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San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/23/24

October 23rd, 2024 at 7:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Dolphins should soon have Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, the team has still added another QB to the mix. The team added veteran C.J. Beathard to the taxi squad today. The quarterback has bounced around the NFL since 2017, including a few stops in San Francisco when current Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel served as the 49ers run game coordinator. The 30-year-old got a start for the Jaguars last season, completing 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 178 yards. The newest addition will join a QB room that also includes Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Tim Boyle.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/24

October 23rd, 2024 at 7:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: LS Matt Orzech
  • Waived: DL Jonathan Ford

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

The Bears should soon be getting some offensive reinforcement. Most notably, lineman Larry Borom returned to practice today after missing the first chunk of the season with an ankle injury. The former fifth-round pick has been a reliable swing OT for the Bears over the past three years, starting 23 of his 39 appearances. The team will also welcome back Travis Homer, who has been sidelined since Week 3 with a finger injury. The veteran RB may have a tough time cracking the rotation upon his return with D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Khalil Herbert currently leading the depth chart. The Bears will have 21 days to activate either of the two players to the 53-man roster.

Jordan Phillips was back at Cowboys practice today after landing on IR in mid-September. The defensive lineman’s injury wasn’t ever made particularly clear; the Cowboys claimed the player was favoring his previously repaired wrist, although the player later hinted that he was forced to the sideline because of conditioning. After more than a month on the shelf, the veteran will now get another look. The Cowboys acquired Phillips from the Giants back in August, and the veteran only got into about one fourth of his team’s defensive snaps before landing on IR. Phillips appeared in 26 games for the Bills between 2022 and 2023, collecting 35 tackles and four sacks.

Deebo Samuel Released From Hospital; No Timetable To Return

October 22nd, 2024 at 9:27pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was discharged from the hospital after leaving Sunday’s game with an illness, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Samuels played just four snaps in San Francisco’s Week 7 loss to the Chiefs before leaving the game and going to the hospital once team doctors determined he had fluid in his lungs. Samuel was diagnosed with pneumonia and remained in the hospital until Tuesday afternoon, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to offer a timetable for Samuel’s return, telling media “We’ll see how he recovers here over these next couple days.”

The 49ers will certainly be hoping that Samuel recovers quickly to fill the void left by Brandon Aiyuk‘s season-ending ACL tear suffered during the loss in Kansas City. With Christian McCaffrey still sidelined, an extended absence from Samuel would leave San Francisco without three of their top four playmakers on offense moving forward. Jauan Jennings has performed well when called upon, but he missed Week 9 with a hip injury that could keep him out for longer.

Shanahan was already looking to rookie Ricky Pearsall to step up after his activation from the non-football injury list last week, and the first-round pick will be even more important to the 49ers offense in the event that Samuel misses time. George Kittle will take on a larger role as well after securing catching 81.0% of his targets for the second-most receiving yards by a tight end this year.

Luckily for the 49ers, they have just one game before their Week 10 bye: a Sunday night matchup with the Cowboys, who have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game this year. Shanahan should be in position to rely on his fifth-ranked rushing attack to exploit a weak Dallas front and keep pace in the NFC West before getting his playmakers back after the bye.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Suffers ACL Tear

October 21st, 2024 at 4:15pm CST by Ely Allen

OCTOBER 21: Aiyuk is indeed out for the year, as first confirmed by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Adding further details on the extent of the injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL; further damage may also be present. Even if not, a lengthy recovery period is now in store.

OCTOBER 20: It took a while for 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to find his sea legs in the 2024 NFL season, and just as it appears that he found his groove, Aiyuk’s season may be coming to an end. Aiyuk left today’s loss to the Chiefs shortly before the end of the first half and was unable to return. ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry was the first to relay head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s concern that Aiyuk’s injury was a torn ACL.

Aiyuk’s name was a common one in NFL news circles this offseason as he held out for a new contract in San Francisco, at one point even requesting a trade. The 49ers eventually got him signed to an extended contract at the end of August, but missing the ramp up into the regular season seemingly proved significant on the veteran receiver’s production early this year.

In the first four weeks of the season, Aiyuk failed to eclipse five receptions or 48 receiving yards, despite being targeted 10 times in Week 3, and had not caught a touchdown. The 26-year-old had a breakout performance in a Week 5 loss to the Cardinals, catching 8 passes for 147 yards, and though he still didn’t have a touchdown, it appeared that Aiyuk was on his way back to his usual self. Last week saw a bit of regression, but hopes were still high that Aiyuk was on the come up.

Today’s game was looking like another lackluster performance in the making. On six targets, Aiyuk only had two catches for 23 yards. On his second catch of the day, Aiyuk was led over the middle by quarterback Brock Purdy, where defensive back Chamarri Conner met him with a low tackle right at the knees. Aiyuk was carted off the field with what immediately looked like a serious knee injury. Shanahan’s fears echoed what many assumed from watching the play.

