49ers Webzone News and Updates 49ers Webzone is your San Francisco 49ers online resource featuring up to date news, commentary and the largest 49ers fan community on the web. en-us https://www.49erswebzone.com Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:27:51 PDT Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:27:51 PDT 49ers practice: Mike Evans among several working on the side, Nick Bosa still absent https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204252-49ers-practice-several-working-absent/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:27:51 PDT 2026-10-16T13:27:51-07:00 David Bonilla 06a87575301c7430ff44e2666e9f30f6
Wide receiver Mike Evans, who didn't practice Thursday due to rib and Achilles issues, was among the players working on the side during Friday's session.

Defensive tackle Gracen Halton, who is dealing with a quadriceps injury, and offensive tackle Colton McKivitz, who is battling an illness, were also seen working on the side.

Meanwhile, defensive end Nick Bosa was not seen practicing as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

"Nick is making really good progress," general manager John Lynch said Friday. "We're encouraged by that. You kind of are always towing that line of when is the right time, and that's a collection of talking to the docs, talking to the trainers, but most importantly, the athlete, seeing exactly where he's at.

"We want to make sure when we get him back, we have him back for good, that he's not going to re-injure it. And there's no assurances there, there's no absolutes, but we'll continue to communicate with everybody involved, see if he can get out here today. The extra day helps us, and so kind of a fluid situation there."

Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and wide receiver Christian Kirk were both seen practicing Friday, offering encouraging signs as they work toward potential returns.

Juszczyk suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in Week 4. The veteran fullback has been working his way back, and Lynch was asked whether he could play against Washington.

"There is a chance," Lynch said. "He practiced yesterday. Juice is so tough. Again, beating timelines. When we first saw that, no one felt good about it, but he felt good the next day. And Juice, he's such a tireless worker, and he's got such a great mindset. He's going to beat any timeline you give him, so we'll see again.

"He's got to continue to string practices along, but it's pretty remarkable he was even out there yesterday, and he looked really good."

Kirk, meanwhile, is working toward a return from the calf injury he suffered during the first practice of training camp. The 49ers recently opened his practice window, giving him a chance to return from injured reserve.

Lynch acknowledged Friday that Kirk could be activated ahead of Monday night's game, noting that the wide receiver has made good progress over the past couple of weeks.

]]> Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images 49ers vs. Commanders: 3 biggest threats San Francisco must contain in Week 6 https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204246-commanders-biggest-threats-san-francisco/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:20:00 PDT 2026-10-16T11:20:47-07:00 Wayne "Breezie" Brown ed7179c9dbf23182be3b396218e4e044
Daniels returned in Week 5 after missing two games with a dislocated elbow and immediately reminded everyone how dangerous Washington's offense becomes when he is on the field. His mobility creates problems beyond the traditional passing game. At the same time, Terry McLaurin remains Washington's most dangerous receiving threat, and pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson gives the Commanders a disruptive presence off the edge.

Here are the three Commanders the 49ers must account for this week.

Jayden Daniels


Everything starts with Daniels.

In his return against the New York Giants, Daniels completed 68% of his passes while throwing for 199 yards. But his biggest impact came on the ground, where he rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. That is what makes Daniels such a difficult matchup.

San Francisco's defensive line can win its initial pass rush and still lose the play. If the edge rushers get too far upfield or interior defenders lose rush-lane discipline, Daniels has the speed to escape and turn a broken passing play into a significant gain.

The 49ers cannot simply focus on getting pressure. They have to pressure him responsibly. That means keeping contain on the edges, maintaining integrity through the middle, and forcing Daniels to operate from inside the pocket as often as possible.

Fred Warner and the rest of San Francisco's linebackers will also have to remain disciplined. If they react too aggressively to Daniels as a runner, Washington can attack the space they vacate behind them.

The goal is simple to describe but hard to execute: make Daniels beat you from the pocket instead of letting his legs take over the game.

Terry McLaurin


Daniels' mobility becomes even more dangerous when paired with Terry McLaurin, Washington's primary vertical threat and the receiver San Francisco cannot afford to lose track of when a play breaks down.

His speed forces cornerbacks to protect against the deep ball, but the bigger challenge could come once Daniels escapes the pocket. Coverage responsibilities become much more difficult when defensive backs are forced to defend longer than the original play design.

Do you stay attached to McLaurin? Do you react to Daniels leaving the pocket? That hesitation can be exactly what Washington needs to create an explosive play.

San Francisco's corners must remain disciplined and resist the temptation to abandon coverage too early when Daniels begins to scramble. McLaurin does not necessarily need double-digit catches to alter the game. One or two explosive receptions can completely change field position and momentum.

The 49ers have to make Washington earn its yards underneath rather than allowing McLaurin to create chunk plays downfield.

K'Lavon Chaisson


Washington's defensive threat to watch is K'Lavon Chaisson, who is coming off one of his best performances of the season. Against the Giants, he recorded a sack, two quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble. It marked the first game of his career in which he recorded a sack, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and multiple quarterback hits.

That is exactly the type of disruption San Francisco must prevent.

The Commanders do not need Chaisson to dominate every snap. They need him to produce a few negative plays that knock the 49ers off schedule.

A sack on first down. A forced fumble. A pressure that makes Brock Purdy speed up his process.

