Tag: San Francisco

Aug 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers place kicker Matthew Wright (8) kicks a field goal against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

49ers sign K Matthew Wright with Jake Moody (ankle) out

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers, who play the host Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, signed kicker Matthew Wright to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

Starting kicker Jake Moody sustained a high ankle sprain in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and will not be available. Moody was trying to tackle Cardinals returner DeeJay Dallas on a kickoff and was knocked backward, with his body folding over his right (kicking) leg.

Wright, 28, has played in 24 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2020, 2022), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), Kansas City Chiefs (2022) and Carolina Panthers (2023). He has made 40 of 47 field-goal attempts, with a long kick of 59 yards, and 35 of 37 extra-point attempts. Wright has 23 touchbacks in 83 kickoffs.

He was on the 49ers’ practice squad from Sept. 4-9, 2023, and was released by the Steelers at the end of the 2024 preseason.

The 49ers also worked out kickers Randy Bullock, Riley Patterson, Anders Carlson and Matt Coghlin, according to ESPN.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said that safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) is expected to miss about a month because of torn wrist ligaments. Hufanga, 25, has played in two games this season, both starts, and has eight tackles.

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) sacked by New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) and defensive end Will McDonald IV (99) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Struggling on defense, 49ers meet offense-challenged Patriots

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers will each be looking to end a two-game losing streak when they meet Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

After opening the season with a 16-10 victory at Cincinnati, New England (1-2) dropped a 23-20 decision to Seattle at home in Week 2 before losing to the New York Jets 24-3 on the road in Week 3.

The 49ers (1-2) began their season with a 32-19 home victory against the Jets, but they have since suffered losses at Minnesota (23-17) and at the Los Angeles Rams (27-24).

In addition to missing running back Christian McCaffrey, who is on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis, the 49ers were without wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) against the Rams. Kittle was limited at practice on Wednesday, but Samuel did not take part in the workout. Offensive tackle Trent Williams (illness) also didn’t practice Wednesday.

The Patriots are averaging 13.0 points per game (31st) and their offense ranks 32nd in yards per game (246.3). New England’s biggest issue has come in the passing game, which is averaging 102.0 yards per contest (32nd). Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been operating behind an offensive line that has been plagued by injuries through the season’s first three weeks, and that may be the case again Sunday as offensive linemen Michael Jordan (ankle) and Vederian Lowe (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

“Obviously (the 49ers’) record is not reflective of the team that they are, and can be going forward because they’re dealing with injuries as well,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said. “What I will say is the challenge for us is just in the front — offensive line and defensive line. I don’t want to sound repetitive, but they are a do-what-they-do type of team. We know what they’re going to do (and) the fans know what they’re going to do, but you still have to stop it.”

Earlier this week, Mayo said Brissett will remain the team’s starting quarterback and rookie first-round pick Drake Maye will be No. 2 on the depth chart. Maye played in the final minutes of New England’s loss to the Jets. Mayo also said the team is not interested in signing a veteran quarterback at this time.

New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson (4.3 ypc) and Antonio Gibson (6.2 ypc) are both averaging more than 4.0 yards per carry, but Stevenson has fumbled the ball three times in three games.

Despite the injuries to some of their offensive stars, the 49ers are averaging 24.3 points per game (tied with Seattle for ninth) and rank third in yards per game (407.3) and second in passing yards per game (267.7). Wide receiver Jauan Jennings had 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams.

The 49ers’ defense has been leaky, however. San Francisco is 30th among NFL teams in both yards allowed per play (6.1) and third-down conversion percentage (52.9 percent). The 49ers can no longer rely on defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who suffered a torn right triceps during last Sunday’s loss to the Rams and will miss the remainder of the season.

“I think all three levels (of the defense) have had an issue at times,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I think we’ve played good at times, too. … We’ve had some new guys in there. We’ve had moments where we’ve been strong, but we’re not playing up to how we usually do and we have to make sure to get back to playing that way.

“Every time you have injuries, everyone knows it makes it tougher, but people have injuries throughout the league. You have to be able to overcome those.”

Sunday’s game will be the first meeting between the teams since 2020, when the 49ers earned a 33-6 road victory.

“We’ll see what this team is made of going forward,” Mayo said. “We have a long trip out west and gotta be ready to play against a good solid football team.”

–Field Level Media

August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Reports: 49ers placing star RB Christian McCaffrey on IR

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The San Francisco 49ers are placing All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve because of calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

McCaffrey had already missed the season opener and was scratched from Sunday’s game against the host Minnesota Vikings. With the move to the IR, he is now required to miss at least the next four games.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan had said Friday that the move was a possibility after McCaffrey practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday’s workout.

“(Injured reserve) is something we are considering now,” Shanahan told reporters Friday. “Yesterday (Thursday) was his worst day. It’s on and off but with him having the worst pain yesterday, it’s something we are going to be discussing in the next 24 hours.”

McCaffrey, 28, will be eligible to return Oct. 10 against the host Seattle Seahawks. He will be out for road games against the Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, and at home against the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards last season. The reigning Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and two 100-catch campaigns in 91 games (84 starts) for the Carolina Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers.