Aiyuk’s absence exacerbated an already bad situation in the receiving corps. The 49ers knew heading into today that Jauan Jennings was out with a hip injury and Deebo Samuel exited the game after only a few plays with an illness. Samuel reportedly woke up feeling ill and attempted to play through his sickness but very quickly determined that he would be unable to contribute. This left San Francisco without their top three receiving options for the rest of the day.

Luckily, the team saw the NFL debut of first-round Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was activated off the NFI list on Friday. Purdy was throwing to Pearsall, fourth-round rookie Jacob Cowing, Ronnie Bell, and Chris Conley. The four were targeted for a combined 12 of Purdy’s 31 pass attempts, reeling in a combined six balls for 81 yards. Even with Samuel expected back after recovering from illness, if Aiyuk is out for an extended period, the four who played today are going to need to take some big steps up to support the offense.

For Aiyuk, that holdout seems perfectly justified now. If Aiyuk hadn’t fought for the contract like he had, he would still be on a contract year and headed towards free agency after suffering a serious, potentially season-ending knee injury. Tomorrow’s tests will determine just how long Aiyuk may be out. If it is indeed a torn ACL, his four-year, $120MM contract with $76MM guaranteed may provide a bit of solace in an otherwise devastating situation.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/19/24

October 19th, 2024 at 6:29pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor moves and standard gameday practice squad callups:

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Autry was hit with a six-game PED suspension in July, leaving the Texans without a key figure along the defensive line. The free agent pickup could have suited up by means of Houston using his one-week roster exemption; instead, he has been activated in time for Week 7. Autry, 34, posted a career-high 11 sacks last season and he will look to make an immediate impact during his Texans debut. Especially with Mario Edwards having been issued a four-game suspension of his own earlier this week, he should have a notable role right away.

49ers To Activate WR Ricky Pearsall, Place K Matthew Wright On IR

October 18th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

As expected, Ricky Pearsall will make his NFL debut on Sunday. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday the first-round rookie wideout will be activated from the NFI list in time for Week 7.

The news does not come as a surprise since Pearsall began practicing this week. San Francisco had 21 days to activate him, but much less time than that will be required to bring him into the picture. The move confirms Pearsall’s impressive progress in recovering from the gunshot wound he suffered in August as the victim of an attempted robbery.

The 24-year-old’s move to the NFI list confirmed he would miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign. The team understandably took a cautious approach with his rehab process, and now he is set to handle a rotational role in San Francisco’s passing game. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are healthy, but fellow wideout Jauan Jennings will be sidelined for Week 7. That could allow Pearsall to log a notable workload in his debut.

The Arizona State and Florida product faces high expectations as the 49ers’ top pick in this month’s draft. Aiyuk is attached to a big-ticket deal, but Samuel has only one year (without guaranteed salary) left on his pact after 2024. That – coupled with the team’s other upcoming financial priorities, including a Brock Purdy extension – have led to speculation Samuel could be cut or traded this offseason. Moving on from him would position Pearsall to operate as key, cost-controlled offensive playmaker for years to come.

In other injury news, Shanahan added kicker Matthew Wright will be placed on injured reserve. San Francisco’s Jake Moody replacement is dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered during his season debut, and an IR stint will sideline him for at least the next four games. Former Packer Anders Carlson was added to the practice squad in the wake of Wright’s injury, and he will be elevated tomorrow to take on kicking duties for, potentially, the foreseeable future.

Bringing Pearsall onto the active roster will use up one of the 49ers’ in-season activations. They will now have six available, with a number of other players eligible to be brought off IR; that will be the case for Wright down the road, although by that point Moody may be full healthy.

Giants To Sign T Chris Hubbard Off 49ers’ Practice Squad

October 18th, 2024 at 11:11am CST by Adam La Rose

In need of healthy options at the offensive tackle spot, the Giants are set to make an outside addition. Chris Hubbard is being added off the 49ers’ practice squad, head coach Brian Daboll said on Friday.

Andrew Thomas is out for the year due to his recent surgery on a Lisfranc injury. Joshua Ezeudu will take over starting blindside duties in his place, but Hubbard will represent an experienced option as at least a depth option moving forward. The 33-year-old has 94 appearances and 58 starts to his name.

Much of Hubbard’s playing time has come at right tackle, but he has seen sparse usage along the blindside during his career. After beginning his NFL tenure in the AFC North (four years with the Steelers followed by five with the Browns), the former UDFA spent a single campaign in Tennessee. Hubbard would up making nine starts at right tackle last year, although he was not able to land a free agent deal during the early portion of the offseason.

