got to go out there, you’ve got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week.”

Shanahan wasn’t interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night.

He’s not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey’s ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023.

“The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him,” Shanahan said. “Christian is playing very well. He’s playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world.”

San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For Nick Bosa, Super Bowl about a ring — and revenge

LAS VEGAS — Losing in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs four seasons ago has never slipped the mind of San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa.

The defensive end said he documented his feelings and will break them out later this week as part of his preparation for the Sunday rematch.

“There are a couple recordings that I have,” Bosa said at Monday’s Super Bowl Opening Night. “I had some thoughts and I didn’t want to forget them, so they’re in my phone.”

Bosa and the 49ers had a 10-point lead past the midway point of the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIV before Kansas City scored 21 straight points to post a 31-20 victory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Bosa scored one sack of Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes in that game and is eager for more.

“What stands out is very thin margins,” said Bosa, referring to Mahomes’ quick release and escape ability. “Very grateful for the opportunity against the same team. We have to make it count this time.”

Bosa and the 49ers figure to bring pressure with the Kansas City offense sometimes having issues against physical units.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid hasn’t forgotten the struggles of dealing with Bosa and the rest of San Francisco’s front seven four years ago.

“There were some running lanes early. They closed those up,” Reid said of the previous Super Bowl. “Their front — it starts with them. They’re really good, their front four. And then two of the most athletic linebackers in the league (in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw).”

Yet even with the 49ers’ four sacks in the game, Mahomes still made the San Francisco defense pay.

“There’s a few plays in the Super Bowl we look back at that were very big plays where he made plays with his legs,” Bosa said.

Bosa had 10.5 sacks this season after needing time to find his stride after a long holdout.

He agreed to a five-year, $170 million contract as the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history shortly before the season started.

“It’s definitely a weight off your back getting your second deal done and just having that out of the equation,” Bosa said. “It was a stressful time. I’m glad it’s over with.”

One season earlier, Bosa had a league-best 18.5 sacks and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. He has 53.5 sacks in 68 regular-season games.

Bosa has 10 sacks in 11 postseason contests, including two in the NFC Championship Game last month when the 49ers rallied from a 17-point deficit to claim a 34-31 victory over Detroit.

Bosa isn’t the only key San Francisco defender looking to close the door on past demons.

Warner repeatedly replays the Super Bowl LIV loss in his mind. He intercepted a Mahomes pass in that game, but the fourth-quarter collapse is what’s at the forefront of his thoughts.

“The biggest thing I take away from that game is the game is never over until that clock hits triple zeros,” Warner said. “That’s the biggest takeaway.

“I remember guys on the sidelines in that fourth quarter real happy and excited about possibly becoming Super Bowl champions and things flipped on a dime real quick. (Kansas City) scoring 21 unanswered in about six minutes.

“That scar remains with me to this day.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on during the first half against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers rule out WR Keenan Allen, DE Joey Bosa

The Los Angeles Chargers have ruled out wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer and pass-rusher Joey Bosa for Sunday’s game at the Denver Broncos.

The team announced the news Friday. Allen (heel) will miss his third straight game and Bosa (foot) will miss his sixth straight. Palmer sustained a concussion in last week’s 24-22 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Allen, 31, leads the Chargers with 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.

Palmer, 24, has 32 receptions for 537 yards and two scores in nine games (five starts).

Bosa, 28, has recorded 6.5 sacks and 20 tackles in nine games (five starts) this season.

Linebacker Kenneth Murray (shoulder) and Tanner Muse (knee) and defensive tackle Nick Williams (shoulder) are doubtful for the Week 17 contest. Tight end Nick Vannett (back), cornerback Deane Leonard (heel) and guard Zion Johnson (knee) are questionable.

The Chargers (5-10) lost 24-7 to the Broncos (7-8) in the first meeting of the AFC West rivals in Week 14 in Inglewood, Calif.