This is his first stint on IR since he was traded from the Panthers to the 49ers in October 2022.

Former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason will again be the main ball carrier against Minnesota. He had a career game with 147 yards on 28 carries in a 32-19 win over the visiting New York Jets on Monday.

–Field Level Media

May 10, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) smiles during the 49ers rookie minicamp at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Kupbens-USA TODAY Sports

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall out of hospital after being shot in robbery attempt

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San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday after being shot in the chest in a robbery attempt on Saturday in the city’s Union Square district, the team announced.

Pearsall, 23, had been upgraded to fair condition, according to media reports, after being listed as “serious but stable condition” in a team statement on Saturday night.

“San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital this afternoon as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest,” the team said in a statement Sunday. “He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital.”

His mother, Erin Pearsall, said in social media post on Sunday that her son was “extremely lucky.”

“First and (foremost) I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy,” she wrote on Facebook. “He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs … My son was spared today by the grace of GOD.”

The suspect in the attempted robbery, identified by police as a 17-year-old from Tracy, Calif., was arrested Saturday as he attempted to run from the scene, San Francisco police chief William Scott said. The alleged gunman also was hospitalized after the shooting – his condition not immediately disclosed — and charges against him are pending.

Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital. Video shot in Union Square and posted to social media showed a shirtless Pearsall gingerly walking to an ambulance with assistance from police. As he sat on a gurney, he moved his left hand, which was pressing his shirt against the right side of his chest, near his shoulder, and blood was visible.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the 911 call came in at 3:28 p.m. local time, and when police responded, there were two gunshot victims. The other victim was the alleged robber, shot while in a struggle with Pearsall over the gun.

“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” Scott said Saturday during a news briefing.

Aaron Peskin, the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, said he received a briefing from police and was told Pearsall fought back.

Pearsall was signing autographs at an event earlier Saturday before heading to Union Square, according to ABC 7 San Francisco.

The 49ers selected Pearsall, a wide receiver who will turn 24 on Sept. 9, with the 31st pick in the April draft, and he signed a four-year, $12.5 million guaranteed contract with a $5.9 million signing bonus.

He was limited in training camp because of shoulder and hamstring issues, missing all three preseason games. He has a history of shoulder problems dating to his college days at Florida.

–Field Level Media

May 10, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) smiles during the 49ers rookie minicamp at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Kupbens-USA TODAY Sports

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall shot in San Francisco robbery attempt

Posted on | by Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Persall was shot Saturday afternoon in the city’s Union Square, Mayor London Breed confirmed.

Breed said San Francisco police were on the scene “immediately” and the suspected shooter was in custody.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and “expected to survive,” with multiple outlets reporting he was in stable condition. His teammate, Deebo Samuel, gave a positive report.

“He’s good. Thank God,” Sameul posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Breed said her office will provide more updates, including about Pearsall’s condition, as they become available.

The Chronicle reported that the 911 call came in at 3:28 p.m. local time, and when police responded, there were two gunshot victims. One was in critical condition and the other in stable condition.

The suspect is believed to be the other victim, with the Chronicle reporting the alleged robber was shot while in a struggle with Pearsall over the gun.

Aaron Peskin, the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, said he received a briefing from police and was told Pearsall fought back and was shot in the chest.

The 49ers selected Pearsall, who will turn 24 on Sept. 9, with the 31st pick in the April draft, and he signed a four-year, $12.5 million guaranteed contract with a $5.9 million signing bonus.

He was limited in training camp because of shoulder and hamstring issues, missing all three preseason games. He has a history of shoulder problems dating to his college days at Florida.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas (82) reacts after a catch and personal foul against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

49er re-sign veteran TE Logan Thomas

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The San Francisco 49ers re-signed Logan Thomas on Thursday to a one-year contract, nearly two weeks after releasing the veteran tight end.

In a corresponding move, the 49ers waived safety Tayler Hawkins with an injury settlement.

Thomas, 33, had signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in June after he was released by the Washington Commanders. The 49ers, who are looking for depth behind All-Pro George Kittle, released Thomas on Aug. 9 as he was slowed during training camp by a hamstring injury.

He caught 55 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (15 starts) last season for the Commanders.

Thomas has 219 career receptions for 2,002 yards and 16 touchdowns in 94 career games (57 starts). He was a college quarterback at Virginia Tech and has played in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals (2014), Buffalo Bills (2017-18), Detroit Lions (2019) and the Commanders (2020-23).

Hawkins, 26, has been on and off the San Francisco practice squad since late August 2022. He played in one game last season for the 49ers. Hawkins started and made one interception, four tackles and one pass defended in a 21-20 loss on Jan. 7 to the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

–Field Level Media

Aug 4, 2023; Canton, OH, USA; The Pro Football Hall of Fame logo at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Football Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies at 86

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, a lockdown cornerback who spent his entire 16-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, died on Wednesday evening, his family announced. He was 86.

