Heavy on 49ers Hub: Niners Travel to Green Bay for NFC Clash

Getty San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner

Welcome to the 49ers hub, the home for game recaps, highlights, and all the news you need to see about the Niners.

San Francisco Will Start QB Brandon Allen

After a season riddled with injuries, the 49ers still cannot catch a break after the team ruled out QB Brock Purdy and DE Nick Bosa. San Francisco also ruled out DL Kevin Givens, CB Charvarius Ward and WR Jacob Cowing.

Purdy has been dealing with a shoulder injury, while Bosa is battling a hip injury. Bosa being ruled out isn’t surprising, but Purdy practiced for the majority of the week before leaving practice on Thursday.

32-year-old veteran backup Brandon Allen will start in his place, three years removed from his last start. Allen has a 2-7 record as a starting QB.

How do the 49ers attack the Packers without Brock Purdy? Who would you be feeding in Green Bay?

49ers Return to Levi’s Stadium to Face Seahawks

Date/Time: Sunday, November 24 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: Packers -5.5 (-112) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Packers lead 38-34-1
Last Meeting: 49ers won 24-21 on January 20, 2024

San Francisco Take Massive Loss Against Seattle

It was one to forget for the 49ers as they fell to 5-5 after a 20-17 loss to the Seahawks. San Francisco led for the majority of the game, but failed to stop QB Geno Smith and Seattle’s offense late.

Brock Purdy scored the first touchdown of the game with a nice run to the endzone, while also throwing for a score to Jauan Jennings. However, San Francisco’s offense struggled for the most part the rest of the game.

Seattle got a final chance down 17-13 with 2:38 to play and proceeded to drive 80 yards to score. The Niners were consistently pressuring Smith, but he ran for big gains multiple times, including the go-ahead score from 13 yards out. San Francisco was left with just 12 seconds after the Seahawks QB reached the endzone.

49ers Return to Levi’s Stadium to Face Seahawks

Date/Time: Sunday, November 17 4:05 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -6.5 (-112) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Seahawks lead 30-23
Last Meeting: 49ers won 36-24 on October 10, 2024

Final Injury Designations for SEA-SF

49ers

• DL Kevin Givens (groin) – Out
• CB Charvarius Ward (personal) – Out
• P Mitch Wishnowsky (back) – Out
• CB Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) – Doubtful
• OL Aaron Banks (thigh) – Questionable
• DL Nick Bosa (hip) – Questionable
• OL Jon Feliciano (knee) – Questionable
• DL Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) – Questionable
• TE George Kittle (hamstring) – Questionable
• T Trent Williams (ankle) – Questionable

Seahawks

• TE Noah Fant (groin) – Out
• TE Brady Russell (foot) – Out
• C Connor Williams (NIR-Personal) – Out
• DE Leonard Williams (foot)
• LB Boye Mafe (knee)
• S Coby Bryant (illness)
• T Abraham Lucas (knee)
• WR DK Metcalf (knee)
• LB Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder)

Niners Earn Smash-and-Grab Win Against Buccaneers

It wasn’t always pretty, but the 49ers won’t care. San Francisco beat the Buccaneers with a last-second field goal in Week 10, marking the return of K Jake Moody from injury with a walk-off win.

The 49ers initially led the game 10-0 after an impressive TD from WR Ricky Pearsall, but gave up that lead to eventually trail 17-13. However, another TD toss from QB Brock Purdy got the team up 20-17.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and Tampa then tied it up with less than a minute to play, failing to score a go-ahead TD after reaching the red zone. Just enough clock was left for Purdy to lead a follow-up drive, setting up Moody for his 44-yard make.

49ers Visit Tampa for Week 10 Showdown

Date/Time: Sunday, November 10 1:00 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -6.5 (-114) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 20-7
Last Meeting: 49ers won 27-14 on November 19, 2023

Shanahan Provides Positive Update for Christian McCaffrey

All eyes are on Christian McCaffrey after the 49ers RB returned to practice this week. McCaffrey has been recovering from Achilles injuries in both of his legs since August.