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA;  Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) rushes against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers’ Joey Bosa says his left big toe is fractured

Los Angeles Chargers standout pass rusher Joey Bosa disclosed Friday that he has been playing with a fractured left big toe.

Bosa said the toe got stepped on in a Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He sat out the following week against the Las Vegas Raiders with hamstring and toe injuries.

Bosa told reporters that both ailments — the toe and hamstring — are healing and he’s good to go for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“The first couple weeks were tough,” Bosa said. “I got stepped on. Obviously, it was an accident.

“Definitely still sore in the toe but the hamstring is 100 percent. … Your toe gets stepped on all the time when you are in the trenches.”

Bosa was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being a full-go on Friday. He was not given a game status.

Bosa played in Monday’s 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys but was limited to 30 snaps due to the two ailments. He has played just 77 snaps over the past three games.

“I’ve just got to manage it,” Bosa said of the toe. “Make sure I’m keeping it nice and taking care of it. But it shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”

Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler, has three sacks this season to raise his career count to 63.5 over eight NFL seasons, all with the Chargers.

The Chargers ruled out four players on Friday — safety Alohi Gilman (heel), cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring), defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (knee) and receiver Jalen Guyton (knee). Safety Derwin James Jr. (ankle) and linebacker Amen Ogbongbeminga (groin) are questionable.

Guyton and Ogbonnia are currently on injured reserve but the team opened their 21-day practice windows on Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa downgraded to doubtful vs. Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders due to his hamstring and toe injuries.

Bosa was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

Bosa didn’t participate in practice at all this week. The team has a bye week following the contest against the Raiders.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection has three sacks in three games this season. He has 63.5 in 87 games (80 starts) in eight seasons with the Chargers, the first in 2016 when the team was located in San Diego.

Star safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) also didn’t practice all week and is listed as doubtful. Standout running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) is doubtful and hoping to return after missing the previous two games.

The Chargers also placed center Corey Linsley and safety JT Woods (illness) on the non-football illness list and signed safeties Dean Marlowe and AJ Finley to the active roster. Linsley was diagnosed with a heart issue earlier this week and will miss at least four games.

Los Angeles also elevated receiver Keelan Doss and outside linebacker Andrew Farmer from the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Jul 26, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) during training camp at Jack Hammet Sports Comples. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers’ Joey Bosa, Austin Ekeler miss another practice

Los Angeles Chargers stars Joey Bosa and Austin Ekeler were held out of practice for the second straight day Thursday.

Bosa is bothered by a hamstring injury. It is unclear whether the elite pass rusher will be ready for Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans. He reported soreness following a season-opening 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury he sustained during the loss to the Dolphins. He had 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and also caught four passes for 47 yards.

Bosa, 28, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 60.5 career sacks in 85 games (80 starts) for the Chargers, dating back to the 2016 season when the franchise was located in San Diego.

Ekeler, 28, joined the Chargers in 2017 and has 3,844 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground as well as 393 receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 scores. He has scored 39 touchdowns (26 rushing, 13 receiving) since the start of the 2021 season.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks (hamstring) also had missed practice the past two days. Kendricks, 31, is in his first season with the Chargers after eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

–Field Level Media

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) battles with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

49ers DE Nick Bosa ready for normal workload vs. Steelers

Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa said Friday that he expects his usual workload when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Bosa reported to the team Wednesday after landing a five-year, $170 million deal, a record for NFL defensive players. He has proven to be in good shape despite his 43-day hiatus.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan also has taken notice.

“I’m not sure what Kyle’s plan is, but I would be up for a normal workload, for sure,” Bosa told reporters.

Shanahan hasn’t revealed his plan, but he doesn’t expect to see Bosa standing on the sidelines too often.

“He looked exactly how we were expecting him to look,” Shanahan said. “Looks in real good shape. Looks ready to go. We got an idea how we’re going to use him and I think he’ll do all right.”

Bosa led the NFL with 18.5 sacks last season and has 34 over the past two seasons.

