Tag: Shanahan

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs LVIII between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bills, Patriots bidding on 49ers WR Deebo Samuel

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Trade offers for wide receiver Deebo Samuel could fetch the San Francisco 49ers a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports.

The two teams at the center of the bidding prior to the start of the second round of the 2024 draft on Friday were AFC East rivals Buffalo and New England, NFL Network and The Athletic reported.

NFL Network reported the Patriots and 49ers engaged in conversations around Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk during the NFL Scouting Combine, but compensation was a sticking point.

The Bills traded No. 1 wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans earlier this month and traded back twice on Thursday. Buffalo holds the No. 33 pick in the draft Friday.

49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that he “wouldn’t anticipate” a scenario in which the team would trade Aiyuk, who is looking for a long-term deal from San Francisco.

Whether Samuel could be available after Lynch used the 49ers’ first-round selection on Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall — a former Aiyuk teammate in 2019 before transferring to the Gators from Arizona State.

Lynch called Samuel “a part of this team, and a big part of this team” on Thursday night after the pick. Head coach Kyle Shanahan went further, saying trade talks took place when teams called but trading a wide receiver “doesn’t seem that likely to be honest. But I’m still on the table. If someone offered [owner] Jed [York] and John good stuff for me, I’m going to be out of here.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the coin toss before overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Shanahan: 49ers followed math in OT

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LAS VEGAS – There was math behind the 49ers’ decision to take the ball first in overtime, but the numbers didn’t end up working in San Francisco’s favor.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan denied the team didn’t know the overtime rules — which several players said postgame — included both teams having a chance with the ball regardless of the outcome of the initial receiving team’s first drive in the extra session.

“This is something we talked about with, you know that none of us have a ton of experience of it but we went through all the analytics and talked with those guys and we just thought it would be better, we just wanted the ball third,” Shanahan said. “If both teams matched and scored, we wanted to be the ones who had the chance to go in. We got that field goal, so we knew we had to hold them to at least a field goal. And if we did then we thought it was in our hands after that.”

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead was one of the players who said he was unaware the sudden death aspect of overtime didn’t kick in until both teams possessed the ball.

“I didn’t even know about the new playoff overtime rule, so it was a surprise to me,” Armstead said. “I didn’t even really know what was going on in terms of that.”

Captain Fred Warner won the overtime toss and the 49ers’ linebacker said the team wanted to receive the kick. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said players couldn’t believe San Francisco opted to take the ball first. He doubted the 49ers thought through the rules in OT that differ from the regular season, when a touchdown on the opening drive of overtime ends the game, but a field goal affords the opponent one possession.

“They’re crazy, they’re crazy,” Jones said. “Because the overtime rules has changed where both teams get the ball no matter who scores. So, originally, you want to let the other team get the ball, stop them holding the three, so you know what you got. Or if you stop them, they punt it, then all you have to do is kick three.”

After a stop and 49ers kicker Jake Moody punching in a field goal to open the overtime scoring and stake San Francisco to a 22-19 lead, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended the game with a walk-off TD pass to Mecole Hardman.

“I was speechless,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “I couldn’t really look anybody in the eye, especially all my teammates. I could have done more. Everybody could have done more. And there’s really not much to say at this point. It’s going to hurt, and it’s going to hit in waves, but that’s life.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is interviewed during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers fighting through Super obligations, determined to zero in on Chiefs

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LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Quarterback Brock Purdy is ready to be done with the “paparazzi” and media obligations at Super Bowl LVIII.

Purdy said he’s zeroed in on stepping up his play to bring the San Francisco 49ers back to Super Bowl glory, and won’t be hung up on narratives in the media that seem to be building energy as gameday against the Kansas City Chiefs approaches.

“With all the stuff going around on the outside, being able to sink back into what you believe, what your purpose is,” Purdy said of what he is focused on, mentioning he connected with 49ers legend Steve Young on that very topic. “He pointed out, spoke to the entire team, ‘When you have this opportunity, you’ve got to take it.’”