After the team’s Wednesday practice, things appear to be signaling towards his first regular season appearance on Sunday. According to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that McCaffrey experienced “no pain” during his practice with the team on Wednesday.

The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year is looking to make his first regular-season appearance of the 2024 season.

Should the 49ers activate McCaffrey for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers? Or play it safe and bring him back in Week 11?

49ers Open Practice Window for Key OL

After missing the first half of the season, San Francisco may be getting a key player back in OL Jon Feliciano. The 49ers opened the practice window for the veteran guard on November 4.

Feliciano started 10 total games last year, including all three of the Niners’ playoff games. The 32-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury since early August, but has three weeks to be activated now that his practice window is open.

That being said, he may not return as a starter. G Dominick Puni has been a revelation at right guard despite being a rookie and will likely continue as the starter going forward.

49ers Earn 4th Straight Win Over Cowboys

In a wild back-and-forth, the 49ers secured a 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys. After a sloppy first half from both sides that finished with a 10-6 lead for Dallas, San Francisco rebounded in a big way.

The 49ers exploded in the third quarter, scoring 21 points off the back of scores from RB Isaac Guerendo, TE George Kittle and QB Brock Purdy. At one point, San Francisco led 27-10.

However, the Cowboys had an offensive explosion themselves as WR CeeDee Lamb scored twice in the fourth quarter. Dallas was even able to get the ball back down 30-24, but a four-and-out from the 49ers defense on the Cowboys’ last offensive drive secured the win.

Shanahan Speaks on Pearsall

After getting more work than initially expected in Week 7 due to Brandon Aiyuk’s injury, 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall’s involvement ramped up further in Week 8. The former Florida Gator caught all four of his targets for 38 yards, while also taking a rushing attempt for a huge 39-yard gain.

After the contest, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan was asked about Pearsall’s performance. To say the coach is encouraged is an understatement.

“You could see it in practice. You see it really each practice with Ricky, just because he has been so limited in his stuff. But he picks it up fast. His stamina gets better and better and he just, he’s got a real natural feel for the game and now it’s about just getting a feel within our offense. And I think it’s gotten better each week,” Shanahan said.

What are your thoughts? If you had to give Ricky Pearsall a letter grade after his first two performances, what would it be?

San Francisco Hosts Dallas in Latest Edition of Storied Rivalry

Date/Time: Sunday, October 27 7:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: NBC
Odds: 49ers -3.5 (-118) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 20-19-1
Last Meeting: 49ers won 42-10 on October 8, 2023

The 49ers (3-4) are looking to rebound after a difficult defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (3-3) are coming off their BYE week and a 42-9 dismantling at the hands of the Detroit Lions in Week 6.

San Francisco has won three straight games against Dallas, as the two sides have played four times since 2020.

The Niners are one game back of the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in the NFC West. The Cowboys are sitting third in the NFC East and need a win to keep pace with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.

San Francisco Falls to Kansas City, Loses Brandon Aiyuk

It was always going to be a tough game against the Chiefs, but the 49ers found it to be even more difficult than usual. That is primarily because the team’s top two receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, exited the game.

San Francisco lost 28-18 in a game that started close but finished with a fairly clear-cut victory for Kansas City. While a loss is hard to take, it’s losing even more players to injury that really stings.

Samuel entered Sunday with an illness that had not been disclosed previously. He suited up and was declared active, but essentially missed the contest as he did not feel good enough to go.

For Aiyuk, his knee injury looks to be a bad one. The 26-year-old was sandwiched between tacklers and had to be carted off. The severity is not currently clear, but the context speaks for itself.

Do the 49ers need to add a big-name receiver before the trade deadline? Or is it worth spending resources after the team has dropped to 3-4?