Those plays create longer down-and-distance situations and give Washington more freedom to disguise coverage or bring additional pressure.

For San Francisco, staying ahead of the chains will be important. The fewer obvious passing situations the 49ers face, the fewer opportunities Chaisson and Washington's pass rush will have to attack.

The Bottom Line


Washington's three biggest threats attack San Francisco in three different ways. Jayden Daniels stresses the 49ers' rush discipline. Terry McLaurin stresses the coverage. K'Lavon Chaisson stresses the protection.

But everything ultimately comes back to Daniels. His ability to escape pressure changes the offense's entire geometry. It creates additional rushing production, extends plays for McLaurin and forces defenders to make difficult decisions in space.

If the 49ers can keep Daniels contained, limit McLaurin's explosive plays, and prevent Chaisson from creating game-changing negative plays, San Francisco will be in position to control Week 6.

The priority, however, is clear: Contain the quarterback. Control the game.]]> Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images 49ers' John Lynch admits trade talks are heating up ahead of deadline https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204243-49ers-lynch-admits-heating-deadline/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:31:00 PDT 2026-10-16T11:18:24-07:00 David Bonilla fdd63711c7379857b0e553220f4633e1
Lynch was asked whether he has been making and receiving more calls around the league.

"Just because the flow of the trade deadline is approaching, yes," Lynch admitted. "I mean, that's our job, is to do that, to talk with our counterparts around the league. We receive calls, we make calls, just to kind of see where the market's at, and I think the answer to that is yes, and we're just doing our jobs."

One player frequently linked to the 49ers is Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack. Lynch was asked whether the team is actively exploring a move to acquire the veteran defender. Mack has three sacks this season for the 0-5 Chargers.

"I can't tell you that," Lynch said, laughing. "A lot of people ask me that. We seem to be connected to everyone, and I don't know where that comes from. I had a player ask me that yesterday."

When asked which player had inquired about Mack, Lynch initially hesitated to reveal his identity before admitting it was tight end George Kittle.

"It's usually Kittle because he asks about everything, which I love," Lynch said.

The 49ers are frequently linked to high-profile players who could become available before the trade deadline. Those connections are understandable, given San Francisco's injuries at several positions, including along the defensive line and at wide receiver.

Despite those challenges, the 49ers remain undefeated and sit atop the NFC West standings. Whether Lynch and the front office make a significant move to strengthen the roster remains to be seen as the trade deadline draws closer.

]]> Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 49ers' John Lynch reacts to Dre Greenlaw suspension, addresses Seahawks' role https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204242-reacts-greenlaw-suspension-addresses-seahawks/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:06:00 PDT 2026-10-16T11:18:12-07:00 David Bonilla 4032128ff8efd547b3da2ef8a02aaf95
The NFL handed Greenlaw the suspension after he headbutted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the sideline. Greenlaw was wearing his helmet at the time, while Jones was not.

The incident followed Greenlaw's hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold after Darnold had stepped out of bounds, prompting Seattle players to converge on the 49ers linebacker.

"I've talked with Dre a lot. We all have," Lynch said Friday morning on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "He's a big part of this family. We've gotten a huge boost in getting his energy, his passion for the way he plays the game back. I think, when you have a player like that, you're always kind of walking that line. One thing I will acknowledge, I think the league acknowledges, Dre, between the lines, he's what you want to use as an example of a guy who plays incredibly physically, incredibly well, but plays within the rules.

"He's found himself in some situations, one, with a real famous security guard in Philly. I love that guy. He's a really cool guy if you ever meet him. But he shouldn't be on the football field sticking his finger in people's faces. Now, Dre has to learn, and when you're in those situations, you've got to remove yourself, and that's hard to do when you run hot."

Greenlaw appealed the suspension, but hearing officer James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, upheld the punishment.

Lynch acknowledged he was unhappy with how the Seahawks players handled the sideline incident, but said Greenlaw has to show better judgment.

The 49ers must move forward without Greenlaw against Washington and find a way to compensate for his absence.

"I think there's a process that the league has," Lynch continued. "He got himself in a situation where he was on their sideline. I don't love how Seattle kind of just surrounded him, and I made that known to the league. But in saying that, you can't do certain things. Dre's aware of that. He took accountability for that. The league has an independent appeal system where they have these guys rule on it, and they made the ruling. We don't have to like it, but it is what it is.

"I think the most important thing is that we learn from it, that Dre learns from it because he's too good of a football player. He missed over half that game against the Seahawks, so we've already been penalized, and then we're being penalized a little more. And so, consequences sometimes, it's just like raising kids. Sometimes that has to happen.

"The league made that decision, or the appeal officer made that decision, and we got to live with it. We'll miss Dre. He's an excellent football player. He's only gone for this week, and we'll have guys step up. We're confident about that. The biggest thing is that we all learn from it, not just Dre."

]]> Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images 49ers injury updates: John Lynch offers encouraging news on Nick Bosa, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian Kirk https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204241-injury-updates-encouraging-juszczyk-christian/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:47:00 PDT 2026-10-16T11:17:57-07:00 David Bonilla 0da4b34c158a346eea522e3fb974bd2c
Defensive end Nick Bosa has been dealing with a calf injury, while fullback Kyle Juszczyk is working his way back from a knee injury.

