Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Cardinals Week 3 matchup
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Friday’s practice, providing final updates ahead of the team’s Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Here’s everything he said.”
49ers vs. Cardinals: The Standard’s 5 fast predictions (paywall) “ A measure of DeForest Buckner’s greatness during his 49ers tenure is that he was the only defensive lineman who had the reflexes and determination to
reliably catch the speediest QBs on broken plays. Mykel Williams might step into that void, starting Sunday. I’ll even predict that he’ll get his first NFL sack.“
Five 49ers to watch in Week 3 NFC West showdown vs. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
“Murray kept the ball on a read-option, found an opening where then-49ers linebacker DeVondre Campbell should have been. Murray made a 50-yard sprint to the end zone, as safety Talanoa Hufanga charged toward the line of scrimmage and lost sight of the fleet quarterback.
The 49ers have better speed on defense, and that is highlighted by Sigle’s rise to the starting lineup.“
Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings questionable for 49ers’ Week 3 game vs. Cardinals
“Rookie left guard Connor Colby is listed as questionable with a groin injury. Colby is in line to start with Ben Bartch going on injured reserve this week.
Backup offensive lineman Spencer Burford (knee) and rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) was ruled out. Watkins could be a candidate for injured reserve because of the injury he sustained Thursday in practice.
Austen Pleasants is expected to serve as the backup at both tackle positions.
Purdy is making good progress from a toe injury he sustained in the 49ers’ season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. He took part in limited practices this week, and should be fully cleared to return to the starting lineup for the team’s Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.“
Why Kyle Shanahan believes 49ers benefit from ‘energetic’ rookie defenders
“Well, that’s what I like about all of our youth on defense,” Shanahan told Maiocco. “We have young guys that are energetic. They don’t know much; they just want to go. They want to be coached. They play really fast.
“They’re not worried about how long the season is. They are not worried about practicing hard. They are young and full of energy. They are ready to go….We got to keep training them. The key is having them play fast, and we will sprinkle more and more each week,” Shanahan added.
“It really depends on who we are going against, but as long as they don’t have setbacks, they can keep practicing and playing like they are, I know they will keep getting better. The whole deal is being able to practice and do it week in and week out and hope you have some good luck with injuries.”
What drives Christian McCaffrey, whose return has rejuvenated the 49ers? (paywall)
“People with special, uncharted amounts of drive don’t waste much time describing it. But we gave it a shot anyway.
“I don’t know, man. I just approach life that way, and I love football,” McCaffrey said, smiling, before practice Wednesday. “It comes out of love. I work really hard because I love what I do.
“I feel like I’m the luckiest guy on the planet. I get to play football in the NFL with some of my best friends.”
The 49ers have a core of star players, and McCaffrey has pulled aside some of those friends, including quarterback Brock Purdy, to remind them of this precious window they have right now.“
Jake Tonges’ unlikely journey from undersized Cal walk-on to 49ers tight end (paywall)
