NFC Notes: 49ers, Packers, Seahawks

49ers

49ers GM John Lynch said RB Jerick McKinnon has had positive signs with his recovery from an ACL tear, but he still needs to work on simulating cuts among other things. 

“I think there’s always that critical last juncture of a rehab where you go from running straight ahead and even trying to simulate some of the cutting that goes on at that position, specifically,” Lynch said.

“Then, you go play football and it becomes much more reactive. And that’s where he struggled. He’s continued to put in work. There are some positive signs that we’re on a better track.”

As for McKinnon’s involvement in the 49ers’ offensive system, Lynch said they will “let that play out” this offseason but they have a “clear vision” of how they would use him. 

“We’re going to let that play out,” Lynch said. “We’re pulling for Jerick and it would be huge for us because we had a clear vision of what he could bring to us.”

Lynch mentioned that McKinnon is “excellent” as a receiver out of the backfield and would like to see the running back out in space. 

“We thought he’d be excellent in terms of (being a receiver out of the backfield) — really, a tough guy to match up with in space. And our (coaches) are really good about putting our guys in space. So that would be tremendous for us.”

Packers

Packers HC Matt LaFleur was enamored with Cincinnatti TE Josiah Deguara, and it was his grit and versatility that led Green Bay to select him in the third round of the draft.

“There really wasn’t a position that I didn’t play on offense,” Deguara said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “I played a little slot receiver. I played a little in-line tight end. I was off the ball. I was in the backfield. I did a lot of different things and I think that helped me a lot throughout this process and I think it shows my versatility in this game.”

Seahawks

• Brady Henderson of ESPN reports that Seahawks’ veteran OLB Bruce Irvin‘s one-year contract carries a base value of $5.5 million and costs around $5.9 million against the salary cap after counting added incentives.