Tag: San Francisco 49ers

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

49ers look to jump-start offense vs. struggling Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After their offense went stagnant in Week 2 without one of their star performers, the San Francisco 49ers will look to recover Sunday when they visit their home away from home.

After a 23-17 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the 49ers (1-1) technically will stay on the road when they play the Los Angeles Rams at Inglewood, Calif. But the Rams’ home has been clad in plenty of red during recent seasons when San Francisco makes its annual visit.

San Francisco has won at Los Angeles in each of the past five seasons, although they lost on the Rams’ home turf in the 2022 NFC Championship Game. San Francisco had a nine-game winning streak against Los Angeles until the regular-season finale last season when the Rams won 21-20 as both teams rested starters in advance of the playoffs.

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey did not play in the final meeting last season and won’t be available for this one either while on injured reserve with a calf strain. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is doubtful with his own calf issue and likely will miss the next two games.

Without two huge weapons on offense, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and his NFL-best 550 yards passing through two games take center stage. His 72.3 completion percentage is eighth in the league, but he has just one touchdown pass.

“We’ve got the players. We’ve got the scheme. We’ve got what it takes,” Purdy said. “It’s dropping back and executing, knowing where my answers are and getting the balls in the guys’ hands, drop-stepping and getting first down. It’s football, man.”

Purdy threw his first interception Sunday after he had 11 last season, while earning Pro Bowl honors. He also lost a fumble, while the 49ers had a punt blocked.

“It was too sloppy on our part,” San Francisco head coach Mike Shanahan said. “… It was disappointing.”

The Rams (0-2) are dealing with their own injury issues. Wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) was placed on injured reserve after Week 1 and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is expected to miss extended time.

The Rams also have holes on the offensive line: Jonah Jackson (shoulder), Steve Avila (knee) and Joe Noteboom (ankle) are on IR. Even rookie kicker Joshua Karty (groin) is ailing.

Behind a makeshift line last week, even veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford looked rattled, and understandably so, as Los Angeles was never competitive in a 41-10 loss on the road to the Arizona Cardinals. Tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) returned in Week 2 and tackle Alaric Jackson (suspension) is set to come back Sunday.

“The amount of moving parts that we’ve had offensive line-wise has been wild, and that’s such an important spot to be able to get a rapport with the guy that you’re playing next to,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “It starts with me, putting guys in better spots.”

On defense, the Rams already were up against it after the retirement of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The revamped group has struggled to an NFL-worst 426 yards allowed per game.

“It’s definitely a little different,” Shanahan said about not having to account for Donald. “That’s been 99 percent of our brain power for a number of years and it’s kind of weird just not thinking that way.”

Against the run, Los Angeles has allowed 197 yards per game, third worst in the NFL. The Rams recently placed safety John Johnson II (shoulder) on IR.

“Trust the process,” Stafford said. “… You can’t think about this scenario, that scenario, whatever it is. Just continue to work. We’ll have next-man-up mentality in some spots, get some people back as well and it’ll be a fun challenge for us.”

In addition to Kupp and Karty not participating in practice for the Rams on Wednesday, tight end Davis Allen (back) and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) also were out.

Samuel was the only member of the 49ers who did not practice. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is approaching his season debut after ACL surgery in November.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) carries the ball against New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (obscured right) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

With Christian McCaffrey’s status uncertain, 49ers battle Vikings

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Christian McCaffrey is optimistic that he will make his season debut when the San Francisco 49ers play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Then again, McCaffrey suggested the same things a week ago before he sat out the 49ers’ season opener because of a calf injury and Achilles tendinitis.

“My mindset is I’m going to play no matter what I’m going through on Wednesday or Thursday in practice,” McCaffrey said. “And on the game day, you’ve got to make a decision. … My mentality is I’m playing this week.”

San Francisco (1-0) has a backup plan just in case. The 49ers turned to second-string running back Jordan Mason on Monday, and he had 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown to lead the team to a 32-19 win over the visiting New York Jets.

Meanwhile, Minnesota (1-0) is looking to play the role of spoiler in its home opener. The Vikings are coming off a decisive 28-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 1 that marked the team debut for Sam Darnold at quarterback.

Darnold completed 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to register a 113.2 passer rating. He now will go up against the 49ers, with whom he played last season as a backup to starter Brock Purdy.

