NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Kyler Murray, Rams

49ers

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said QB Jimmy Garoppolo has had his strongest offseason since arriving in San Francisco. 

“I think Jimmy had his best spring since we’ve had him,” Shanahan said, via Pro Football Talk. “We had the spring the first year (after 2017) with him, the second year (after 2018), he had the ACL, so we didn’t get that. And then last year, it was COVID, so this is really his second one not being on an ACL. I thought Jimmy came in in great shape, really locked in, a good place physically and mentally, and I thought he’s had as good of OTAs as he’s had.”

Cardinals

Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray told reporters that he would still like to pursue a career in professional baseball at some point. 

“I still hold on to the three-sport title,” Murray said, via Darren Urban ofAZCardinals.com. “If the time came where I got to do what I wanted to do, which, I don’t know, but I’m leaving it open. I think I can still play, for sure, but we’ll add the gaming on to that. Don’t shortchange me, please. I know everybody around (the organization) probably feels different about it. But for me personally, I played the game my whole life. If I ever had the opportunity, for sure, I would definitely go for it. What are we talking about? I’m sure anyone asking me about it would (take that opportunity) too. I’m not trying to start anything. I’m just talking.”

  • Per Darren Urban of the team website, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray points out their offense began to struggle last season after he sustained his shoulder injury, which impacted his ability to run: “I think it was a lesson for us.”
  • Cardinals CB Darqueze Dennard missed Thursday’s practice after sustaining a minor ankle injury but is expected to be ready for training camp. (Howard Balzer)

Rams

Rams QB Matthew Stafford points out that he typically reads defenses when determining his passing target and won’t show favoritism towards receivers like Cooper Kupp or Robert Woods. 

I think most guys I’ve been around know I’m going to aggressively take advantage of what the defense is giving me,” Stafford said, via Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily News. “And on a given play, whether [the pass goes to] Cooper or Rob doesn’t really matter to me.”

Stafford also mentioned that he’s equally excited to work with other players like WRs DeSean Jackson and Van Jefferson, TE Tyler Higbee, and their running backs. 

There’s guys in there I didn’t even list that I think are really good players that are going to help us come fall, both in the receiver room, the backs, the tight ends,” Stafford said. “So I’m just excited about all of it.”

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