NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks

Cardinals

The Cardinals had high expectations for WR Andy Isabella after drafting him in the second round last year. But the transition from UMass to the NFL was too big for Isabella as a rookie and he played sparingly behind Arizona’s other wideouts. Now, though, HC Kliff Kingsbury wants to make it a priority to get Isabella much more than the 13 targets he saw all last season. 

“He works really hard at it and wants to be great,” Kingsbury said via Darren Urban of the team website. “It’s tough when you’re playing behind one of the best if not the best receivers of all time. That’s just a tough spot to be in. I thought he handled it with grace and with poise. [Coaches] were hard on him last year and put him through it, trying to prepare him mentally and physically for kind of the rigors of what he’d face and to his credit he responded. Couldn’t be more pleased with how he’s come back.”

• Cardinals OL coach Sean Kugler praised third-round OT Josh Jones: “[He] has really done a nice job for us. I think this kid is going to have an outstanding future for the Arizona Cardinals.” (Josh Weinfuss)

49ers

• Per the Athletic’s Matt Barrows, another team’s scout said 49ers TE Jordan Reed should provide enough matchup issues to help alleviate San Francisco’s lack of depth at wide receiver as long as Reed is healthy. 
• Barrows notes center is a weak spot for San Francisco given their injuries and the team seems like it’s moving Daniel Brunskill back to guard after some rough snaps in practice. 
• Given how quickly former 49ers RB Salvon Ahmed was snapped up off waivers, Barrows isn’t sure San Francisco will be able to get either Jeff Wilson or UDFA JaMycal Hasty to the practice squad. 
• 49ers WR Deebo Samuel has a shot to play in Week 1 against the Cardinals if he’s able to make it back to practice this week. 
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer thinks 49ers DL Solomon Thomas might finally be due for a breakout year in 2020 with more snaps available. 
• 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw is in the concussion protocol which is why he’s been absent from practice the past few days. (Matt Maiocco)

Seahawks

Seahawks RB Chris Carson was already expected to be absent some this offseason as he worked his way back from a fractured hip. But Carson was kept out of practice even longer while dealing with multiple deaths in his family this month. He’s finally back, though, and looks completely recovered from the hip issue. 

“Chris has got fresh legs,” Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “… He looks great. He hasn’t had a snap out here that he didn’t look good. So, we don’t have any hesitation with Chris at all. He’s ready to go.”

• Carroll is happy with how first-round LB Jordyn Brooks is progressing: “Just a matter of time that he’s going to find himself on the field. He’s just too good to hold out and keep out of there.” (Condotta)
• Doctors recommended Seahawks DE Branden Jackson not play this year due to a condition related to his spine, per Carroll. (Condotta)