Niners Nation
Welcome back to another mailbag. This one comes after a strange loss to the Houston Texans. The 49ers are traveling to the East Coast again to face the New York Giants. I see the 49ers winning this one, but I’m not going to be surprised if some crazy shenanigans and injuries cost them the game. They really are doing far better than they should, given all the injuries. They have some new pieces in Keion White and Clelin Ferrell, so I’m interested in seeing how they do with less than a week on the roster, but I just want them to stay healthy.
As you know, I am scouring the feed to find your questions, and primarily take mailbag questions from my own feed post. More of you and less of me is what we want for these posts, so please post whatever is on your mind, and we’ll see if it makes the mailbag.
And now, onto your questions.
Where do we find your answers/discussion on these questions?
—ninerfan25
Check the family movie section at your local Blockbuster Video. I’ve hidden discussions within the flaps of Jumanji’s VHS box*—*the Robin Williams one.
Why is Brock’s return a mystery? Is Shanny lying to us? It sure feels like it. I’ve given up on hoping for his return, i don’t think its close, I think we are being lied to and hes out for the season or 2.
—ninerfan25
Ok, I’ll actually answer your question, ninerfan25, rather than be a smart aleck.
Brock’s return is a mystery for a variety of reasons. Shanahan isn’t necessarily lying to us, the fans; he’s more keeping things ambiguous to his competitors. You aren’t the only ones who watch his press conferences; his opponents watch as well.
Teams game plan for the 49ers, and the last thing Shanahan wants is to give opponents insight into those plans. Plus, keeping things up in the air (which they are) forces teams to prepare for two quarterbacks rather than one. The 49ers have to report injuries, but the extent to which they do depends. Shanahan doesn’t want to give his opponents any major cards or clues on what to go for should they want to play dirty or what the 49ers might do to adjust (ex., maybe Purdy won’t run to his left, so all rollouts are to the right while injured? Things like that).
We aren’t being lied to, and he’s definitely not out for two seasons. Shanahan said it was “basically” turf toe, but the actual injury is complicated. You can be good one day and the next day be on the shelf. Purdy should return this season, but the 49ers are being cautious. It was clear they rushed Purdy back the first time, not knowing what they had with Mac Jones. Now they are letting him take his time. Shanahan does not want to give anyone anything that could be used against the 49ers.
And he’s probably also giving his quarterback...
