Niners’ Kyle Shanahan says Jauan Jennings told him he’s ‘happy’ with Vikings
“We love Jauan,” Shanahan said. “We have such a good relationship with Jauan and know him real well, and we didn’t want to do it without talking to him first. So, we had to agree on some things to at least make it close enough to be able to talk to him. And when we got on a FaceTime with JJ, it went well.
“We talked about a lot of stuff, and he ended up saying that he was happy with where he was. It wasn’t just like a definite
no at first, but he was like, ‘Man, Kyle, I’m pretty happy here and liking stuff.’
“It was a good conversation,” the coach added, “and something that was possible, but that’s why it didn’t go down.”
Not-quite-middle-of-the-season Awards (paywall)
“Best new wrinkle: B-gap releases. This isn’t a Shanahan-only endeavor, but he’s employed it. Putting receivers in motion to get them free releases through the middle of the offensive line is incredibly fun to watch and messes with defenses’ spacing, timing and communication. Raheem Morris had some contenders with some of his simulated pressures, twists and 5-man fronts, but I’m not sure any of them have stuck out consistently over the others.
The Trent Sherfield award for pretty solid blocking and other helpful things, including ya know, separating, guy the 49ers should add: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Texans. I promise it’s not just because we share a last name. Nor is it because he played with Brock Purdy at Iowa State. Both of those things help, to be sure.
It becomes a tight squeeze on the roster with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson and Christian Kirk all back. But you can easily jettison Jacob Cowing, and maybe a trade makes sense for Houston if you send Jordan Watkins back the other way.
Now, this isn’t going to happen. I’m not convinced that it’s remotely likely for both sides, given that the Texans had to trade for Marvin Harrison Jr., and lost both Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins for the year. But he would make sense for the 49ers.
If you just use him in the red zone, it might really work award: Ephesians Prysock. I’ll keep saying it until it happens. But Prysock, if nothing else, is a very large corner who presses guy into the boundary effectively. I want to see that in the red zone.”
Kyle Shanahan shares updates ahead of 49ers-Raiders game
“I’m a Sagittarius, so I just have better luck in December I guess. I don’t know. I think we’ve had good teams and I think Bye weeks, teams come back a little bit more rested. It gives you a little bit better, you’re a little healthier. Doesn’t mean you solve all problems, but usually after Bye weeks you get a little bit of a boost. I bet teams records on short weeks aren’t always as good. I think we’ve had a good team majority of the years and Bye weeks always help.”
Several key 49ers players return to practice in first session after bye week
“Defensive end Nick Bosa is scheduled for limited practice on Wednesday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said.”
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan is seeking a wide receiver before the trade deadline. He has a type (paywall)
“It sounds like there’s more to the story, possibly having to do with the 49ers not meeting Jennings’ contract extension demands last year…Seven years later, Sanders could provide a template for what the 49ers are seeking: an accomplished veteran wideout with a natural feel for the position.
A logical fit: Indianapolis’ Keenan Allen, 34, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who has 36 catches for 325 yards and a touchdown in seven games this season. Allen, who attended Cal, is known for his elite route-running ability.
Lynch just worked with Colts interim general manager Ed Dodds on the deal that netted Buckner.”
What does ‘going for broke’ look like for the 49ers?
“Giving up a first-rounder for Maxx Crosby? He’s been elite, hasn’t missed a game, and would give the Niners an embarrassing amount of riches along the defensive line.
Per Sumer Sports, only Will Anderson has more impact plays than Crosby at edge rusher this season.
Going for broke means using future assets to win a chip this season. Fans, in my mind, have long overvalued draft picks. Before the season began, we were told the 2027 class is loaded with a handful of franchise quarterbacks. The college season is almost over, and none of those players have lived up to the hype….[Adonai] Mitchell is a walking big play. A quarter of his receptions are explosive plays. The Jets use him in the slot a little over 26% of the time, so he can move around the formation. He’s at his best on in-breaking routes.
Best of all, he’s under contract for two more seasons and is only 24.”