The 49ers were on the practice fields at UNLV as the sun emerged in the first dry day of their three in Nevada so far this week.

“We got here Sunday, but it feels like we’ve already been out here a week,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said following practice Wednesday afternoon.

The field at UNLV hasn’t met the approval of the 49ers, whose game-day operations staff flagged the softness of the playing surface prior to the full team arrival and on-field exercise on Monday afternoon.

“We had a normal practice. We’re not going to change the whole schedule up. We’d go too early in the morning,” Shanahan said. “We’re here. Everyone has preferences. We’re practicing on it. I wish the field was better but we’ll deal with it how it.”

There are no major injury concerns for the 49ers. Tight end George Kittle (toe), defensive end Arik Armstead (knee/foot), cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) and linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) were limited in Wednesday’s workout. Kittle would like to go through one practice before gameday after also being idle during the bye week between the conference championship and Super Bowl.

“We didn’t have as an aggressive practice, in terms of running and cutting. That’s (Thursday),” Purdy said. “Today it was pretty good to get out there and move around with light running. We’ll see tomorrow how it is.”

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis (ankle), two weeks into his practice window to return from injured reserve, was a full participant.

Left tackle Trent Williams will play Sunday. But he received his usual Wednesday veteran rest day and watched practice from the sideline.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

A toe injury is not a concern for 49ers tight end George Kittle (85), who said he's ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

49ers TE George Kittle ready to go toe-to-toe with Travis Kelce

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LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Spending a moment of facetime with 49ers tight end George Kittle at the team hotel, it becomes abundantly clear he isn’t sitting out Super Bowl LVIII.

The only starter for San Francisco to miss every practice last week, Kittle plans to be on the field to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday evening. He’s fighting a toe injury but would love not to be mentioned on the first official injury report of the week Wednesday. Kittle maintains there is “no concern” about his injury entering the game.

He’s averaging a team-leading 18 yards per catch in two playoff games with six receptions for 108 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown.

Missing a chance to duel with Chiefs tight end and good friend Travis Kelce runs a distant second to claiming a Super Bowl ring for Kittle, the 2023 All-Pro first teamer at the position. But he’s not shying away from his appreciation of sharing the spotlight with his “Tight End University” sidekick.

“I’m a huge fan of Travis Kelce and the fact I’ve been able to become friends with him, peers with him, run Tight End (University) with him, just get to know him, it’s been awesome,” Kittle said. “For someone I’ve looked up to, looked up to his game, watched so much of his film. Anything that he says is nice about you; it feels great. He’s a fantastic football player. He’s probably a first-ballot Hall of Famer. So anything you can get from Travis Kelce, it’s awesome. And the fact you’re friends too, it makes it a little bit sweeter as well.”

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan did not provide an update on cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) or linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) on Tuesday. He said he doesn’t talk to trainers unless he’s required to submit an injury report under league rules.

EFFORT, ET CETERA
San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks used the term “unacceptable,” and Shanahan called a few plays out for a lack of collective effort in the NFC Championship Game win over the Detroit Lions.

In particular, Wilks said the two rushing plays that resulted in points were most problematic. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 15 yards for a score by cutting against the grain and easing by defensive end Chase Young, who was caught moving at half-speed. That was after a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by wide receiver Jameson Williams.

“Our guys take a lot of pride in what they do,” Shanahan said. “They work hard every day, practice, games, since I’ve known them. So, I don’t expect it to be any different on Sunday.”

49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave said players bowed their heads in shame and vowed to not allow the narrative to become a talking point again.

“I think the most important thing is just how we felt about it as a team,” 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw said. “I agree to the fullest extent. I felt like we could play harder and I felt like I could play harder too. So, you’ve got to look at yourself too. That’s really what it boils down to.”