Purdy Throws 3+ Interceptions for Second Time in Career

49ers QB Brock Purdy is a certain bright spot for San Francisco, but he struggled mightily in Week 7. Not having his top three receivers is worth considering, but Purdy just did not have his best stuff.

Purdy completed 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards, but threw three interceptions in the process. The last two interceptions were back-breakers, arriving late in the 4th quarter when San Francisco still had a chance.

Purdy did not throw a touchdown pass, but did run for two touchdowns. It marks only the second time this season that the 49ers QB has not thrown for a TD.

49ers Meet Chiefs in 2024 Super Bowl Rematch

Date/Time: Sunday, October 20 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -1.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Chiefs lead 9-7
Last Meeting: Chiefs won 25-22 on February 11, 2024

As 49ers star Nick Bosa recently mentioned, San Francisco has not beaten the Chiefs with Kyle Shanahan at the helm. The 49ers have only squared off with Kansas City four times during his tenure, but twice clashed in the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs are undefeated, but the 49ers are favored by the Las Vegas books. What do you think? Do the 49ers and Shanahan finally get over their bogey team and beat Kansas City?

49ers Get Positive Injury Update

After a much-needed 36-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers had even more injury concerns.

For one, RB Jordan Mason was pulled from the game with a shoulder issue. K Matthew Wright also suffered a shoulder injury when making a tackle, which was the same way starting K Jake Moody suffered a high-ankle sprain.

However, both Mason and Wright are back on the field according to San Francisco Chronicle write Eric Branch.

“#49ers RB Jordan Mason (shoulder) was participating at the start of practice (warm-ups) in a non-contact jersey,” Branch wrote on X. “Did not see #49ers K Matthew Wright (shoulder) on field at start of practice. Jake Moody (ankle) was observing on the sideline. Moody is out of his walking boot.”

That is mostly good news for San Francisco, who is getting extra rest time after beating the Seahawks this past Thursday. They also opened up the practice window for rookie WR Ricky Pearsall, although don’t expect him to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

49ers Travel to Seattle for Critical TNF Showdown

Date/Time: Thursday, October 10 8:15 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: Amazon Prime
Odds: 49ers -3.5 (-102) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Seahawks lead 30-22
Last Meeting: 49ers won 28-16 on December 10, 2023

San Francisco and Seahawks’ Final Injury Reports

49ers

Seahawks

Brayden Willis Gets Call-Up

With George Kittle leading the TEs and Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges backing things up, the 49ers promoting another TE to the active roster comes off as a small surprise. But when Hufanga was placed on the IR, San Francisco promoted TE Brayden Willis to the active roster.

Willis has made 8 appearances with San Francisco after the former Oklahoma Sooner was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. He has played just 52 offensive snaps, primarily being used as a special teams contributor.

Willis had a relatively quiet college career at Oklahoma, before totaling 514 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in his senior season.

San Francisco Scores First Special Teams TD of the Year

After star linebacker Fred Warner took an interception to the house in Week 4 for the 49ers’ first defensive touchdown of the year, Deommodore Lenoir has scored the team’s first special teams touchdown.

During a field goal attempt by Arizona, DT Jordan Elliott got a paw on the ball. It then bounced perfectly for Lenoir, who scooped and scored with ease. Watch the video here.

It marked the first touchdown of Lenoir’s NFL career. To make things sweeter, Lenoir is celebrating his 25th birthday during the game.

