NFC Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

December 15, 2020

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers’ primary goal this offseason should be to upgrade from Nick Mullens as their backup quarterback.
Per the Athletic’s Matt Barrows, 49ers’ WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle), and LB Fred Warner (stinger) all underwent MRI’s for their respective injuries, with HC Kyle Shanahan saying that Samuel won’t play again this season unless the team makes the playoffs.
Shanahan on if the team would stay with Mullens or switch to QB C.J. Beathard: “I’m up for anything right now, so we’ll see how that goes over the next couple days.” (Nick Wagoner)
Shanahan commented on if QB Jimmy Garoppolo would play again this season, saying it was “up in the air” after their medical staff held him out of practice once again. (Barrows)
49ers’ seventh-round WR Jauan Jennings is still not returning to practice, according to Shanahan, who said that he nearly tore his hamstring in an October practice: “This offseason will be big for Jauan.” (Barrows)
The team is expecting DT Kevin Givens to return to practice on Wednesday as he is currently going through COVID-19 protocol. (Matt Maiocco)

The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue notes it’s probable Rams S John Johnson tests the free-agent market this offseason to gauge what’s out there, though he could still return to Los Angeles.
Rodrigue adds the whereabouts of Rams DC Brandon Staley could also be a key factor for Johnson, as he could follow him if Staley lands a job elsewhere.
Staley also had a major hand in the Rams signing OLB Leonard Floyd. Rodrigue writes if the Rams bring Floyd back, it would ideally be at a lower figure than his current $10 million salary. That might not be realistic.
Rodrigue notes the Rams would love to agree to a multi-year deal with C Austin Blythe and he shouldn’t cost more than a few million a year.
Rams WR Josh Reynolds, TE Gerald Everett and OLB Samson Ebukam are likely headed elsewhere in free agency, per Rodrigue, as the Rams already drafted replacements for Reynolds and Everett this past April.
Rams assistant QB coach Liam Coen will join Kentucky as the Wildcats’ new offensive coordinator. (Kyle Tucker)

Seahawks’ HC Pete Carroll said RT Brandon Shell is preparing to play this week, as is RT Cedric Ogbuehi. (Curtis Crabtree)
Carroll said DE Carlos Dunlap, RB Rashaad Penny, and CB Quinton Dunbar are planning to play against Washington and that WR Freddie Swain will continue to play while nursing his shoulder injury: “When it goes he needs a break and he had to do that.” (Crabtree)
Carroll said of Penny’s intent on playing Sunday, leaving many to wonder if the team is wary of the turf at FedEx Field: “So we’ll see how that works out and we’ll figure it out at the end of the week, but he’s going with the mentality that he’s up and eligible and all of that, so we’ll see how that goes.” (Brady Henderson)
As for veteran TE Greg Olsen who is on IR with a foot injury, Carroll said it would be “challenging” for him to practice, adding: “He’s very, very positive and upbeat about the fact that he has a chance to get back very soon, maybe this week or next week. I don’t know what to tell you until we see him.” (Henderson)

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