A season on the sidelines was a blessing in disguise, Darnold said.

“Being able to prepare and be ready like I was the starter, but just sit back and watch everything that was going on in the organization, how things were run there, (really helped),” Darnold said. “I really did learn a ton from Brock and the way he prepared, his quiet confidence that he had every single day.

“He’s not the rah-rah guy, not going to lead the team in breakdowns at the end of the year, but he’s just as steady as they come.”

Purdy proved steady last week as he completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards. He also had one rush for 11 yards in the victory.

Both teams’ defenses will look to repeat impressive performances in Week 2.

San Francisco held the Jets to 266 total yards and spoiled the opener for Aaron Rodgers, who passed for 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Leonard Floyd recorded a sack for San Francisco.

The Vikings also shined in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system. Free-agent acquisition Andrew Van Ginkel had an interception return for a touchdown, and veteran safety Harrison Smith baited Daniel Jones into another interception.

Minnesota racked up five sacks, including a pair from linebacker Patrick Jones II. Van Ginkel also notched a sack, as did rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner.

San Francisco wideout Brandon Aiyuk is hoping for better production in his second game back from a long delay over a contract dispute. Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards in Week 1 but said he felt like he was in good game shape.

“It felt good,” Aiyuk said. “(I felt) a little sore. (I was) solid though.”

Vikings wideout Jordan Addison did not take part in practice to start the week because of an ankle injury that he sustained in Week 1. Addison had three catches for 35 yards before he left the game in the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers, Jets begin redemption season bid vs. 49ers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers sustained a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of his New York Jets’ debut last season.

In recent days, the veteran quarterback has been thinking about how to react to snap No. 5 in Monday night’s season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

“There might be a little smirk after the fourth,” Rodgers said on Thursday. “I’m sure they’ll catch it (on camera).”

The 40-year-old Rodgers returns for his 20th season just two days shy of the one-year anniversary of his injury. His arrival before last season pumped life into the Jets, but it quickly evaporated due to his serious injury.

New York is hoping for a Rodgers revival, and the quarterback is looking forward to playing football instead of simply watching it.

And while the four-time NFL MVP says he has something to prove, there is only one person Rodgers is interested in impressing.

“Just myself at this point,” Rogers said. “I have a lot of pride in my performance. So, when I take the field, I expect greatness. And because I’ve done it before. So, that’s the kind of standard I hold myself to.”

The Jets went 7-10 in 2023 — their eighth straight losing season — and missed the playoffs for the 13th consecutive time.

Rodgers is hoping to silence the “Same Old Jets” refrain, and coach Robert Saleh sees a player ready to carry the team to greater heights.

“I think he’s in a great place,” Saleh said. “Not just mentally, but physically he looks awesome. … He’s a professional. He’s done it a long time.”

San Francisco (12-5 in 2023) has excelled in recent years, making four of the last five NFC Championship Games. The 49ers have won two of them but subsequently lost the Super Bowl both times, including last year’s 25-22 overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco has dealt with plenty of news off the field leading up to the season, with the holdouts of receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams and the shooting of rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall.

Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension last week and Williams landed a restructured three-year, $82.66 million deal earlier this week.

“I want guys here. I want to prepare the guys for the season,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. “And you only can do so much on your own. But the bottom line is they’re here, and we got a long season ahead of us, and I’m pumped to have them for Week 1.”

Pearsall was shot in the chest on Saturday during an attempted robbery in the Union Square district of San Francisco. He was placed on the non-football injury list earlier this week and will miss at least four games.

“He’s as tough a person I know, just going through a situation like that,” Shanahan said of Pearsall. “We always felt this way watching him on the football field and things like that, but kind of to watch how he handled that situation, and watch how he’s been every day since, it shows how special of a guy he is.”

49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a leg injury that left him limited in practice. The team had previously listed him with a calf injury but Shanahan revealed Thursday that the injury includes the Achilles.

San Francisco defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) missed practice.

New York is at a contract impasse with Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason.

Jets guard Wes Schweitzer (hand) missed practice on Thursday.

