NFC Notes: 49ers, Packers, Cardinals

49ers

49ers GM John Lynch said QB Jimmy Garoppolo‘s performance this season is “important for us all” and he’s confident he will play well. 

“It’s important for us all,” Lynch said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports. “We’ve got high aspirations for this team and he’s obviously a big part of that. We’ve got a lot of belief that he’s going to answer the bell and we feel great about that position group in general.”

Lynch added that Garoppolo’s recovery from a torn ACL has been “flawless” and he’s had a “really good” training camp. 

“I think what’s important, all the time, is you look at the totality of a camp and I think he’s had a really good camp, I really do,” Lynch said. “I think the best thing for all of us is that is, I get hesitant and reluctant to say it, but is his recovery from his knee has been flawless.”

Lynch also said that Garoppolo hasn’t had any setbacks with his injury. 

“I think we’re all learning the hard way that, par for the course, at some point, during a year-long rehab, you’re going to have some setbacks,” Lynch said. “He just hasn’t had those and that’s allowed him to focus on what he needs to do and that’s play.”

• 49ers GM John Lynch said G Mike Person is “day-to-day” after sustaining a sprain in his left foot. (Matt Barrows)
• As for the possibility of the 49ers trading backup QBs Nick Mullens or C.J. Beathard, Lynch said they haven’t spoken to any teams: “We haven’t had talks at all.” (Matt Maiocco)

Cardinals

Regarding Cardinals QB Kyler Murray‘s struggles in their preseason game against the Raiders, HC Kliff Kingsbury said Murray “doesn’t get fazed” by a poor performance. 

“He doesn’t get fazed,” said Kingsbury, via Darren Urban. “As far as his mental makeup, not much bothers him. Except, I think, losing at Fortnite. He doesn’t take that very well.” 

Kingsbury said Murray will take the most snaps he’s had this preseason in their Week 3 game against the Vikings.  

“We’ll see how the game is going,” Kingsbury said, via Josh Weinfuss. “Love to get some positive plays early, some good drives going. Gotta eliminate those penalties and see where he’s at mentally, and we’ll go from there. But I expect him to play the most he’s played in the preseason.”

Packers

Packers first-round OLB Rashan Gary has appeared in two preseason games, but has yet to record a tackle. 

Packers DC Mike Pettine explained that Gary is learning a new position and he’s still encouraged by his potential. 

“Without a doubt. We’re pleased with where he is. Just teaching him the outside linebacker position, we knew he was going to be a little work in progress,” Pettine said, via Packers.com. “There’s some things he’s doing now he won’t be doing in the regular season. Once we get closer, we’ll hone that down and get him in situations where he’s ready to excel. He’s done a nice job with most of them. Sometimes it’s just the nature of the game. Baltimore was getting the ball out quick so there weren’t as many extended drop-back opportunities. That’s part it. Overall, we’re pleased with where he is and the direction he’s headed.”

• Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett said second-year WR Allen Lazard has “come a long way” since his stint with the Jaguars, where he initially signed with as an undrafted free agent in April of last year: “He just goes so hard. Every play, his effort is maxed out all the time.” (Ryan Wood)
• Hackett said he has not spoken to WR J’Mon Moore since his car accident on Friday, but heard he is doing well: “I have not talked to him yet. I’m not sure, but I’ve heard he’s doing OK.” (Ryan Wood)