The 49ers could also get a boost to their injury-depleted receiving corps. The team opened wide receiver Christian Kirk's practice window this week, giving him a chance to return to the lineup against Washington.

General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Friday morning to provide updates on all three players.

Nick Bosa's injury status


Bosa did not practice on Thursday, but the 49ers appear encouraged by his progress. Lynch was asked whether the star pass rusher could return for Monday night's game.

"We will see," Lynch responded. "Nick is making really good progress. We're encouraged by that. You kind of are always towing that line of when is the right time, and that's a collection of talking to the docs, talking to the trainers, but most importantly, the athlete, seeing exactly where he's at.

"We want to make sure when we get him back, we have him back for good, that he's not going to re-injure it. And there's no assurances there, there's no absolutes, but we'll continue to communicate with everybody involved, see if he can get out here today. The extra day helps us, and so kind of a fluid situation there."

Kyle Juszczyk's injury status


Juszczyk suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in Week 4, forcing him to miss the 49ers' game against the Seattle Seahawks. However, the veteran fullback could return earlier than expected. Could that happen against Washington?

"There is a chance," Lynch said. "He practiced yesterday. Juice is so tough. Again, beating timelines. When we first saw that, no one felt good about it, but he felt good the next day. And Juice, he's such a tireless worker, and he's got such a great mindset. He's going to beat any timeline you give him, so we'll see again.

"He's got to continue to string practices along, but it's pretty remarkable he was even out there yesterday, and he looked really good."

Christian Kirk's injury status


The 49ers haven't ruled out activating Kirk ahead of Monday night's game. His return would provide a welcome boost to a receiving corps that recently added Deebo Samuel to its injury list.

"He's had a really good last couple of weeks," Lynch said. "He came to us, and the plan was a little further down the road, but Christian really came and said, 'Guys, I'm feeling great, and I know we're down with going down.' So, we saw fit to open up his window. He's kind of passed those markers, so we put him out there on the practice field.

"He looked good. So, we'll see if he is activated this week, if we can get there. I think another good day of practice, another couple more good days. This is a normal Thursday for us, which is a lot going on in this practice, a lot of volume. We'll see if he handles that well and then make a decision later in the week."

]]> Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images 49ers' Kyle Shanahan surprised by Brock Purdy, Mike Evans' fast-developing chemistry https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204235-49ers-shanahan-surprised-fast-developing-chemistry/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:13:49 PDT 2026-10-15T17:13:49-07:00 David Bonilla 14e4a3ca90bf2fa31a5a02c2d4a730bd
Evans has recorded 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns. He has played through a painful rib injury suffered in Week 3. On Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, he caught seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown, making a significant impact in the NFC West matchup.


Evans even hauled in a two-point conversion against Seattle. With his size, strength, and ability to win contested catches, Evans has quickly become a reliable playmaking target for Purdy.


On Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked whether the rapid development of chemistry between Evans and Purdy had surprised him.

"Yeah, a little bit. I mean, yes and no," Shanahan said. "Mike has been so obviously that good to anybody who watches him, and especially to me watching him over the years. He's always been right there as the best, and some people can match up with him, but he's just such a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

"To get him here, just things that we weren't used to doing as much, not having a guy like him. I remember always telling Brock, 'Hey, there's times you're just going to sit there and wait, and Mike will get it done. You don't need to progress, even if your feet tell you to. If the coverage doesn't go there, you just wait and give him time because he'll come down with it.'

"I remember saying to him a ton, 'This can be really important that you two have a lot of one-on-one. You guys do that stuff a lot because that's just about you guys talking to each other.' Each one's going to be different. It's not like coach talk and telling you, 'Hey, it's going to be at this yard line or this hitch.' It's stuff you guys have just got to get used to each other."

Evans dealt with a quad strain and a groin injury during training camp, raising questions about whether he and Purdy would have enough time to develop their chemistry before the regular season began.

Evans made an immediate impact in Week 1, catching six passes for 49 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Shanahan recalled joking with Purdy about the limited time they'd spent working together before that game.

"I remember going up to Brock in the middle of Australia," Shanahan said. "I was like, 'Hey, all that stuff I asked you to work with Mike, are you guys there yet? Are you good?' I did that jokingly because I knew Mike hadn't had any reps in like two weeks, and Brock got all stressed.

"He's like, 'Well, I haven't got to yet.' And I was like, 'I'm just joking, dude.' I was like, 'We've ran out of time. We'll see how it goes this week.' That fade they threw in Australia that they scored on, I think we had done that full speed once live, and that's just a different drop and different stuff that we hadn't done.

"So those guys didn't get a ton of reps out of it, but it just shows how natural Mike is, how natural Brock is, and that it seems like they've been working on that stuff for a long time."]]> Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images 49ers' Christian McCaffrey eager to face brother Luke for first time https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204234-49ers-christian-mccaffrey-eager-brother/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:27:27 PDT 2026-10-15T16:27:27-07:00 David Bonilla 85acea0094a44fbf042e8f47df18535e
Although the brothers won't be on the field at the same time, the matchup will mark a milestone for the two siblings. Christian is five years older than Luke, and they have never faced each other in a game.

"It's the first time I've been able to play against him, so it'll be really cool just to share the field with your brother," McCaffrey told reporters on Thursday. "Obviously, there's nostalgia with that, going back to Little League and high school. He's the only brother I've never gotten to play with or against, so I think this completes the cycle of sharing the field with him.