The 49ers have won 11 of the 14 all-time meetings, including a 31-13 road win in 2020.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) talks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk remains out amid contract dispute

Posted on | by Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was not on the field again during the early portion of practice Thursday amid what continues to be a contentious contract holdout.

With training camp and the preseason now complete, the sense of urgency has intensified for Aiyuk to return with the season opener set for Sept. 9 at home against the New York Jets.

Aiyuk has long contended that he has earned more contract security through a lucrative extension, saying in March that he is “trying to get what I deserve.”

The No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal.

Aiyuk, 26, topped the 49ers with 75 receptions and 1,342 yards and caught seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023. He has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in 62 career games (60 starts).

Reports have indicated there has been interest from other clubs like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Those reports indicate that the Steelers and Browns are set to deliver on a contract extension in a potential trade.

Yet there remains no resolution to the standoff.

“I’m not going to get into our communication again,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said about the matter Wednesday. “At some point, you gotta play.”

Said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan: “I haven’t heard anything. I’ve been working on the 53-(man roster) and the practice squad. I haven’t talked to him. I know he’s been cleared by our doctors so I hope that he’s out there practicing.”

With medical clearance complete, the 49ers can now enact fines and/or a suspension against Aiyuk for refusing to participate in practices.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Jon Feliciano (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

49ers OL Jon Feliciano (knee) to start season on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano will begin the season on injured reserve following his recent knee surgery.

Coach Kyle Shanahan provided the update Tuesday for Feliciano, who is listed as the backup to right guard Spencer Burford on the team’s depth chart.

Feliciano, 32, started seven of the 16 games he appeared in during his first season with the 49ers in 2023, playing 48 percent of the offensive snaps.

A fourth-round draft pick by the then-Oakland Raiders in 2015, Feliciano has played in 113 games (61 starts) with the Raiders (2015-18), Buffalo Bills (2019-21), New York Giants (2022) and 49ers.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Trent Taylor (15) recovers a muffed punt as Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) defends during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

49ers bring back receiver/returner Trent Taylor

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran wide receiver and return specialist Trent Taylor has returned to the San Francisco 49ers, who have an opening after losing Ray-Ray McCloud last month to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Taylor, 29, signed a one-year contact on Tuesday with the 49ers, who had selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech.

After playing for San Francisco from 2017-20, Taylor spent most of 2019 on injured reserve (foot surgery), before playing for the Cincinnati Bengals (2021-22) and Chicago Bears (2023). He has 87 career receptions for 834 yards and three touchdowns in 78 games (three starts), with his best season as a rookie in 2017, when he made 43 catches for 430 yards and two scores.

Taylor didn’t have a catch in 17 games with the Bears last season, but he did return 23 punts for 188 yards (8.2-yard average), with a long of 31 yards. McCloud returned 24 punts for 203 yards (8.4 average), with a long of 19, and also returned 10 kickoffs for a 22.5-yard average.

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The BetMGM Sportsbook at the Luxor hotel and casino. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

SB LVIII: AGA projects Americans to wager $23.1B

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The first Super Bowl at Las Vegas will see an estimated $23.1 billion wagered in the United States on Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, according to the American Gaming Association.

The AGA also estimates that 67.8 million American adults will have a financial stake in the game in some form, with the rise of online betting fueling a $16 billion increase in wagering from last year’s Super Bowl.

A total of $23.1 billion is expected to be on the line for Super Bowl LVII.

The group’s survey showed that 47 percent of will wager on the defending champion Chiefs, while 44 percent will have a wager on the 49ers.

According to DraftKings, as of Tuesday, the 49ers were two-point favorites, with an over/under on total points at 47.5.

The most popular access point for wagering on Sunday’s game will be to bet online, with 46 percent of the 67.8 million participants taking that route. The number is equal to 26 percent of the United States population.

Casual wagering friends is listed at 36 percent, while a mere 11 percent will wager at a physical sportsbook.

Online wagering is expected to increase by 41 percent from last year’s Super Bowl, while casual wagering is projected to be up 32 percent.

Traditional wagering (online, sportsbook, bookie) is expected to be ahead of casual wagering (friends, pools, square contests) for the second consecutive year.

Messages about responsible wagering have reached the masses, with AGA reporting that 75 percent of traditional Super Bowl betters have reported seeing a message on responsible wagering in the past year.

–Field Level Media