FOR THE BIRDS
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel dismissed the Eagles as a rival in the NFC. Not because of proximity or division separation. Because San Francisco pasted Philly, 42-19, in their December meeting.

“I consider rivalries close games,” said Samuel, who caught two TD passes in the win.

The 49ers lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game last year, 31-7, before Philadelphia was defeated in the Super Bowl by the Chiefs.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on before the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan anxious to shed pain of Super Bowls past

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LAS VEGAS — Kyle Shanahan followed in the footsteps of his famous father, Mike Shanahan, to the coaching ranks, but this profession and the pain that comes with it wasn’t always the plan.

“I was in his ear all the time, asking questions. I always loved football, just a fan of the game,” Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday, a day off from the practice field ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

By middle school, Kyle Shanahan had already been to three Super Bowls — all losses — before finally experiencing the jubilation of a Lombardi Trophy celebration when Mike Shanahan and the Denver Broncos had their breakthrough with back-to-back title in 1997-98.

“Back then, I didn’t think it was possible for the AFC to win a Super Bowl,” he said.

Kyle Shanahan was a senior in high school and still had visions of playing in part because of after-school route-running sessions with Broncos wide receivers Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey, father of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

“Looking back now, thinking I was going to be a player, that was crazy,” Kyle Shanahan said of dropping a childhood dream to be an NFL wide receiver.

Kyle Shanahan said he mimicked everything Smith and Ed McCaffrey did, down to their cleats and shoulder pads. But it was a few years later he realized coaching would be the best — and perhaps easier — path.

“I remember telling (his dad) in eighth grade I wanted to play in the NFL,” Kyle Shanahan said. “He told me to make a plan and stick to it. It’s a little bit easier than playing. I think it just naturally happened.

“He never really was training me to be a coach. Just a dad. He’s the same way you’d want him to be — direct. Maybe you didn’t like what he had to say, but he was telling the truth.”

The 49ers are in the Super Bowl for what is Kyle Shanahan’s third time as a coach. He was on the losing end of Super Bowl LI with the Falcons as offensive coordinator, when Atlanta infamously blew a 28-3 lead to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. A day later, Shanahan was shaking hands in San Francisco as head coach of the 49ers.

Following the 2019 season, the 49ers blew a second-half lead and lost the Super Bowl to the Chiefs, and Shanahan started to relate more closely to his father’s pain of losing the big one.

“I’ve broken my arm, collarbone, a lot of injuries that are painful. Those are right there,” he said. “Anyone who loses a Super Bowl knows. Seeing my dad after he was a (losing) coordinator and how hard it was on him in Denver. Anytime you get that close, it hurts.

“All football games are hard to lose, you put so much into it. You are trying to get to this last week. And we did get to the last week, this is going to be our last Wednesday, our last practice Friday, our last game on Sunday.”

Shanahan’s players in San Francisco will attest to the piles of preparation that go into any game, let alone the biggest game of their lives coming up this Sunday.

“This man, his meetings sometimes you kick up your feet because you know you’re about to be there an hour,” safety Tashaun Gipson said Tuesday. “Coach Kyle is so detailed. He’s going to go over every single aspect of it. I tell people this all the time: I don’t think he even thinks about anything else. All football. That’s the kind of coach you want to play for. We’ve got to get one for Kyle.”

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) recovered from March elbow surgery to guide the team back to the playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Poised Packers set sights on San Francisco with QBs in spotlight

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Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan met as assistant coaches with the Houston Texans in 2008, driven to pursue the kind of Super Bowl success experienced by Kyle’s dad, Mike Shanahan, more than a decade earlier.

LaFleur and his Packers trek to San Francisco to face Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers Saturday night for a spot in the NFC Championship game in a showdown of systems derived from the elder Shanahan’s scheme.