"I know it's different uniforms, but proud of him and everything he's done, and excited to see him."

The Commanders are coming off an overtime tie against the New York Giants and have won just one game this season. Luke McCaffrey has yet to catch a pass, with all 29 of his snaps this season on special teams.

Meanwhile, the 49ers enter Week 6 with a 5-0 record after an emotional win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. San Francisco defeated its NFC West rival in a physical contest to maintain its unbeaten start.

Christian McCaffrey doesn't believe the demanding matchup against Seattle will make it difficult for the 49ers to prepare for Washington.

"I don't think there's a challenge to get yourself ready to go," McCaffrey said. "I think this team's made of the right stuff, always comes to work ready to go, understands the challenges from the week ahead. And also understanding that this league is week to week.

"There's obviously a standard that's always rising, and I think we've got a good mentality of trying to get better every day."

McCaffrey also recognized the importance of beating Seattle and strengthening San Francisco's position in the NFC West. However, the 49ers know they must stay focused as they pursue a 6-0 start.

"It's huge. Division wins are awesome," McCaffrey said. "We're happy to be 5-0, but we understand the challenge of becoming 6-0. We celebrated it, moved on. Now, getting ready to roll."

]]> David Gonzales-Imagn Images 49ers vs. Commanders injury report: Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, several others don't practice https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204232-commanders-injury-report-several-practice/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:28:00 PDT 2026-10-15T16:32:18-07:00 David Bonilla 988508e7d5bfbd0ce005a34a2954ca72
Defensive end Nick Bosa remains a possibility to play against the Washington Commanders despite missing Thursday's practice. He has missed the past three games while recovering from a calf injury.

In addition to the rib injury he has been playing through, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is dealing with Achilles soreness. He also did not practice Thursday.

Defensive tackle Gracen Halton appeared on the injury report with a quadriceps issue. He did not practice.

The 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk, who is on injured reserve. San Francisco can activate Kirk to the 53-man roster at any point during that window.


Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Commanders, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.

San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice


Did Not Participate In Practice
  • DE Nick Bosa (knee, calf)
  • WR Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles)
  • DT Gracen Halton (quadricep)
  • RB Christian McCaffrey (resting player)
  • WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring)
  • S Marques Sigle (ankle)
  • DT James Thompson (ankle)
  • LB Garret Wallow (hamstring)
  • T Trent Williams (resting player)

Limited Participation in Practice
  • FB Kyle Juszczyk (knee)
  • WR Christian Kirk (calf)
  • T Colton McKivitz (illness)
  • S Siran Neal (neck)
  • CB Upton Stout (shoulder)
  • DE Mykel Williams (knee)
  • G Carver Willis (toe)

Full Participation in Practice
  • WR Jacob Cowing (ankle)
  • DE Romello Height (hand)

Washington Commanders Thursday Practice


Did Not Participate In Practice
  • S Percy Butler (hamstring)
  • RB Jacory CroskeyMerritt (groin)
  • WR Stefon Diggs (hamstring)
  • LB Javontae JeanBaptiste (pectoral)
  • QB Marcus Mariota (knee)
  • DE Charles Omenihu (groin, ankle)
  • S Tyler Owens (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
  • WR Treylon Burks (shoulder)
  • RB Austin Ekeler (chest)
  • LB Jordan Magee (hamstring)
  • S Quan Martin (illness)
  • WR Terry McLaurin (hamstring)
  • CB Fabian Moreau (knee)
  • S Jeremy Reaves (rib)

Full Participation in Practice
  • CB Trey Amos (ankle)
  • LB K'Lavon Chaisson (knee)
  • S Nick Cross (illness)
  • QB Jayden Daniels (left elbow)
  • DT Javon Kinlaw (ankle)
  • RB Jeremy McNichols (quadricep)
  • RB Rachaad White (shoulder)
]]> Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images 49ers WR Christian Kirk 'excited to get out there' as he nears return https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204230-49ers-christian-excited-there-return/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:08:00 PDT 2026-10-15T15:08:00-07:00 David Bonilla 31060b73fce601319731e3c729dbd9b2
It has been a long road back for Kirk, who spoke to reporters Thursday about his recovery and why he finally feels ready to return to the practice field.

"Just felt like I kind of got over that hump and feeling like myself again," Kirk said. "Body starting to respond to just the training and the recovery and whatnot. And so, just wanted to communicate that to them, and tell them that I was ready to go, and get back out there.

"So, excited to get out there. It's obviously been a while, and just ready to attack this week."

Kirk acknowledged that watching from the sidelines, unable to contribute to the team's success, has been difficult. However, he believes his experience will help him get up to speed quickly and become a productive part of the offense.

"I think it's like riding a bike," Kirk said. "I've been doing it for a while, and so, for me, it's just getting back out there, getting integrated with the guys. Obviously, it's been hard not being out there, but been really cool to watch day in and day out how this team comes to work every single day, and for it to be able to carry over on Sundays.

"I'm just excited, like I said, to get in the mix, and hopefully, provide some other production to help us win some more games."

Christian Kirk eager to prove himself with the 49ers


Kirk didn't expect to start his tenure with a new team on injured reserve.

