Niners Nation
When Malik Mustapha returns to 49ers’ lineup, which safety will lose a starting job? (paywall)
“Sigle’s play through five starts have made obvious his best strength and worst weakness. Pro Football Focus tracks an advanced stat called defensive stops, defined as “tackles that constitute a ‘failure’ for the offense” depending on the down. Sigle currently ranks ninth among safeties across the league with nine stops. His run defense (69.6) and tackling (68.2) grades similarly reflect the athleticism that made him an intriguing prospect to Lynch, a Hall of Fame safety.
The catch? Sigle has been torched in coverage. Mustapha gave up just seven catches for 49 yards across 17 targets and 409 coverage snaps in his rookie season. In fewer than half the coverage snaps, Sigle has surrendered 20 catches on 24 targets for 282 yards with a team-worst 34.7 coverage grade.“
Why the 49ers don’t have a quarterback controversy just yet: Mailbag (paywall)
“The 49ers say they were told the only risk to Purdy playing was if he were tackled in a specific way that could aggravate the injury, and that’s what happened. There are different severities of turf toe, but it seems like the hyperextension of the big toe has not strained or torn any ligaments or tendons, thus the week-to-week prognosis.”
How Cowboys, 49ers, Vikings prove injuries don’t always equal doom: Week 5 film review (paywall)
“One of the smarter schematic adjustments to track all season has been how Kyle Shanahan has been able to circumvent the 49ers’ inability to run block by turning McCaffrey into the best slot receiver in the league….On the goal line, the 49ers came out with 23 personnel (two backs, three tight ends). The Rams matched the heavy personnel with six defensive linemen, four linebackers, and just one defensive back. Shanahan, knowing how the Rams would match up, had the 49ers in an I-formation initially so they wouldn’t ring any alarm bells…Then the 49ers shifted into a slot formation with McCaffrey lined up in the slot and fullback Kyle Juszczyk in the backfield. The call was a classic sprint out with a rub designed to free up the slot receiver. Only they built the concept with tight ends and backs.”
How backup cornerback Chase Lucas was 49ers’ unsung hero in Week 5 win vs. Rams
“And even though he never even laid a finger on Rams running back Kyren Williams, Lucas was the person most responsible for the play that secured the 49ers’ victory.”
49ers overreactions: Does hot start put pressure on trade-deadline acquisition?
“It is difficult to tell whether Brandon Aiyuk or Jennings will remain with the team in 2026, so the door is wide open for Bourne.”
Takeaways from the Tape: Maybe all is not lost without Nick Bosa (paywall)
“And for Williams, one of the main questions is/was/is going to be, will he be able to add a counter?
Williams rushes with power and has a little bit of a rip move, if you squint. But on Thursday, he...