He said he spent his holdout at home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., just waiting to see what would transpire.

“There’s certain points throughout it that are more stressful than others,” Bosa said. “But I trust the team around me and I know that they have my best interest in mind. And I trusted the 49ers organization and all of them to work well with my guys. I had trust all along, but it definitely was stressful.”

After reaching the agreement, Bosa flew to the West Coast and arrived late Wednesday night. He did side work and participated in individual drills on Thursday before participating again Friday in the team’s walk-through.

Also, San Francisco tight end George Kittle (groin) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (heel) are listed as questionable.

Kittle, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been bothered by the injury throughout training camp.

“He’s a great pass-game tight end and he’s a great run-blocking tight end, so obviously any time you’re missing a great player, it does change things,” Shanahan said of Kittle.

–Field Level Media

September 22, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Around the League: Rams WR Cooper Kupp, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce hurt

Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee in practice two days before the Kansas City Chiefs begin defense of their Super Bowl title.

The All-Pro caught 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022, but the Chiefs are maneuvering the game plan with the expectation Kelce will be on the sideline when the Detroit Lions arrive at Arrowhead Field on Thursday night.

“We’ll just see how he does moving forward,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said.

Kelce went down during a red-zone installation period in practice.

There was no sign of star defensive tackle Chris Jones on Tuesday, scuttling reports the contract holdout could end before Week 1. Reid said there was nothing new to report with Jones.

–Cowboys owner confident Dak Prescott is secure in Dallas

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stirred a bit of drama when he said he unilaterally pulled the trigger on acquiring backup quarterback Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers.

Jones doesn’t believe the acquisition changes anything for quarterback Dak Prescott and said the plan remains to work toward another long-term extension with his starting quarterback.

“Those contracts, those types of numbers, especially the big ones, you live with constantly,” Jones told 105.3 FM The Fan on Tuesday. “That’s always on your mind. There’s never a time where it goes away. We expect Dak to be with us a long time.”

–Steelers expect 49ers holdout Nick Bosa to play Sunday

NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa remains a holdout, working out away from the San Francisco 49ers for the past five weeks while hoping for a new contract.

Even as 49ers general manager John Lynch casts doubt on Bosa reporting to the team, passing a physical, practicing and playing at Pittsburgh on Sunday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin implored his team to expect the All-Pro on the field.

“That’s what those guys do,” Tomlin said, drawing parallels to the 2021 holdout of J.J. Watt that ended the week of the opener. “They show up and they are who they are, and so we expect him to be there as a prudent approach to take. And if he’s going to be there, we know the type of player that he intends on being, and so that’s something to be dealt with.”

–Kupp of woe for Rams

Cooper Kupp is trending the wrong direction in Los Angeles. Head coach Sean McVay said the Rams’ top receiver had a setback in his recovery from a strained hamstring and spent multiple days with a specialist in Minnesota this week.

His status for Week 1 at Seattle is in doubt. Van Jefferson would rise to the No. 1 receiver role on the depth chart if Kupp doesn’t play.

Kupp, 30, was first injured in a training-camp practice Aug. 2, leaving the field 30 minutes into a workout. He was originally expected to be out 1-2 weeks but he missed all three preseason games.

Kupp played nine games last season before a season-ending ankle injury but led the NFL in receptions (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16) in 2021.

The Rams are set to open the season Sept. 10 at Seattle, leaving little time for the 2021 All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection to resume on-field work.

–Bears list Nathan Peterman as No. 2

Nathan Peterman is the backup quarterback to Justin Fields on the depth chart released by the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.

Peterman is ahead of rookie Tyler Bagent, the rookie Division II product who excelled in preseason to win a roster spot. Bagent is No. 3 but remains on the active roster.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Peterman, who was on the practice squad most of last season, is an asset to Fields.

“Him and Justin learned the offense together, so to speak, so they’re speaking the same language. They understand it really well. I think it’s good to have him in the room,” Eberflus said.

–Field Level Media