"Anytime you go to a new organization, a new team, no matter what you've done, you want to prove yourself, and that's just how I felt," Kirk said. "I've just wanted to go out there, obviously, play with these guys. I've been able to get to know them, being in the locker room, hanging out outside the field. But to just be able to get out there and prove to them that I'm worthy to be a teammate and to be able to help win football games here.

"So, for me, it's been hard, but it's all about just how you approach every day and control what you can control. Now, I'm at this point, and already getting back out there, so I'm excited."

Kirk believes he is nearing the end of his recovery process. Returning to practice will let him work through the final steps needed to prepare for game action.

What does Christian Kirk need to work on before returning?


Kirk said he's focused on getting comfortable with the physical demands of practice and adjusting to the speed of the game, including running routes against defenders and processing San Francisco's play calls at full speed.

"I just think it's getting out there, getting covered, separating from guys, and just hearing the play call," Kirk said. "Obviously, the system has a lot of verbiage and whatnot that goes into a play call. So, just getting those full-speed reps.

"It's really just the little things. Other than that, I'm not too worried about anything else that's required to do from our job."

The 49ers will have up to three weeks to evaluate Kirk before deciding whether to activate him from injured reserve. His return would give San Francisco another experienced receiving option as the team continues to deal with injuries.

]]> Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images John Lynch reveals why the 49ers excel with late-round draft picks https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204229-lynch-reveals-49ers-excel-late-round/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:22:00 PDT 2026-10-15T14:22:00-07:00 David Bonilla 887bc5d2af13b80b21f105c31715d7a4
Two defensive rookies, linebacker Jaden Dugger and defensive tackle Gracen Halton, have seen their roles grow, potentially earlier than expected. Both have shown promise as potential long-term contributors.

General manager John Lynch joined the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast this week and explained what attracted the 49ers to the two young defenders.

"We were going to be doing more five-down fronts, and there was probably more of an emphasis this year," Lynch said. "And you look at some of the guys like Dugger, the linebacker that we took, we knew we had a bunch of guys, a bunch of little Chihuahuas that would chase you and swarm you. We needed some length to play those fronts. Whether we had gone to more of the five-down fronts or not, we needed some length in there.

"A guy like Gracen Halton, we just love his style. He's an attacking defensive lineman, and we loved his film from Oklahoma."


John Lynch credits 49ers' draft success to organizational alignment


The 49ers have found several contributors in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. Lynch attributes that success to shared vision and alignment within the organization.

"I really think why we hit on late-round picks exceptionally well is because we have great synergy with our coaching staff," Lynch said. "Scouting, coaching. And we talk about alignment all the time, and that's where you use data. When our research and development, when they're in on a player, when scouting's in on a player, and then when coaching is in on a player, we hit at a real high rate.

"And a lot of those late-round picks, when you have that alignment on a guy, you say, 'All right, we don't think he's going until here.' Now we've got to be really skillful and use our experience as to when we do think we can get him."

That collaboration helps the 49ers identify prospects who fit their system and decide when to select them, letting the team maximize the value of its draft picks.

Brock Purdy is the ultimate example of 49ers' draft success


One of the 49ers' most significant recent draft successes is quarterback Brock Purdy, whom the team selected with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Many initially viewed Purdy as a developmental prospect with little chance of making a significant impact. Still, he quickly earned the coaching staff's trust and emerged as a breakout star during his rookie season.

Lynch acknowledged that Purdy's selection involved an element of luck but also pointed to the evaluations that helped San Francisco identify his potential.

"Then sometimes you get lucky, like with Brock Purdy," Lynch explained. "Nobody took him until the last pick. Everyone says, 'What did you guys see?' Well, we didn't see a whole lot because we took him with the last pick in the draft, but I think there is a story there.

"I think with Brock we had a late third-, early fourth-round grade, and a lot of that was the area scout. It was former QB coach Brian Griese who had an affinity for him. It was former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell talking about him so glowingly.

"But most of those stories come from the synergy that we have as a coaching staff and a scouting department."]]> Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images 49ers injury updates: Kyle Shanahan shares news on Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, others https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204225-injury-updates-shanahan-shares-several/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:19:00 PDT 2026-10-15T13:22:33-07:00 David Bonilla bf0451f9b1c7928434aec410cfc30262
The following players will not practice on Thursday:
  • DE Nick Bosa (calf)
  • WR Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles)
  • WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring)
  • S Marques Sigle (ankle)
  • DT James Thompson Jr. (ankle)
  • LB Garret Wallow (hamstring)

The following players will be limited:
  • FB Kyle Juszczyk (knee)
  • WR Christian Kirk (calf)
  • OT Colton McKivitz (illness)
  • DB Siran Neal (neck)
  • CB Upton Stout (shoulder)

Nick Bosa has a chance to return against the Commanders


Although defensive end Nick Bosa will not practice Thursday, he still has a chance to play against the Commanders on Monday night. The veteran pass rusher is working his way back from a calf injury that has sidelined him for the past three games.

"Hoping he can go (on Monday), but not able to practice today," Shanahan said.

Asked whether Bosa's injury might require management for the rest of the season, Shanahan dismissed the possibility.

"No, usually calves heal, and they're usually good," he said.

When asked what goes into deciding when Bosa might be ready to return to the field, Shanahan said, "It's more about is he fully recovered from the calf and what are the percentages of him re-injuring that."

