Niners Nation
Seahawks beat Rams in thriller: What the NFC West shift means for the 49ers
“If the 49ers win out—including what could be a pivotal Week 18 matchup against Seattle at Levi’s Stadium—they would have a legitimate claim to the top spot in the conference.
A win in Week 18 would mean the 49ers sweep the Seahawks and win the head-to-head tiebreaker (assuming their records match). The 49ers and Rams split their series this season. San Francisco is 5-1 in the NFC West while Los Angeles is now 4-2, giving the 49ers the edge there if their records match at the end.
Key 49ers defensive reinforcements nearing return ahead of Week 16 vs. Colts
“But wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s status for the 49ers’ game Monday night remains uncertain, though coach Kyle Shanahan said he has a chance to be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts.
In addition, 49ers veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks has been cleared for full practice after sitting out last week with a calf injury, Shanahan said.
Kendricks, a 10-year NFL veteran who remains on the practice squad, could make his debut with the 49ers when they return to action at the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.
Pearsall, guard Spencer Burford (ankle, knee), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee) and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion) were not scheduled to practice Thursday, Shanahan said.
Linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) appear to be making good progress and could return to face the Colts on Monday. Both were scheduled for limited practice after missing multiple games with their injuries.
Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) were scheduled for limited practice, too. Gross-Matos remains on the injured reserve list.“
Kyle Shanahan previews 49ers-Colts Week 16 matchup
“What is it about the NFL and the quarterback position where a 44-year-old with diminishing physical skills can have more success than a 22-year-old with all the physical skills in the world?
“Because when you go against defenses, like it’s very rare, you just pick up Seattle last week, you’re not going to run away from something like that. You don’t out-athletic ever a really good defense, very rarely. Or you have to be on an elite level, like someone like [former NFL QB Michael] Vick or [Baltimore Ravens QB] Lamar [Jackson] or something like that just to athletically run away from teams. You’ve got to be able to get rid of the ball. And to be able to get rid of the ball, it’s a unique talent that doesn’t, it’s just some people have it and some people don’t. Whether it’s vision, whether it’s arm-throwing angles, whether it’s mental processing or whether it’s just your feel and clear mind in the pocket. But, when things are moving fast at an elite level, athletically, it’s really hard to get away from those guys. It’s about getting rid of the ball and letting someone else do it.“
Do 49ers teammates think Brandon Aiyuk quit on the team? Mailbag (paywall)
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