NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

49ers’ LT Trent Williams has good things to say about DE Kerry Hyder, who will be leaned on as a replacement for defensive ends Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas going forward.

“Kerry had an awesome training camp,” Williams said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think you ask any coach around here, they’ll tell you he had an outstanding training camp. He’s a polished pass rusher.” 

• Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle says that the 49ers’ will also have to lean heavily on two former first-round picks in defensive ends Ezekiel Ansah and Dion Jordan, as the injuries continue to ravage the team.
• Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke with a spine surgeon about the 49ers’ DE Dee Ford’s injury and the surgeon believes the team likely found nothing serious when they gave Ford an MRI on his back.

Cardinals

Cardinals’ GM Steve Keim says that while the team has veterans to play ahead of rookie LB Isaiah Simmons, there should be more snaps in which Simmons is involved defensively.

“We are fortunate enough to limit the snaps to some degree, but the only way for him to get better is to get out there and see things,” Keim said, via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. “Love his attitude, works his tail off, he’s in there studying film with Billy Davis and Vance Joseph. I feel like his future is certainly bright.”

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Cardinals are bringing in veteran LS Andrew DePaola for a workout.

Rams

Rams LB Micah Kiser explained that their defense is focused on stopping Bills QB Josh Allen in Week 3. 

“It’s all about Josh Allen,” Kiser said, via Eric D. Williams of Sports Illustrated. “He can throw the ball. He’s very athletic. He can create plays off schedule. He’s kind of Big Ben (Roethlisberger) like. So we’re going to try to control him, control the run game and get out of there with a win.”

Kiser believes the Rams’ defense is just “scratching the surface” after not having a real offseason program and now properly acclimating to new DC Brandon Staley. 

“I think we’re just scratching the surface,” Kiser said. “We didn’t have an offseason at all, and we’ve got a new defensive coordinator in Coach (Brandon) Staley, and he’s been putting us in great positions. But we’re only two games in. We’re still getting better every day, trying to get better with each other and better communication. I think the sky is the limit with this group.”

• Rams’ HC Sean McVay said of the team being without RB Cam Akers for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay: “We miss Cam, we’d love to be able to have him, but it doesn’t change anything. Cam’s done a nice job these first couple weeks, but as we’ve said, we’ve felt good about all three of our backs all along.” (Lindsey Thiry )

Seahawks

• Seahawks’ HC Pete Carroll addressed the decision to place DE Rasheem Green on IR: “It’s just going to be a couple more weeks, so this was the right way to handle this. We’re expecting him to come back to us.” (John Boyle)
• Carroll also mentioned DE Benson Mayowa, who practiced on Friday and is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s game: “Benson practiced today and did all right, so it looks like he’s got a chance.” (Boyle)
• Other injuries include those to cornerbacks Neiko Thorpe and Quinton Dunbar. Carroll said that Thorpe, who is listed as questionable, will be a game-day decision. He also said this about Dunbar: “He didn’t practice much this week, but it looks like he’s ready to play.” (Boyle)
• Carroll commented on the team adding CB Linden Stephens to their active roster to bolster their depth at cornerback: “We’re excited about him being part of the team and he’s also working inside the nickel spot too. So we’re happy to have him up.” (Curtis Crabtree)
• Seahawks’ LB Jordyn Brooks spoke about getting to play against the Cowboys, his favorite team growing up: “I grew up a Cowboys fan. That was always my team growing up. It’s a big week for me. Get my first start against a team I grew up watching so I can’t wait.” (Crabtree)
• According to Pro Football Talk, Carroll is still unsure when the league will reinstate WR Josh Gordon and they are unable to talk about the issue.