Ultimately, the decision will depend on feedback from Bosa and the team's medical staff.

Mike Evans dealing with a new setback


Wide receiver Mike Evans has played the past two games while dealing with a painful rib injury. However, Shanahan said Thursday that Evans will not practice because he's also dealing with Achilles soreness.

While Shanahan didn't sound overly concerned, the additional issue presents another challenge for the 49ers as they prepare to face Washington.

Christian Kirk returns to practice


The 49ers opened wide receiver Christian Kirk's 21-day practice window Thursday, letting him begin working toward an earlier return from injured reserve than Shanahan expected.

Kirk has been recovering from a calf injury.

"He has had some setbacks since hurting it the first day of training camp, so that's why he's taken a while," Shanahan said. "I told you guys I wasn't expecting this week on Monday, but it's just because I didn't ask.

"He's had a really good week, had an awesome weekend, and he's ready to give it a go, and it'll be his first day back today."

The 49ers now have 21 days to evaluate Kirk before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster.

Injured reserve remains a possibility for Deebo Samuel


Wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a hamstring injury Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to miss several weeks. The 49ers have not ruled out placing him on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games.

"It is a possibility," Shanahan said. "If we didn't have that bye week, I think it'd be around that area, but gaining that week where we don't play is why we're still trying to wait out right now and hope we don't have to do it."

De'Zhaun Stribling update


Rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling landed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. Shanahan said the rookie is making progress but still has work to do before returning.

"He's doing good," Shanahan said. "I mean, he's still ways away, so I haven't seen him too much, but I think he's on track."

What is Demarcus Robinson's timeline?


Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson landed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. Shanahan offered a rough timeline for the veteran's potential return, suggesting he could be back around the team's bye week or shortly afterward.

"D-Rob, still on IR," Shanahan said. "I'm hoping, probably an outside chance for the bye week, but hoping to get him back after the bye week."]]> Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images 49ers open Christian Kirk's practice window, announce other roster moves https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204221-christian-practice-window-announce-roster/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:23:00 PDT 2026-10-15T12:26:04-07:00 Site Staff c97f36bfe2c0e5a58dc1d051cb35c3b3 Ogbo Okoronkwo to the active roster and signed linebacker Eugene Asante to the team's practice squad.

The team also opened the practice window for wide receiver Christian Kirk. He has been on the injured reserve list since August 30 due to a calf injury.

The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.


Okoronkwo (6-2, 253) was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round (160th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his eight-year NFL career with the Rams (2019-21), Houston Texans (2022), Cleveland Browns (2023-24), Philadelphia Eagles (2025), and 49ers (2026), he has appeared in 86 games (14 starts) and registered 129 tackles, 18.0 sacks, four passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He also appeared in seven postseason contests, tallying four tackles and one pass defensed. In 2026, he appeared in five games (one start) and registered 2 tackles and 1.0 sack with San Francisco.

A 31-year-old native of Gainesville, FL, Okoronkwo attended the University of Oklahoma for four seasons (2014-17), where he appeared in 46 games (27 starts) and registered 164 tackles, 21.0 sacks and five forced fumbles. As a junior in 2016, he earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.

Asante (6-1, 222) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025. Throughout his NFL career, he has spent time on the practice squads with the Dolphins (2025), Cleveland Browns (2025), Atlanta Falcons (2025-26), and Arizona Cardinals (2026). In 2026, Asante signed to the Cardinals practice squad on August 31, before being released by the team on October 13.

A 26-year-old native of Chantilly, VA, Asante attended the University of North Carolina (2019-21) before transferring to Auburn University (2022-24), where he appeared in 65 games (25 starts) and registered 196 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two passes defensed, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and one forced fumble.]]> Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images Kyle Shanahan on 49ers WR depth: 'I think we have enough' https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204216-shanahan-49ers-depth-think-enough/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:56:16 PDT 2026-10-15T10:56:16-07:00 David Bonilla 94de0b31e73980cefac75cb2b29c7ec7 worked out four linebackers on Wednesday and reportedly plan to sign Eugene Asante. The moves prompted fans to ask why the team is focusing on linebacker depth when wide receiver remains a concern.

The 49ers could still add a wide receiver ahead of Monday night's Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders. With Deebo Samuel sidelined by a hamstring injury, San Francisco has just four healthy wide receivers on its active roster: Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins.

It's worth noting that Evans is playing through a rib injury.

The 49ers' linebacker shortage stems from a one-game suspension for starter Dre Greenlaw and a hamstring injury to Garret Wallow. Neither player will be available against Washington, leaving San Francisco with four available linebackers on the active roster: Fred Warner, Jaden Dugger, Luke Gifford, and Tatum Bethune.

On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked whether the 49ers have enough wide receiver depth for their upcoming matchup against the Commanders.

"I think we have enough," Shanahan answered. "We've got three guys on practice squad also who can help. Anytime you lose this number of guys, four guys or five guys, whatever it is, it's a huge challenge. But we do have guys in this building who can do it, and we'll always look."

The decision to bring in another linebacker, though a wide receiver addition remains possible, likely reflects the team's immediate need for practice depth. San Francisco has just one linebacker, Jalen Graham, on its practice squad. The team has four wide receivers available there: Malik Turner, Will Pauling, Xavier Smith, and Wesley Grimes.

