NFC Notes: 49ers, Falcons, Packers

49ers

49ers Hc Kyle Shanahan said LT Joe Staley (fibula) is doubtful for Sunday’s game and with a short week ahead of them, it could be tough for him to be back in the near future. 

“He needs to be good enough to make it through both games,” Shanahan said, via Ryan Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle. “He’s obviously a little bit sore from working throughout the week, and we’ll see how that responds in the next 24 hours. It would be a lot easier if he didn’t have to be ready four days after that.”

Regarding 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin, Shanahan explained that the receiver is dealing with a lot right now and they’ll see if he’s available on Sunday. 

“Quise has been through as much tragic stuff here in the three years I’ve been with him as anyone I’ve been around,” Shanahan said. “We’ll see how it goes this weekend, but right now he is questionable.”

Kroichick points out that Goodwin’s wife has suffered three miscarriages in the last two years. However, Goodwin’s current absence is not believed to be related to her recent pregnancy.  

• Matt Barrows of The Athletic takes a look at the five positions of need he expects the 49ers to address in the 2020 NFL Draft including guard, safety, wide receiver, tight end, and cornerback. 

Falcons

Falcons WR Julio Jones explained his decision to interrupt Dan Quinn after last week’s loss to the Rams and offer his support for his head coach.

“It’s just one of those things; it’s just a team thing, that’s all it is,” Jones said, via Vaughn McClure of ESPN. “Guys look up at me, look toward me in those situations. We’re just trying to figure out things. That’s all it was.”

“Just being here for nine years, different guys in and out, we have the team to be good and be great,” Jones added. “The ball hasn’t been bouncing our way lately. And it’s just one of those things letting guys know that we’re all in here together.

“When the times get tough, you can play the blame game and things like that. None of that has happened. But I just didn’t want it to get to that point where guys are down on themselves, not trusting their routines. . . . We just talked.”

Packers

Packers TE Jimmy Graham is confident that his production will improve in Green Bay’s system this season. 

“I know my time will come,” Graham said, via Ryan Wood of the Journal Sentinel. “Last week, we were able to connect on some of those times. Hopefully we can just kind of keep building on that, and I take hold of those opportunities when those opportunities present themselves.”

Graham added that he is not concerned about his individual stats. 

“We’re 6-1,” Graham said. “I don’t know about — I don’t really check stats and media and all that good stuff. I know we’re 6-1, and I hope we keep doing what we’re doing.”

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said they must continue finding ways to get Graham the ball. 

“Jimmy has super-high expectations for himself and a lot of great confidence. We’ve got to keep finding ways to get him the ball,” said Rodgers. 

• The Packers downgraded LB Blake Martinez (wrist/hand) to questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.