Three weeks ago, the 49ers wondered whether they’d open the season with Brandon Aiyuk or Trent Williams on their roster. Oh, how times have changed.
San Francisco visits the Rams on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX) with four players listed on its game-status report – four players who have combined for 10 Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro honors and a Defensive Player of the Year. That doesn’t include reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, on injured reserve.
But the big news out of Santa Clara this week was five-time Pro Bowl selection George Kittle, who pulled a hamstring at Thursday’s practice leaving him doubtful for Sunday. Without Kittle, Kyle Shanahan will turn to tight end Eric Saubert, an unrestricted free agent who filled in last week in a loss to the Vikings.
“He’s done a hell of a job,” Shanahan said of his backup tight end. “Kittle was cramping most of the game, so he had to do a lot during the Minnesota game. He’s been very consistent since he’s been here. If he has to do it all, he’s up for the challenge. He’s shown he can help us in the pass and run game.”
In that pass game, wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf strain) is out at least two weeks, so look for Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings to stretch the field in Kittle’s absence. In the run game, the Shanahan offense, under Kyle or his father Mike, has had no problem getting solid production from dozens of late-round or undrafted running backs.
But Sunday is also an opportunity for Brock Purdy to break the narrative that he’s simply a system quarterback. He’s never lost a start in his division. Including the postseason, Purdy is 8-0 against NFC West opponents with a 124.1 passer rating, 16 touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Defensively for the Niners, both Nick Bosa (rib) and Charvarius Ward (hamstring/knee) are questionable.
The Rams’ injury issues are well documented. Sunday is an opportunity for players on both teams to introduce themselves to the NFL.