NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

49ers’ DC Robert Saleh will almost certainly be taking control of another team’s players next season and he gave a little insight on what it takes to be a good head coach in the NFL.

“Offense, defense, special teams, it doesn’t matter,” Saleh said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “It’s the mindset of the person in charge that creates an atmosphere in which players compete and players fight for one another, and players have a genuine love for one another. And that’s what this building represents. The way people speak to one another. The way people treat one another in that building and what Pete and John Schneider have done. Just from a philosophical standpoint to create a culture where there’s a genuine respect and what each person is being asked to do.”

Saleh also mentioned 49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan when speaking about things that go unrecognized in San Francisco.

“I think what people miss, Kyle Shanahan is an unbelievable leader in regards to tying an organization together with one vision. There is a toughness. There is a mindset. We’re a team that will stand in the middle of the ring with anybody, and punch and punch and punch until the final bell rings. That’s because of the mindset he brings day-in and day-out; the mindset of the players, day-in, and day-out. Look at a guy like Kyle Shanahan, sure he’s offensive, but the man’s a leader. The way he communicates with one another, all of us, the way he communicates with John, and vice versa. And the expectations and the standards he has are why he’s an unbelievable head coach. It’s not because he’s a good play-caller, it’s because of what he represents as a leader. And the way he communicates with us.”

• OUT for Week 17: WR Brandon Aiyuk (ankle), DT Kevin Givens (not injury related), LB Dre Greenlaw (calf), DT Javon Kinlaw (knee), WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring), CB Richard Sherman (calf), CB K’Waun Williams (shin)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: S Tarvarius Moore (ankle), CB Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring), LB Mark Nzeocha (illness)

Cardinals

Cardinals’ CB Patrick Peterson says he would “love” to be back in Arizona, but it’s up to the team whether he’ll continue his career with the only team he’s played for.

“Everything is going to take care of itself,” Peterson said, via Kyle Odegard of AZCardinals.com. “I’ve done all I can to present that I would love to be here. At the end of the day, it’s up to them. We just have to wait and see what the future brings after the season. I’m definitely locked in and loaded to make sure my guys are ready to roll for this Sunday’s matchup. For the most part, I believe I had a solid season. Some plays I definitely wish I could have back, but you can’t. Just have to go back and watch the film, and watch how teams are attacking me, which is drags and crossers, running through traffic. I have to find a way this offseason of maneuvering better through things like that if that’s how teams are going to attack us if I’m here next year.”

We have him included in our Top 50 – 2021 Free Agents list.

• Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury said RB Chase Edmonds (hip) and WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin) will be game-time decisions, while S Budda Baker (neck) is “sore” but hopeful to play. (Darren Urban)
• When asked if Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (leg) could have his mobility limited in Week 17, Kingsbury said they’ll have to wait and see on Sunday: “We’ll see how he feels on Sunday. He has tremendous physical traits, we all know that, and I’m hoping he’ll be able to use all of them.” (Darren Urban)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: S Budda Baker (neck), TE Darrell Daniels (hamstring), RB Chase Edmonds (hip), WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin), TE Maxx Williams (ankle)

Rams

• Rams HC Sean McVay said WR Cooper Kupp (COVID-19) is “probably not likely to be available” for Week 17.
• McVay wouldn’t count out rookie RB Cam Akers (ankle) from playing in Sunday’s game: “I wouldn’t bet against this guy.” (Jourdan Rodrigue)
• Rodrigue mentions that Rams ILB Micah Kiser is unlikely to play in Week 17 after recently being activated off the injured reserve but should be available for the postseason. 
• Rams DC Brandon Staley praised OLB Leonard Floyd‘s performance this season and believes he has more potential to improve: “He’s having as complete of a season as anyone in the NFL. And the best is yet to come.” (Lindsey Thiry)
• McVay says that DT Michael Brockers is unlikely to return this week after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list. (Jourdan Rodrigue)
• McVay said Rams’ rookie RB Cam Akers (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Week 17. (Lindsey Thiry)
• McVay ruled out Rams WR Cooper Kupp and Michael Brockers from Week 17 they are both on the COVID-19 list. (Gary Klein)
• OUT for Week 17: QB Jared Goff (right thumb), LB Micah Kiser (knee)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: RB Cam Akers (ankle)

Seahawks

Seahawks DC Ken Norton Jr. credited their defensive players for progressing throughout the season and believe’s everyone has “really developed” over time. 

“The guys have really put in the time and the work. [They’ve] really developed, they’ve really come into their own, everybody has a great understanding of what their role is … it’s all coming together at the right time,” said Norton, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.

• Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said they will rest TE Greg Olsen (foot) for Week 17 in order to be sure he’s fully recovered for the postseason. John Boyle
• Carroll mentioned that Seahawks RB Carlos Hyde missed Friday’s practice due to flu-like symptoms and is uncertain for Week 17. (Michael-Shawn Dugar)
• OUT for Week 17: RB DeeJay Dallas (ankle), CB Jayson Stanley (hamstring)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: RB Carlos Hyde (illness), G Mike Iupati (neck), TE Greg Olsen (foot), S Damarious Randall (foot)