NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams

Cardinals

Former second-round Cardinals WR Christian Kirk has received a fair amount of hype from his teammates, with QB Kyler Murray saying Kirk is about to “unleash” his talent and HC Kliff Kingsbury describing his potential as “through the roof.” Kirk, however, is much more measured. 

“I’ve got to back it up,” Kirk said via Kyle Odegard of the team’s website. “I’ve got to go out there and play the best football I can play. I believe in the offseason I put myself in the best position to be successful this year. I took it very seriously. I can’t really talk about it — talk about what I’m going to do or hope to do. I’ve just got to go out there and play, and make the opportunities when they come toward me.”

49ers

• Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle recalls the 49ers were interested in WR Mohamed Sanu last year before trading for WR Emmanuel Sanders. Sanu spent two seasons with HC Kyle Shanahan during their time with the Falcons.
• The 49ers’ are hoping WR Deebo Samuel is able to return to practice next week and that WR Richie James is cleared ahead of schedule before Week 1. (Mike Garafolo)
• 49ers GM John Lynch said CB Jason Verrett injured his hamstring, which likely indicates Emmanuel Moseley will be the team’s No. 2 starting corner. (Cam Inman)
• Lynch ruled out any interest from San Francisco in free-agent DE Jadeveon Clowney: “We’re out of cash. We’ve got a salary cap and we’re up against it.” (Inman)
• As for Sanu, Lynch didn’t rule out the 49ers potentially having interest: “He’s an excellent football player, one that has history with our staff and so I think when a good football player becomes available, we’re always interested and we’re always looking to see if they can help.” (KNBR Radio)
• However, Lynch pointed out the team might not feel as desperate about its receiver situation as onlookers do despite a rash of injuries: “But I will say that we’re probably more comfortable than most people think at the wide receiver position. What we’ve seen throughout this offseason, you know, leaves us leaves us really excited about the group so it has to fit and we’ll see where that goes. . . . I think we feel a little stronger than maybe the outside world believes we should or do.”

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay praised LBs Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Troy Reeder, who will fill in for LB Travin Howard after he sustained a torn meniscus in practice last week. 

“Those guys have done a nice job,” McVay said, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN. “When you add in T-Howard, those four have played really good football throughout.”

McVay called Howard’s injury “really unfortunate” given he was set to be an “impact play” in their defense. 

“It’s really unfortunate for a guy that’s put in a lot of work, put himself in position to be a huge impact player for us,” McVay said.