NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

Cardinals DC Vance Joseph said rookie LB Isaiah Simmons “definitely changed” as a player after his Week 7 interception in overtime against the Seahawks. 

“From that moment on, it definitely changed for Isaiah,” Joseph said, via Darren Urban of the team’s official site. “In terms of his body language, his confidence and playing NFL football. It was a huge moment for our team and for Isaiah and definitely changed his mindset.”

Simmons said the first half of the season was “pretty rough” given he is used to being the star player throughout his football career prior to joining the Cardinals. 

“I’ve always been like the star guy,” Simmons said. “I’m not going to lie, (early in the season) it was pretty rough for me, going through that. I had a lot of outside support from family and friends. Even my teammates, saying ‘Don’t worry about it, you have plenty of years to come along, just be patient, your time will come and when it comes, just take full advantage of it.’ Listening to those guys, I feel like I did that, and my time came.”

As for his early-season struggles, Simmons said he was focused on learning what he did wrong and being patient with his development. 

• Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury struck an upbeat but cautious tone regarding QB Kyler Murray‘s status for this week: “We’re going to see today how he progresses. I feel positive, but we want to make sure he’s able to play his game and play at a high level.”

49ers

• Per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan is “really hoping” they get back RB Raheem Mostert, WR Deebo Samuel, CB Richard Sherman and RB Jeff Wilson this week.  
• 49ers activated DL Arik Armstead and OL Hroniss Grasu from the COVID-19 list. (NFLTR)

Rams

• Per ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, Rams DC Brandon Staley said new OLB Derek Rivers would provide some depth and insurance on defense as well as contribute on special teams.
• Rams designated OLB Obo Okoronkwo to return from injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Rams activated practice squad DB Donte Deayon injured list.
• Rams activated WR J.J. Koski from the COVID-19 list.  

Seahawks

A lack of a pass rush was a major problem for the Seahawks to start the season. Seattle had just 12 in the first seven games of the season. But since trading for DE Carlos Dunlap, the Seahawks have already passed that total, notching 13 sacks in the three games since then. Dunlap himself has 3.5, which already puts him second on the team. 

“Yeah, well let me state the obvious. The obvious is that he has had an impact,” Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said via Pro Football Talk’s Curtis Crabtree. “He knocks the pile back, knocks the tackle back in and just creates some lanes for other guys so he’s contributing to other guys’ rush as well. We’ve just taken a step forward with the way we’re doing things and it’s helped our guys.”

• The Seahawks are bringing in WR Gary Jennings for a visit this week. (Albert Breer)