The Hall of Fame made the announcement Thursday for Johnson’s family, which said he had been in declining health for some time and had remained in the San Francisco area.

Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1994, Johnson played from 1961-76. He competed in 213 games — at the time a franchise record later broken by Jerry Rice. Johnson’s 47 interceptions also were a team mark later broken by Ronnie Lott.

“Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented,” Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement. “The 49ers enjoyed the luxury of using him on offense and defense early in his career to fill team needs. Once he settled in at left cornerback, he flourished. The notion that a ‘lockdown’ cornerback could cut the field in half for the opposition was true with Jimmy.

“Only rarely would other teams’ quarterbacks even look his direction, and more often than not regretted the decision if they challenged him.”

Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl for four straight seasons (1969-72) as well as in 1974. He was first-team All-Pro in 1970-72. The Pro Football Hall of Fame selected him for the All-Decade Team of the 1970s.

“I don’t look at someone and think that he can’t beat me,” Johnson said. “If you play long enough, you’re going to get beat. The question and the key to your effectiveness is how often.”

He also played halfback and flanker in 1962 and 1963, catching 40 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns.

San Francisco selected him as one of its three first-round draft choices (sixth overall in 1961). He was a football star at UCLA at wingback and defensive back as well as a track standout in hurdles and long jump.

His brother, Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete Rafer Johnson, was his presenter at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 30, 1994.

“Jimmy is a quiet man, but he played with determination and commitment,” Rafer Johnson said. “Most of all, Jim was and is a gentle man and a true gentleman.”

Jimmy Johnson won the Pro Football Writers’ George Halas Award for courageous play in 1971 after playing half of that season with a broken wrist. He twice received the Len Eshmont Award, chosen by 49ers players and given to a teammate for inspirational play.

“Jimmy Johnson has not only been a great football player, he has been one of the game’s finest citizens throughout his career,” Joe Thomas, the team’s vice president and general manager at that time said when the 49ers retired Johnson’s No. 37 jersey in 1977. “There is no one in the NFL who does not have the highest respect for him, both as a player and as a man.”

–Field Level Media

NFL Baltimore Ravens cornerback Rock Ya-Sin

49ers sign CB Rock Ya-Sin to one-year contract

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The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

Ya-Sin, 27, played last season for the Baltimore Ravens, making 13 tackles and defending two passes in 14 games (one start).

He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. For his career, he has 196 tackles, 29 passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 66 games (39 starts) for the Colts (2019-21), Las Vegas Raiders (2022) and Ravens.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an Auburn Tigers helmet on the sideline of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Former Auburn WR, College HOFer Terry Beasley dies at 73

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Auburn legend and College Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terry Beasley died Wednesday of an apparent suicide, according to police in Moody, Ala. He was 73.

He resided in Moody, where police found him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Moody Police Chief Reece Smith told AL.com.

“He’s been a resident here since I’ve been here,” Smith told the Montgomery Advertiser. “I know he’s had some struggles over the years with stuff from the NFL.”

After earning All-Southeastern Conference and All-America honors at Auburn, Beasley was a first-round pick, 19th overall, by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1972 NFL Draft.

He played only three seasons, totaling 29 games (six starts), 570 yards and three touchdowns on 38 receptions before retiring because of injuries. He might have suffered at least 19 concussions during his playing career, according to an AL.com article in 2013.

His family believed health problems, which led him to be hospitalized in 2013, were linked to the concussions. Beasley was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the NFL, which in court filings noted he suffered “multiple past traumatic brain injuries with symptoms including but not limited to, memory loss, headaches, anxiety and sleeplessness.”

The lawsuit led to a comprehensive settlement agreement in 2016.

Beasley still holds many program records for receiving despite playing only three seasons in 1969-71, including 2,507 career yards, 29 career touchdowns, eight consecutive games with a TD catch and 100-yard games for one season (six) and a career (12). He also totaled 141 career receptions, which was the school record until broken by Karsten Bailey in 1998.

Together with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Pat Sullivan, they were regarded as “one of college football’s greatest pass combinations,” according to Beasley’s biography at his 2002 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“He would tell Pat, ‘You throw it, I’ll get it,’” former Auburn athletic director and sports information director David Housel told the athletic program’s website Thursday. “That’s the way it was. He’d run under it and make impossible catches.”

Beasley’s No. 88 is retired at Auburn along with Sullivan’s No. 7 and running back Bo Jackson’s No 34.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Logan Ryan (26) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 49ers signing veteran DB Logan Ryan

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The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran defensive back Logan Ryan, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

A two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, Ryan adds versatility and playoff experience to the NFL’s No. 2 scoring defense (15.8 points per game).

Ryan, 32, played cornerback with the Patriots (2013-16) and Tennessee Titans (2017-19) before moving to safety with the New York Giants (2020-21) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022).

He has recorded 19 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, 13 sacks and 742 tackles in 149 career games (121 starts).

Ryan won rings with the Patriots in Super Bowls XLIX and LI. New England drafted him in the third round in 2013 out of Rutgers.

–Field Level Media