Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Saturday, January 6th, 2024
49ers injury report: McCloud to be activated for Week 18 vs. Rams
“Coach Kyle Shanahan said the following six players were being ruled out from appearing in the Week 18 game: running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle), cornerback Ambry Thomas (hand), and starting safeties Ji’Ayir Brown (knee) and Tashaun Gipson (quadriceps).
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who missed the 49ers’ past two games while in the NFL’s concussion protocol, is listed as questionable.
The 49ers will activate receiver Ray-Ray McCloud from injured reserve, Shanahan said. The team must make a corresponding move to create space for him on the 53-man roster.”
49ers CB Jason Verrett’s comeback spoiled by shoulder injury
“He handles it like he does everything, like a man,” Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But you know how it is. He’s going to be pretty down for a little bit. I hope he hangs around here because we all love him around here. I think that could help him. And this will pass, like it always does. He had a long road to get back to this point and I just told him I can’t believe how good he’s looked.”
49ers’ Sam Darnold gets his starting showcase after a season behind the scenes (paywall)
“Sam’s on the ground rolling out and he’s quizzing Brock,” Kittle said. “‘Hey, do you remember this? What are you looking for? What rotation are you looking for to change the play to this?’ It was just them quizzing each other, and it’s fun to see that.”
The interaction between Darnold, who’s in his sixth NFL season, and Purdy, who’s in his second season, reminded Kittle of his first two years in the league.
“That was my relationship with Garrett Celek,” Kittle said. “We would quiz each other like that. When you have a vet keeping you on your toes, it’s always great having someone like that. It helps you prepare in a different way.”
49ers’ Elijah Mitchell shows he’s ready in case of McCaffrey emergency (paywall)
“He’s a dawg,” Mitchell said. “So as long as he can go, I just have to wait my turn. … If I’m going to be the second running back behind somebody, I’m glad it’s him.”
Lynch, 49ers ‘unbelievably impressed’ with Darnold this season
“As an organization, we’re just thrilled with him,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said of Darnold while appearing Friday morning on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus.”
“And I think everyone is excited he has an opportunity to go play this week and see what he can go get done against the Rams.”
“Recent NFL history provides no definitive answers. From 2002 through 2022, there have been 21 teams to clinch the No. 1 seed before the final week of the regular season, and the results have essentially been 50-50.”
Five 49ers to watch in Week 18 regular-season finale vs. Rams
“In those four games, the 49ers have surrendered 468 rushing yards on 90 attempts for a 5.2-yard average. San Francisco’s run defense held the opposition to just 3.8 yards a carry for the first 12 games of the season.
Pro Football Focus has Kinlaw rated with the lowest grade against the run of anybody on the team. As he completes the final year of his rookie contract, Kinlaw needs to play better in the postseason in order to help the team reach its goals and better set himself up for next season.
Although the Rams have decided to sit out top running back Kyren Williams, they figure to run the ball a lot between the tackles, and Kinlaw has to maintain leverage and keep from giving up big yards through his gap.”
Kyle Shanahan provides final updates ahead of 49ers-Rams Week 18 matchup
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Friday’s practice, providing final updates ahead of the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Here is everything he had to say.”
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