NFC Notes: 49ers, Buccaneers, Rams

49ers

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said his message to the team during their Week 11 bye has been to “really think” their goals for the rest of the season and for players to “solidify themselves” in the lineup.

“I want them to sit there and really think of what their goals are for the rest of the half,” Shanahan said, via Cam Inman of The Mercury News. “Do they want to solidify themselves as a starter, a backup? Do they want to be a part of it here?”

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter mentioned that LB Kwon Alexander (injured reserve) underwent surgery for an ACL tear last week. (JoeBucsFan)

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said WR Cooper Kupp‘s surgery on his torn ACL this week went “really well” and the receiver is in “great spirits.”

“It went really well,” McVay said, via ProFootballTalk. “He called right afterwards and he was in great spirits. I know if anybody is going to attack the rehab process the right way, it’s going to be Cooper Kupp. Fortunately, some of the things when you do get in there, none of the other things that sometimes can delay that rehab process were affected. It was a clean surgery, did a good job repairing that and we expect him to be able to make a good recovery. Looking forward to getting him back.”

• McVay said WR JoJo Natson will continue returning punts even when WR Pharoh Cooper is activated from injured reserve.
• However, McVay added that Cooper could be their kick returner. (Myles Simmons)