Glad Thanksgiving!
But, when the 49ers had one participant check optimistic and three others as “shut contacts” had been ineligible to play whereas on the reserve/COVID-19 listing in Week 9, the NFL didn’t postpone their Thursday night time recreation in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
So why did the NFL make the choice to maneuver again the Ravens–Steelers recreation three days?
“That is an ongoing matter with new positives amongst gamers and workers,” NFL vp of communications Brian McCarthy advised NBC Sports activities Bay Space.
“Delaying a number of days provides us extra testing time and gives larger consolation and certainty than taking part in tomorrow when there could possibly be extra points that would have an effect on each the Ravens and Steelers and the remainder of their seasons.”
“We had been capable of determine and isolate the few instances and had been assured that there was now not concern for extra unfold amongst both group,” McCarthy mentioned of the 49ers-Packers recreation.
The logic behind the transfer was sound. However Kinlaw stays a piece in progress, and Buckner’s absence has hit even more durable throughout a season wherein many of the group’s greatest gamers have been misplaced to damage. Buckner’s capacity to remain on the sphere — he’s missed only one recreation out of a attainable 76 in almost 5 seasons within the league — is perhaps the factor the 49ers miss most. Changing him hasn’t been as simple as simply turning to their bevy of proficient defensive linemen or so simple as putting in Kinlaw in his place.
Honest or not, the comparability to Buckner isn’t more likely to go away anytime quickly. Nonetheless, the Niners stay resolute that when Kinlaw places all of it collectively, he’s going to be a drive. Earlier than he lastly obtained his first sack in opposition to New Orleans on Nov. 15, nostril deal with D.J. Jones mentioned he believed as soon as Kinlaw obtained it, he would take off and “there gained’t be a ceiling for him.”
Peter King: A healthy 49ers team would be the best in the NFC West, could be the best next year
“They positively could possibly be the very best group within the division subsequent yr. Completely,” King mentioned on the Damon, Ratto & Kolsky present. “I’m not saying they are going to be, however they could possibly be in the event that they get (Jimmy) Garoppolo straightened out.”
King believes Shanahan and the 49ers must no less than talk about the quarterback state of affairs throughout the upcoming offseason however feels Garoppolo will most likely return subsequent yr. A lot of which may rely upon San Francisco’s draft place subsequent April, however the veteran author sees offensive deal with and cornerback as two of the group’s high draft wants.
“I believe it is a essential offseason, as bizarre as it might be due to COVID and people different restrictions about how a lot you may work with gamers, however it is a actually necessary offseason for the Niners at that place,” King famous. “You additionally should say it’s necessary to get these guys who had been such important gamers again wholesome.
Aiyuk seems to have turned a corner, and Professional Soccer Focus is inclined to agree. The soccer analytics web site gave the receiver the third-best grade among all rookies (79.0) via 11 weeks this season.
“He’s been red-hot as of late, although, elevating his yards per route run determine to 2.63 and incomes a receiving grade of 87.3 during the last three video games, the third-best grade on the place over that span,” Anthony Treash wrote of Aiyuk on Tuesday.
Aiyuk, Treash famous, has been notably good in opposition to single protection recently. In his final two video games earlier than the 49ers’ bye in Week 11, Aiyuk caught 10 of 12 targets for 125 yards and scored two touchdowns. All however 41 of his receiving yards and 5 of his receptions got here in opposition to single protection.