Based on what he already knows from days and hours by LaFleur’s side and early film review during the bye week, Kyle Shanahan was not surprised by Green Bay’s upset of No. 2 seed Dallas. The 48-32 victory featured a stellar showing from first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love, who narrowly missed a perfect passer rating with three touchdown passes and points on six of the first seven drives.

“The way it started out was a little surprising, but once you watch the tape and really get into Green Bay and you really get to think of their numbers and you watch their players and how they are doing it, it doesn’t surprise me at all now,” Kyle Shanahan said.

LaFleur and the Packers (10-8) last played at San Francisco in September 2021 and scored a 30-28 win over the 49ers. The Niners returned the favor in the wild-card rematch four months later, leaving Lambeau Field with a 13-10 win courtesy of Robbie Gould’s golden toe.

But that history is meaningless, LaFleur said, especially with changes at quarterback and what’s at stake this time around.

“We obviously understand what the consequences are,” LaFleur said. “It’s just that next-game mindset.”

San Francisco (12-5) advanced to the NFC title game in Philadelphia last season but Brock Purdy’s first-half elbow injury helped derail the 49ers in a 31-7 loss.

Purdy has a passer rating of 113.0 this season, piloting an offense that led the NFL in plays of 20-plus yards. Purdy had 31 touchdown passes — Love had 32 — with 11 interceptions in 16 games.

Purdy had three TD passes and 332 yards in his first playoff start, a wild-card win over Seattle, last year, giving him confidence moving forward.

“Every drive and every play really matters,” Purdy said. “Every possession matters. Not turning the ball over … all the little things matter. I just feel like the intensity is just cranked up a little bit more.”

Dallas’ pass rush put little pressure on Love in the wild-card round, but San Francisco defensive end Nick Bosa, who had a team-high 10.5 sacks this season, and defensive tackle Arik Armstead present a massive challenge for Green Bay’s unsung offensive line.

Love has 21 touchdowns and one interception in his past nine games.

Bosa likened Love to Purdy in terms of reading progressions, but viewed Packers running back Aaron Jones as a critical key this week. Jones rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns at Dallas, his fourth consecutive game with more than 110 rushing yards.

“We definitely need to stop the run. I don’t think many teams have made him uncomfortable, yet,” Bosa said. “So stopping the run and covering up those easy open guys is something we have to do.”

LaFleur credited Jones as well as the Packers’ offensive line for holding Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons in check in the playoff opener. Green Bay allowed eight sacks in the past eight games.

“I think it’s big, it’s been a big reason why he’s been able to do what (Love has) been able to do,” LaFleur said. “We always say, ‘It’s hard to throw when you’re on your back.’ I can’t tell you how many times Aaron Jones saved a couple potential disasters the last few games.”

The Packers held Dallas to 16 points until the middle of the fourth quarter last week and Green Bay has allowed only one first-quarter touchdown since the start of November. Christian McCaffrey was the NFL’s leader in rushing with 1,459 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt and totaling 21 touchdowns in the regular season.

But he’s just one chess piece at Kyle Shanahan’s disposal. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has 38 touchdowns – 19 rushing and 19 receiving – in his first five seasons and can line up at running back.

Tight end George Kittle had six touchdown catches, one behind a trio of Purdy targets with seven TD grabs: McCaffrey, Samuel and leading receiver Brandon Aiyuk (75 catches for 1,342 yards).

“You have to swarm them. You have to gang tackle these guys. All those guys, collectively, they pose a great challenge,” LaFleur said.

–Field Level Media

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs the football during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers say Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams day-to-day

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While the San Francisco 49ers await further imaging for star running back Christian McCaffrey, coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams avoided major injuries and are day-to-day.

McCaffrey (oblique/rib), Samuel (shoulder) and Williams (ankle) all came away with injuries in Sunday’s 19-17 road loss to the Cleveland Browns — San Francisco’s first defeat of the season.

Williams’ ankle injury is not a high ankle sprain, Shanahan said. Samuel was hit on the shoulder while running a jet sweep on the Niners’ first play from scrimmage.

