Although the 49ers lost in Houston, the optimism around the team is growing following a trade for Keion White to help the defensive line, with more moves likely to be in the works. White, in tandem with the signing
of Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad and another defensive lineman with Bryce Huff, and Yetur Gross-Matos returning, has the 49ers’ defensive line in the best shape it has been in a few weeks. It remains to be seen what the results will be, but the front office isn’t waving the white flag on 2025. A win this week over the New York Giants will push the 49ers to 6-3 with potential offensive reinforcements on the way for the stretch run.
Where does the NFL media have the 49ers after the loss to Houston, but before the move for White and Ferrell?
ESPN.com – The 49ers fall two spots to number 12
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com still believes in Robert Saleh. Even after the 49ers’ defense struggled to get off the field on Sunday, Wagoner believes Saleh is the 49ers’ best addition.
“Take it from San Francisco tight end George Kittle, who has said all year that Saleh has been the Niners’ biggest addition. Through eight games, Saleh has had to earn every penny with a revamped defense that has lost star linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and end Nick Bosa (ACL) to season-ending injuries. It hasn’t been perfect, as there is still a lack of pass rush and interceptions, but Saleh’s defense is eighth-best in points allowed (20.5). It would be no surprise if Saleh is again a strong candidate in the next head coaching cycle.”
NFL.com – The 49ers fall one spot to number 13
Eric Edholm of NFL.com recognizes what many of us do. The 49ers need to play better in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
“Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince words when he said the Texans “kicked our ass” on Sunday. That was especially true when it came to the 49ers’ defensive front against a Texans offensive line that had hardly been dominant coming in. That San Francisco front was already without Nick Bosa, and it lost two other members to injury at Houston (Jordan Elliott and Sam Okuayinonu). The 49ers didn’t do well up front on offense, either, as the Texans erased the Niners’ run game early and put constant heat on Mac Jones. We’re still in wait-and-see mode with Brock Purdy and his health, but the 49ers need to play better up front, no matter who’s at QB. They’re set to face three pretty good defensive lines in the next three games.”
CBSSports.com – The 49ers are the biggest fallers on the week, falling four spots
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com complimented Mac Jones but believes the team needs Brock Purdy back and fast. MetLife Stadium might not be the place for Purdy to return from his injured toe, but the week after against the Rams should be the optimal time. Jones can lead the 49ers to a win on Sunday.
“They need Brock Purdy back. Mac Jones has been a nice replacement, but he isn’t Purdy.”
Bleacher Report – The 49ers fall one spot to number 13
Kris Knox of Bleacher Report knows the 49ers’ formula for winning. Stick to the offensive game plan and keep the game close. Unfortunately, the script was thrown off due to Houston’s stingy defense and losing the time-of-possession battle.
“The San Francisco 49ers have battled a myriad of injuries in 2025. However, they’ve managed to overcome more often than not, due to a promising young defense, steady play from backup quarterback Mac Jones, and the high-volume role of Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers have established a game plan for winning close, physical games, but Sunday’s loss in Houston showed what can happen when San Francisco gets away from its script. McCaffrey logged just eight carries, Jones turned it over, and the defense couldn’t corral the Texans, who won the time-of-possession battle by more than double. After losing two of their last three, the 49ers appear vulnerable—and their bye is still more than a month away.”
Pro Football Talk – The 49ers fall one spot to number 15
Mike Florio of PFT is calling the chase for the number one seed in the NFC for the 49ers after the loss in Houston. Florio has always been critical of the 49ers. It feels like he had this one in the drafts, waiting for a loss.
“The road to Santa Clara won’t be going through Santa Clara.”
