Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Tuesday, December 31st, 2024
“He, like many 49ers rookie receivers, is not the primary read in the 49ers offense. He was ignored in the progression behind Deebo Samuel, a player who cannot beat man coverage.
But he got his looks Monday night. For the first time this season, Pearsall was targeted more than six times, and he delivered. On 10 targets, Pearsall caughteight for 141 yards and a touchdown, included a one-handed toe drag reception. The only two incompletions were an overthrow and an undercut. He and George Kittle — who passed the 1,000-yard mark on the season for the fourth time in his career — were ever-present threats.”
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers’ 40-34 loss vs. Lions
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Monday’s 40-34 Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Here is what they said.”
49ers believe Brock Purdy dealing with nerve issue in right elbow
“We did some tests with UCL stuff, and I’m good in that regard,” Purdy said. “But we’ve just got to go get imaging on it tomorrow and see the whole thing.”
Before Purdy spoke to the media and discussed his evening, Shanahan said the doctors told him they think the injury is “some nerve stuff.” Shanahan said he “wouldn’t think” the injury is anything to be concerned about long term but that further testing would be needed to confirm that optimistic outlook.”
The question of health lingers over this offseason. Greenlaw played just three games in “2021, totaled 36 games including playoffs the next two seasons, and will finish with two games played this season. He’s due a new contract this offseason, but his return ending prematurely leaves at least some uncertainty about the 49ers re-signing him and how much money he will command.
But in the grand scheme of Greenlaw, that’s a featherweight problem. Solvable by his same reliable motivations.
He’s 27 years old now. He’s made millions of dollars. But the hurt of a traumatizing childhood still drives him. The haunts of foster care, the struggles of a dysfunctional family, the grip of poverty — Greenlaw’s been fighting these impediments for most of his life.
Every day he defeats them. With his positive spirit. With his transparent honesty. With his relentless pursuit to unite his people and stave off loneliness.
“I wanted to play football, and I wanted to do it so I could bring my family together,” Greenlaw said. “I used to cry in foster care every night. I prayed for that every night. And that’s what I play for every night.”
49ers awards: George Kittle, Dominick Puni and other standouts in a terrible year (paywall)
“This award has never gone to a rookie since it was established in 1981. Puni, however, deserves consideration. He’s not only been one of the 49ers’ most consistent linemen, he’s been among the top interior linemen in the league. His 83.3 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fourth among guards who have started more than five games this season. That Puni has started all 15 games so far — for a team that’s usually reluctant to start rookies — speaks to his maturity.”
Jed York confirms Shanahan and Lynch will be back with the 49ers in 2025 (paywall)
“Over the next several minutes, York generally elaborated that while nobody in the organization is happy with the results this season, and not every decision worked out, he’s not tossing out everything as a knee-jerk reaction.
He noted that the injuries to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Javon Hargrave, and several others were devastating and that the team just couldn’t turn things around after some early losses. But York said Shanahan and Lynch have remained steady throughout this process and continue to be the best leaders for the team going into 2025.
York said the 49ers still have a quality roster and believe they’re set up to be right back in contention next season.”
San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 opponents finalized after clinching last-place schedule
“Additionally, the schedule includes matchups against the last-place teams from the NFC North (Bears), NFC East (Giants), and AFC North (Browns), along with games against every team in the NFC South and AFC South.”
Maiocco’s observations: Purdy, Pearsall shine in 49ers’ loss to Lions
“Left guard Nick Zakelj made his first NFL start, and recently signed left tackle Charlie Heck made his first start with the 49ers.
The 49ers’ offense started strong with Brock Purdy distributing the ball to Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle.”