The 49ers can use practice squad elevations to add reinforcements for Monday night's game. That, along with pass-catching weapons like tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey, should give quarterback Brock Purdy enough options.

While the situation is far from ideal, San Francisco could move forward with its current wide receiver group for Week 6, hoping another injury doesn't further diminish depth.

"That's why we always like to get five up for game day," Shanahan added. "We've got four guys on our roster, so we'll most likely decide on one of those guys throughout the week."

The team's upcoming Week 8 bye should also give injured players time to recover and potentially return to the lineup in the games that follow.]]> Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images 49ers reportedly signing LB Eugene Asante https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204210-49ers-reportedly-signing-eugene-asante/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 07:53:00 PDT 2026-10-15T07:53:00-07:00 David Bonilla c20322fb4fce4ce191d0d4245b27675a four linebackers who worked out for the team.


The move comes as the 49ers prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium on Monday night.

San Francisco will be without linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is serving a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from his sideline actions during Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers will also be without linebacker Garret Wallow, who is dealing with a hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.

The Miami Dolphins signed Asante (6-1, 219) as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn following the 2025 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he spent time on the practice squads or offseason rosters of the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons.

Asante later joined the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League before signing with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2026 NFL preseason.

He has not yet appeared in an NFL regular-season game.

Asante began his college career at North Carolina, where he played from 2019-2021, before transferring to Auburn for the 2022-2024 seasons. Across 65 college games, he recorded 196 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries (including one returned for a touchdown), two passes defensed, and one forced fumble.]]> Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images 49ers work out four linebackers ahead of Commanders game https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204201-49ers-work-linebackers-ahead-commanders/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:51:00 PDT 2026-10-14T15:07:54-07:00 David Bonilla 32812431feda568fc74f2f9c3211e2a4
The players who worked out were:

  • Eugene Asante
  • Jamon Johnson
  • Kobe King
  • Anfernee Orji

The workouts come as the 49ers deal with uncertainty at linebacker heading into Week 6. Dre Greenlaw will miss Monday night's game after the NFL suspended him for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct. Greenlaw headbutted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during San Francisco's Week 5 win. Greenlaw wore his helmet during the sideline incident, while Jones did not.

Additionally, linebacker Garret Wallow is dealing with a hamstring strain sustained against Seattle. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects him to miss at least a couple of weeks.

The 49ers will hold their first practice of the week on Thursday, followed by sessions on Friday and Saturday, as they prepare to host the Commanders at Levi's Stadium.]]> Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images 49ers' Brock Purdy drops to No. 2 in NFL QB rankings https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204200-49ers-brock-purdy-nfl-rankings/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:41:00 PDT 2026-10-14T13:41:00-07:00 David Bonilla 6c4729657f177b513761d171b901c63a NFL.com's quarterback rankings. However, writer Nick Shook has moved Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen into the No. 1 spot, dropping Purdy to No. 2.

Purdy remains ahead of the other two Tier 1 quarterbacks in Shook's rankings, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

Allen's four-spot jump to the top follows an impressive Monday night performance in an overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. He threw for 210 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 121 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Shook believes Allen's combination of passing ability and elite rushing skills makes him particularly dangerous and worthy of the top spot. The Bills quarterback has recorded eight rushing touchdowns this season, more than any other NFL player.

Meanwhile, Purdy helped the 49ers defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, throwing for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His 92.5 passer rating was a season low, and Seattle's defense sacked him three times after he went four games without being sacked.

Still, his 49ers remain undefeated and atop the NFC West.

"It wasn't a scintillating Sunday for Brock Purdy, who was made uncomfortable by Seattle's defense," Shook wrote. "But what Purdy did amid the challenges only reinforced his position atop the Index. His touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks and ensuing two-point conversion were fantastic examples of his never-quit play style that, to this point, hasn't hurt him much."

Through five games this season, Purdy has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,196 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also added a rushing touchdown and remains on pace to record his second career 4,000-yard passing season.]]> Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images 49ers legend Steve Young says Brock Purdy has reached a new level https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204197-49ers-legend-steve-reached-new/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:52:29 PDT 2026-10-14T12:52:29-07:00 David Bonilla b677eb9fc0b1abeba7ab05ebd828f097
Purdy is on pace to record his second career 4,000-yard passing season. He has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,196 yards, with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Wednesday morning and shared how impressed he's been with Purdy's development this season.

"When I saw him in the Rams game in Australia, I'm like, 'Whoa, he's quicker. Whoa, his decision-making is even faster,'" Young said. "He optimized in the offseason. Whoever trained him, whoever—like if he did it himself, I don't know—but whoever did needs a shout-out as well, because he had optimized his game.

"And his game is unique, and unique to him, and he just, instead of kind of resting on all the things that he's already good at, I felt like he got better. I felt like he's even more aware. He's quicker with his reads. And his body, it feels like he's niftier, and actually has some speed. Like he did speed work, you could tell. So it's all that.

"And then, you put head coach Kyle Shanahan with him, and it's like you can see some cool stuff is happening."

Adding wide receiver Mike Evans has given Purdy another valuable weapon in the 49ers' offense. The veteran provides a boundary target and red-zone threat unlike any Purdy has had throughout his NFL career.