McCaffrey’s injury, however, may not be something he can play through with protection.

“It’s obviously a tougher position just because you get hit a lot more,” Shanahan said. “But we’ve just got to see how it reacts. We’ve got to see exactly what’s wrong with it too because we haven’t got that back yet. We say oblique/rib, hopefully it’s not both, but we’ve got to wait to see for sure.”

McCaffrey leads the NFL in rushing with 553 yards despite being held to 43 yards on 11 carries before exiting the Browns game. He also has nine touchdowns (seven rushing, two receiving) through six games.

All three players will get an extra day to rest and recover as the 49ers (5-1) prepare for next Monday night’s matchup at the Minnesota Vikings (2-4).

–Field Level Media

Jul 27, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) and general manager John Lynch watches the players during Training Camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

49ers sign GM John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan to extensions

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch signed “multi-year” contract extensions with the San Francisco 49ers.

The team trumpeted the deals Friday in the afterglow of the 49ers improving to 3-0 with a 30-12 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday night.

Lynch and Shanahan were hired in 2017 on the heels of a 2-14 season in 2016 that included a 13-game losing streak in Colin Kaepernick’s final season with the team.

Lynch, a Pro Football Hall of Fame safety who won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers during his 15 seasons in the NFL, was hired by the 49ers out of the FOX broadcast booth.

Since starting with nine losses in a row in 2017, the 49ers have bee on the climb. In seven seasons under the Lynch-Shanahan leadership, the 49ers are 55-46 in the regular season.

The franchise reached the Super Bowl at the end of the 2019 season (13-3 regular season) and played for the NFC Championship in 2021 and 2022.

Since 2019, San Francisco’s 45 wins are second-most in the NFC and tied for fourth-most in the league.

Shanahan has lost multiple top assistant coaches during his tenure. In 2022, the Miami Dolphins hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as head coach. Earlier this year, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans was named Houston Texans head coach.

Shanahan, the son of former Broncos and Washington head coach Mike Shanahan, was previously offensive coordinator on the Washington staff that employed current Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (quarterbacks coach), current Rams head coach Sean McVay (tight ends coach) and McDaniel (wide receivers).

Prior to being hired by the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan was offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons.

His second and final interview with the 49ers came on the eve of the Falcons’ Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. Shanahan had also interviewed for vacancies with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Broncos hired Vance Joseph and Jacksonville hired Doug Marrone while Atlanta was making its march through the playoffs.

–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

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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

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) hands off to running back Christian McCaffrey (23) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy to undergo MRI on elbow, ‘sad’ for 49ers veterans

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will undergo an MRI on his injured throwing elbow Monday after the team’s season ended with Sunday’s 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

Purdy’s right elbow was injured in the first quarter on a blow from Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick. He later had to re-enter the game after backup Josh Johnson sustained a concussion.

Purdy only attempted two short passes after returning. He later told reporters his arm felt “shocks all over from my elbow down to my wrist” and “just pain” when he threw, limiting him to nothing more than 5-yard throws.

“I’m just so sad for the older guys, Fred (Warner), Trent (Williams), George (Kittle), Arik Armstead, everyone,” the rookie quarterback said postgame. “All the guys that have been through this.

“They’ve obviously been in the Super Bowl in ‘19 and then last year in the NFC Championship and then for this to happen, in the first drive, really, of ‘Man, like this is the kind of game we have to play after the first drive,’ I’m just frustrated. But more sad for those guys than anything, because they deserve to go, to win, to win the whole thing.”

Johnson — the 49ers’ fourth quarterback this season following injuries to Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Purdy — was 7-of-13 passing before his head hit the turf from a hit by Ndamukong Suh of the Eagles.

“Guys were up for the challenge,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of Johnson entering the game. “I thought our defense was playing real well. We felt Josh was going to go in there and execute our plan and give us a chance.”

–Field Level Media