NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Panthers, Vikings

49ers

• 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan announced that RB Joe Williams is out until for at least the first week of the season with a rib fracture. (Joe Fann)

Cardinals

Cardinals rookie QB Josh Rosen explained that in the NFL he’s been forced to do a better job of diagnosing a defense and playing fast.

“I think I see defenses a lot better than I did in college,” Rosen said, via Football Morning in America. “Pre-snap moreso, because in college it’s like you had to acknowledge the front and coverage—just kind of take it in, snap the ball, then play. It’s like, ‘I think I got cover three, I get the snap and oh, it’s cover two. Well, gotta throw it somewhere.’ Now, I have to actually make checks and change plays according to fronts, linebackers, safeties.

“So instead of just seeing it and reacting live and playing, I have to diagnose it, and when you have to diagnose the defense before a play, it means you pretty much have to learn it. Because you can’t just stand up at the line and guess. Processing that information at the line has helped me do more. I think I see defenses a lot more clearly now, and I’m understanding matchups much better.”

Panthers

• Joe Person reports that Panthers LT Matt Kalil is dealing with a knee issue that had kept him out of practice the past two days.
• Regarding Kalil, Panthers HC Ron Rivera said that his knee has bothered him since camp and they expect to know something soon. (Joe Person)

Vikings

• Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said of CB Mackenzie Alexander’s sprained ankle: “I think Alexander’s injury will be a short-term deal, but I don’t know yet.” (Andrew Krammer)
• Vikings released K Kai Forbath. (NFLTR)
• Vikings placed DE Ade Aruna on injured reserve.
• Vikings waived OT Cedric Lang, TE Josiah Price, and FB Johnny Stanton with injury designations.
• Vikings signed FB Kobe McCrary and G Kareem Are.