Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Monday, December 30th, 2024
As Lions look to finish the job, how long will 49ers keep D-coordinator Nick Sorensen? (paywall)
“This season, those same defensive issues from early in the NFC title game — an inability to stop opponents due to struggles on third down, the red zone and in creating takeaways — have plagued the 49ers throughout their first 15 games. And it’s a big reason this nightmare won’t have a happy ending.”
Charvarius Ward downgraded to out for 49ers vs. Lions Week 17 matchup
“NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan reports that Ward recently told her the family was expecting a baby boy. Ward was not with the team over the weekend. He likely traveled out of the area for the birth of the couple’s child.”
‘George has done it all’: Kittle a bright spot in 49ers’ gloomy season (paywall)
“The inspiration for such exuberance and joy? Saubert, Kittle’s unheralded position mate, had just scored only the third touchdown of his eight-season career in a 29-17 loss to the Dolphins. Asked about Kittle’s emotion Friday, Saubert smiled and said he believes the All-Pro’s sunny outlook is a secret to his success.
“That’s just how he is — he’s very uplifting and positive,” Saubert said. “We joke about it. We’re going through not an ideal season, but George maintains this positivity about him that’s really hard to do for normal people. It’s part of his mindset. And it’s part of why he’s so good.”
Brandon Aiyuk update has good news on recovery from knee injury
“Yeah, he’s plugging along with that,” said Shanahan. “The rehab guys I don’t see too much of. They come in early in the morning and they’re usually out of here before we get off the practice field. But he went to L.A. for surgery, did the rehab there for a while, but he’s been back here like the last month or so going through his process, working hard. It’s a long process, but he’s on track.”
There’s still no clear date on when the 49ers expect Aiyuk to return, but his early progress is a good sign.”
“With the No. 11 pick, Popejoy penned Michigan star corner Will Johnson to the 49ers.
Johnson was a key piece of Jim Harbaugh’s national championship defense with Michigan in 2023, earning All-American honors with 20 tackles and four interceptions. Johnson had four tackles in the national championship game against Washington and picked off Huskies Heisman candidate Michael Penix Jr. before earning Defensive Player of the Game honors.
Widely considered one of the top prospects in all of college football, Johnson’s junior season was cut short due to a turf toe injury. Despite only playing six games, Johnson recorded two pick-sixs for the Wolverines in 2024.
Following Johnson’s selection in the first round, Popejoy went back to the defense in the second round for the 49ers. projecting South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders at pick No. 43.”
NFL Announces Date and Time for 49ers-Cardinals Week 18 Matchup
“The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, January 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PT, with FOX handling the broadcast.”