NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Cowboys

49ers

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan considers backups C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens “tied” as the No. 2 quarterback.

“My rankings of our quarterbacks for you are they’re both tied at two,” Shanahan, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. 

49ers’ starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo said Beathard has done a “great job” as his backup and mentioned that the competition between Beathard, Mullens, and himself has helped him stay sharp. 

“I think C.J.’s done a great job,” Garoppolo said. “He comes ready every day. He’s prepared. Just the competition factor between me, him, and Nick. It’s one thing in the quarterback room that I love and it just pushes all of us. It makes us all better. At the end of the day, that’s what you want.”

Shanahan said both Beathard and Mullens have done well over the last two years when filling in. 

“They’ve been thrown in as two of the toughest situations that I’ve really had for any quarterback that I’ve ever coached, some of the situations we put them in our first two years,” Shanahan said. “They went in there and they did some good things and they did some bad things.”

• 49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan explained that TE George Kittle was held out of practice due to hamstring tightness and that tests showed no strains. (Nick Wagoner)
• Shanahan said with defensive ends Kerry Hyder and Solomon Thomas playing so well, it allows them patience with bringing DE Ronald Blair back from injury. The 49ers’ remain hopeful that he will be available Week 1. (Matt Maiocco)
• 49ers’ RB Tevin Coleman said it was a difficult decision for him to report this season due to him possessing a trait for sickle cell anemia. He had offseason shoulder surgery and added that he is feeling good. (Maiocco)

Cardinals

Cardinals’ NT Corey Peters acknowledged today that the team has discussed a potential Week 1 boycott. However, Peters clarified that no decisions have been made at this time. 

“Just in some of our private conversations, there’s been a variety of things that come up, some more extreme than others,” Peters said, via Howard Balzer of SI.com. “But we’ve talked about a wide variety of ways to protest and a boycott in Week One, obviously, that’s something that has been discussed. But I think as far as the next steps, I don’t think we’re there yet. We’re still trying to talk with some of the leaders on the team and trying to figure out what’s the best way to make the biggest impact.

“One thing that I think some guys are concerned about, and I am as well, is I think this is an excellent platform. Look at me right here, sitting here talking to you guys right now about these issues. And I don’t want us to give away our platform to continue to try to fight for change. So I think everything has to be weighed equally. And hopefully we will figure out a solution that is in everybody’s best interest.”

Cowboys

Cowboys DBs coach Maurice Linguist said he is “really pleased” with S Darian Thompson this offseason.

“He’s a pro… extremely consistent, extremely intelligent. …He’s a hungry, humble player who knows what he’s doing,” said Linguist, via Michael Gehlken. 

Linguist told all players that he expects them to play multiple positions in their defense and mentioned that fourth-round CB Reggie Robinson has “seen heavy work” at the safety spot. 

“You’ve got to play DB. …By no means do you play just one position for us.” Robinson has seen heavy work at safety,” said Linguist, via Gehlken.