49ers Welcome Cardinals in Week 5 for NFC West Matchup

Date/Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers -7.5 (-105) (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 36-29
Last Meeting: 49ers won 45-29 on December 17, 2023

49ers and Cardinals Game Status for Week 5

49ers
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) – Out
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) – Out
WR Chris Conley (oblique) – Doubtful
WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder) – Questionable
DL Kalia Davis (knee) – Questionable
TE George Kittle (ribs) – Questionable
LB Fred Warner (ankle) – Questionable
CB Isaac Yiadom (thigh) – Questionable

Cardinals
G Isaiah Adams (thumb) – Out
CB Garrett Williams (groin) – Out
T Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) – Questionable
T Christian Jones (ankle) – Questionable
K Matt Prater (left knee) – Questionable
DT Khyiris Tonga (knee) – Questionable

Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Worse Than Initially Thought

Suffering an Achilles injury is already bad enough, but two simultaneously is brutal. Unfortunately for McCaffrey and the 49ers, it appears he has bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

NBC Sports reporter Matt Maiocco highlighted the news on September 30, which means that McCaffrey’s recovery may not be as simple as once thought. The latest update from San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan did not provide much clarity going forward, but he did explain that it is not a new injury.

“No, during the time he’s had it in both. I think it started in one, you overcompensate, it went to the other. But mainly one of them has just been bothering him, but he’s had it in both,” Shanahan said.

While it’s not an update anyone wants to hear, it is probably better that both Achilles are being addressed simultaneously. Ideally, the 49ers can help McCaffrey recover and prevent future issues with the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year’s health.

49ers Continue to Roll Behind Jordan Mason

When Christian McCaffrey’s Achilles issue became a clear issue at the start of the season, there was immense pressure on Jordan Mason to step up. Four games into the year, the former Georgia Tech Yellowjacket has answered the call and then some.

In the 30-13 win over the New England Patriots, Mason ran for 123 yards on four touches, scoring a touchdown in the process. He also added 37 yards on two receptions. No other player totaled 100+ yards in the game.

With the Patriots game behind San Francisco, Mason is on pace for a monstrous year. If he keeps up his current production, the 25-year-old would total 1900 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. While there is no question that the 49ers are a better team with McCaffrey, Mason is playing so well that it doesn’t feel like they miss C-Mac all that much.

What would you do in San Francisco’s situation? Should they look to get McCaffrey back as soon as possible, or should the 49ers encourage the RB to take his time while Mason leads the way? Sound off in the comments below.

Brock Purdy Throws Three ‘Touchdowns’ on Single Drive

A flurry of penalties nearly denied 49ers QB Brock Purdy a touchdown pass during the 49ers’ contest against the Patriots. While up 13-0 on New England, San Francisco was looking to extend their lead.

Eventually, Purdy found TE George Kittle with an exceptional pass and catch. But before they finally reached the end zone, two different touchdowns were nullified by offensive penalties.

First, Purdy hit RB Jordan Mason for a 38-yard catch-and-run TD, but Kittle was penalized for holding. Three players later, Purdy made a fantastic throw to FB Kyle Juszczyk but a questionable illegal shift ruled it out. Still, the pass is worth a watch.

But the former Iowa State Cyclone would not be denied, eventually floating a ball to Kittle in the back corner of the end zone.

The TD came on 3rd and 10. Had Kittle not been able to bring it down, San Francisco would have had to kick a very frustrating field goal.

49ers and Patriots Clash in Week 4 Matchup

Date/Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: FOX
Odds: 49ers favored by -10.5 (per FanDuel Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: 49ers lead 9-5
Last Meeting: 49ers won 33-6 on October 25, 2020

Injury Report

49ers

DL Javon Hargrave – Out
T Trent Williams – Questionable
LB Dee Winters – Questionable
TE George Kittle – Questionable
QB Brock Purdy – Questionable
WR Jacob Cowing – Questionable
DL Jordan Elliott – Questionable
LB Curtis Robinson – Questionable
S Talanoa Hufanga – Questionable
CB Charvarius Ward – Questionable
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. – Questionable

Patriots

OT Vederian Lowe – Out
G Michael Jordan – Out
CB Alex Austin – Out
OT Caedan Wallace – Questionable
G Sidy Sow – Questionable
LB Anfernee Jennings – Questionable
CB Jonathan Jones – Questionable