Evans has exceeded San Francisco's expectations in his first season with the team, even while dealing with a rib injury.

Young believes the chemistry between Purdy and Evans will only strengthen as the season progresses. He shared why their improving confidence in each other could lead to even more production down the stretch.

"I always said, it's 3rd-and-10, my mom's open, she's getting the ball," Young said. "I think what we're saying is Mike Evans understands spatial relationships in a unique Hall of Fame way, and so all of a sudden, where there doesn't seem to be anybody open, Mike's finding that place.

"And so that confidence builds with Brock that I'm going to keep my eye out for wherever Mike is, and that allows Kyle Shanahan to lean into play-calling. You can call a play knowing that, yeah, if it breaks down, Mike's in a space that's going to be really cool, and we'll figure that out.

"And so, in that way, everybody's kind of building off of unique abilities that a great player has that open up not just the play you call, but the play after the play."

]]> David Gonzales-Imagn Images Steve Young urges 49ers to 'go all in' and make a trade https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204196-steve-young-urges-49ers-trade/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:25:50 PDT 2026-10-14T12:25:50-07:00 David Bonilla 17209ccf9cf2b8db56a2829139969761 list them as Super Bowl LXI favorites. Their undefeated start is particularly impressive given the injuries the team has endured and the depth concerns across multiple position groups.

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young believes the 49ers have a unique chance to compete for a championship and doesn't want to waste it. On potential trades, Young believes San Francisco should go all in and bolster its roster while the opportunity remains.

"I think 5-0, it gives you a lot of money in the bank, and I love that," Young said Wednesday morning on Bay Area radio station KNBR.

Despite the 49ers already beating each of their NFC West opponents, Young doesn't think the team should get complacent with its division lead. Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks was hard-fought, and the outcome could have gone either way.

The Los Angeles Rams may have a losing record, but Young believes it's only a matter of time before they get healthier and begin playing to their potential.

While the 49ers' defense delivered a gritty performance against Seattle, Young believes adding depth will help San Francisco navigate the rest of the season and prepare for a potential playoff run.

"I think that we've got to optimize ... and make sure that we're doing everything we can because 2026—I don't really want to think about 2027, 2028, 2029," Young said. "I don't want to think about what that looks like. I really think you can smell that 2026 can be that year, but let's go all in."

What position might Young lean toward addressing via a trade? He offered a clue.

"Let's figure out how to bolster, which we think, inevitably, by December, if our pass rush is middling, it'll cost us, right?" Young said. "It'll be a problem. And then, if ... we can't keep everybody healthy the whole time, we'd better have some depth, because we're going to face a tough division race .

"The Rams are in a really tight spot, but you can see how good they are, and they're going to get healthier. DE Myles Garrett is going to come back and play, and they're really good. You saw them on Monday night. They got beat, but you can see how good they are. You can see how good Seattle is. And so in that way, they're not going away, so we should lean in."

]]> Kyle Terada-Imagn Images 49ers target interior O-line help in 2027 NFL mock draft https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204193-49ers-target-interior-o-line-nfl/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:33:13 PDT 2026-10-14T09:33:13-07:00 David Bonilla c7d32c5d8f7ea847ef4d117fc2688fd9
Still, the 49ers could look to bolster the unit in the 2027 NFL Draft. Each year, analysts project San Francisco to use an early draft pick on an offensive lineman, but the team hasn't used its first pick on an offensive lineman since 2018 or a first- or second-round pick on the position since 2021.

That hasn't stopped Bleacher Report analyst Brent Sobleski from projecting an offensive lineman to San Francisco in his latest 2027 NFL mock draft. With the No. 32 overall pick, Sobleski has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selecting Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper, who offers versatility across multiple interior positions.

"The San Francisco 49ers are a well-coached team with talent at every level," Sobleski wrote. "Specifically, the squad's preparation and structure allow the Niners to overcome deficiencies. Right now, San Francisco's offensive interior isn't a strong point. Upgrades should be considered.

"Iowa's Kade Pieper can come in and start over Connor Colby at left guard or transition to center and replace the 34-year-old Jake Brendel, who's in the last year of his current deal."

Pieper has started six games for the Hawkeyes this season, allowing just two pressures on 173 pass-blocking snaps across 313 total offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His 88.1 pass-blocking grade is a career high.

"Pieper's explosiveness, lateral quickness, and ability to cover ground make him a natural fit for San Francisco's movement-heavy run game," Sobleski added. "He needs more mass and play strength, but his athleticism and potential center flexibility give him a strong developmental ceiling."]]> Joseph Cress-Imagn Images 49ers punter Corliss Waitman named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/204189-punter-corliss-waitman-special-player/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:12:00 PDT 2026-10-14T09:12:00-07:00 David Bonilla 0523f4843e4ef74676d773677a21b070 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.

Waitman punted five times for 216 yards, averaging 43.2 yards per punt. All five punts landed inside the 20-yard line, including three inside the 10. Both totals are tied for the most in a single game this season.

This marks Waitman's second career Player of the Week honor. He previously earned the award in Week 3 of the 2022 season with the Denver Broncos.

Waitman becomes the fourth 49ers punter to earn NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, joining Andy Lee, who won the award three times; Mitch Wishnowsky, a two-time winner; and Bradley Pinion, who received the honor in Week 9 of the 2018 season.]]> Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images