NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Seahawks

49ers

• Matt Barrows of The Athletic wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers look to trade WR Dante Pettis at the deadline given they have Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, Richie James, Deebo Samuel, Mohamed Sanu, and Trent Taylor on their active roster.
• As for the 49ers potentially trading QB Nick Mullens, Barrows believes that would require a successful team sustaining one or two season-ending injuries at the position. 
• Barrows expects 49ers RB Tevin Coleman to regain a starting role in the offense once he returns from injury.
• However, if 49ers RB Jeff Wilson continues to impress this season, Barrows writes that it would be hard to see Coleman returning in 2021. 
• Regarding 49ers RB Jerick McKinnon‘s injury, Barrows points out that McKinnon sustained bruised ribs and will be monitored in practice this week. 

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury is hoping that S Budda Baker is able to return from his injury as soon as possible, rather than waiting until later in the season.

“We’re hoping it’s sooner rather than later,” Kingsbury said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic. “I don’t want to put any timetable on it just yet knowing Budda and the type of superhuman he is. You never know. But everything went well, so we’re excited about that.”

• Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle issue, marking his second straight absence. (James Palmer)
• Cardinals’ DC Vance Joseph said safeties Curtis Riley and Deionte Thompson will start this week and added that S T.J. Ward will be brought along slowly. Rookie S Isaiah Simmons could also appear in certain packages at safety but Joseph would not elaborate any further. (Darren Urban)

Seahawks

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said RB Chris Carson (knee) has shown “positive” signs in practice and was limited on Wednesday. 

“Chris is really sounding positive. Damien [Lewis] looked pretty good and [Ethan] Pocic was alright, so we might get a real good turn from those three guys,” said Carroll, via Brady Henderson. 

• According to Josina Anderson, veteran free-agent DT Damon Harrison said he’s entering the COVID-19 protocol through this weekend’s game, meaning he could be cleared for his scheduled visit with the Seahawks at some point next week.
• Seahawks DE Shaquem Griffin said he was surprised to not make the team’s initial 53-man roster and gained interest from the Texans and “two other teams” after going unclaimed on the waiver wire.
• Griffin added that he didn’t feel any of his offers provided a “better situation” than with the Seahawks. (Brady Henderson)