In mid-May, the 49ers added Hubbard as part of their effort to land capable options up front. The UAB product was ultimately let go as part of San Francisco’s final roster cuts, however. Hubbard was retained in short order on a practice squad deal, but he has yet to see time on the active roster this season. That will change upon arrival in New York.

The 2-4 Giants have struggled on offense, and losing Thomas will deal a major blow to the unit. If Hubbard winds up landing playing time with his new team, though, he could stabilize one of the tackle positions on a temporary basis. Doing so could help his market value ahead of next offseason.

49ers Designate Ricky Pearsall For Return

October 15th, 2024 at 9:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

OCTOBER 15: Coming off their bye week, the 49ers have made this designation official. Pearsall has been designated for return, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. It would make sense if the team gave Pearsall the full three-week onramp before activating him; Tuesday’s return designation starts that clock. The 49ers must activate Pearsall by Nov. 5 or he would miss the full season.

OCTOBER 11: Ricky Pearsall continues to make progress in his rehab, and he is set to return to the practice field in short order. The first-round rookie wideout will have his 21-day return window opened next week, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer (video link).

[RELATED: Christian McCaffrey Resumes On-Field Work]

Pearsall suffered a gunshot wound to the chest as the victim of an attempted robbery in August, and he began the campaign on the non-football injury list. Players moved to NFI are required to miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign, but the 24-year-old made steady progress through September. A return to practice was contemplated last week, but San Francisco elected to take a cautious approach.

Once Pearsall is officially designated for return, he will have three weeks before the 49ers will be forced to activate him to avoid the absence spanning the remainder of the campaign. Given how close the Florida product was to returning last week, he should be positioned to make his regular season debut in relatively short order. Pearsall will provide the team with another intriguing option at the skill positions.

Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel remained in place after an offseason filled with speculation about their respective futures. The former drew major trade attention, with a Steelers deal being worked out on the 49ers’ part; Aiyuk did, however, ultimately sign a four-year, $120MM extension. Samuel is under contract for 2025, but his pact does not contain any guaranteed salary for that year. As a result, the 28-year-old could be a trade candidate this spring as the 49ers prepare for a Brock Purdy extension.

Having Pearsall live up to expectations could of course soften the blow of moving on from Samuel. In his final collegiate season, Pearsall set career highs in catches (65) and yards (965), and he could operate a depth role behind Aiyuk, Samuel and Jauan Jennings once he is activated. With Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Trent Williams on the books beyond this year – not to mention Purdy being due for a big-ticket extension – having an offensive contributor attached to a rookie deal for several seasons will be key from a financial standpoint.

The 49ers have seven activations remaining for the campaign, and one will be needed once Pearsall is ready to return to action. The team will also need to save activations for the likes of McCaffrey, Jon Feliciano, Ambry Thomas, Yetur Gross-Matos and Talanoa Hufanga as the season progresses. Regardless of how things play out on those injury fronts, Pearsall should be able to suit up in the near future.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/15/24

October 15th, 2024 at 6:41pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s NFL practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: T Spencer Rolland

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Amos is far-removed from his days as a full-time starter in the NFC North. With Talanoa Hufanga on injured reserve, though, and only three safeties on the active roster, Amos could have an opportunity to make an impact in the Bay Area.

49ers To Sign K Anders Carlson

October 15th, 2024 at 11:52am CST by Adam La Rose

Another short-term Jake Moody replacement option is in place for San Francisco. The 49ers are adding Anders Carlson to their practice squad, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Moody is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and his injury prompted a kicking addition last week. Matthew Wright was brought in, and the 28-year-old connected on all three of his field goal attempts and extra points in Week 6. Wright suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday, however, so this move will provide the team with a healthy insurance option.

Carlson was a sixth-round pick of the Packers last season, and he went 27-for-33 on field goal attempts during his rookie campaign. He missed five extra points, however, and Green Bay’s postseason run saw him miss one each of his field goal and extra point kicks. After struggling during the summer (one in which the Packers cycled through several kickers), Carlson was let go. Green Bay has relied on Brayden Narveson so far this year; the undrafted rookie has missed five of his 17 field goal tries.

Carlson has drawn interest since passing through waivers after roster cutdowns. The Auburn product visited the Bills last month amidst Tyler Bass‘ inconsistency. Bass remains in place with Buffalo for the time being, though. Carlson was also among the kickers who auditioned for San Francisco prior to Wright being signed. He did not do enough to land a deal right away, but his performance was clearly well-received.

Should Wright be forced to miss this week’s game (a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs), it will be Carlson in place to handle kicking duties. Moody could be an IR candidate based on his recovery timeline, but no move on that front has been made yet. Over at least a short-term period, Carlson could find himself seeing game action with San Francisco.

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