Kawakami: There are no magic fixes left for the 49ers and they know it (paywall) “The next time they’ll be true Super Bowl contenders will probably be in 2026 with Nos. 54 and 97 back in uniform and Purdy
fully healthy, and that’s only if this team can avoid a third consecutive season of injury mayhem.
Oh, and the 49ers need to keep their 2026 first- and second-round picks to use on at least one offensive lineman and probably another defensive lineman after drafting multiple D-linemen in the early rounds last year.
Which means that a moderate trade for an effective pass rusher (to at least take Bryce Huff’s place after his injury a week ago) would definitely help; but anything that would involve moving a premium pick would be irresponsible.“
49ers show they desperately need to trade for a pass rusher … or two (paywall)
“The Jets appear willing to part with pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, who, having played under Saleh the last three seasons, would be able to contribute right away. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini recently reported that some teams have called about Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, drafted one pick after Bosa in 2019, though obtaining him would require draft capital the 49ers probably aren’t willing to give up.
There are rumors that Dolphins defensive ends Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb might be available, while the Saints might be willing to move defensive end Carl Granderson, a Sacramento native, for the right price. The two-win Giants lost one of their rookie spark plugs, Cam Skattebo, to a dislocated ankle Sunday, which likely will douse the optimism in New York and could make the Giants open to trading a pass rusher like Kayvon Thibodeaux.“
49ers end NFL-record streak without an INT, but even that adds to frustration in loss (paywall)
“But the 49ers weren’t in a mood to celebrate the long-awaited takeaway because Lenoir ran out the clock instead of sliding down with a few seconds left to set up a long field-goal attempt for Eddy Piñeiro. With the 49ers trailing 16-7, Lenoir made the pick at their own 44-yard line and he could have slid around Houston’s 36. Instead, Lenoir was tackled at the 30 with no time remaining.”
49ers’ defensive humiliation in Houston illustrates the limits of ‘next man up’ (paywall)
“Following a 20-10 win over the Falcons seven days earlier, the 49ers endured a three-hour root canal that served as a reminder that things can get really ugly when potential first-ballot Hall of Famers are replaced by second-stringers.”
49ers QB Mac Jones plays waiting game Sunday with time as starter winding down (paywall)
““I’m by no means putting the blame on that today,” Juszczyk said of the two hours lost when flying from the Pacific to Central time zone. “It’s definitely my least favorite time zone to play in, but I don’t think that’s what made the difference.”
What we learned as 49ers thoroughly dominated in rough Week 8 loss to Texans
“It was not until the final minute of the first half that the 49ers got anything going. Brian Robinson had a 46-yard kickoff return to help build a little momentum after San Francisco fell behind 16-0. The 49ers finally got into the end zone on Jones’ 17-yard touchdown pass to Kittle.”
