NFC West Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo said second-round WR Deebo Samuel is “so explosive and fast” after the catch.

“He had a couple (receptions) that, especially after the catch, he’s just so explosive and fast,” said Garoppolo, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic. 

Barrows writes that Samuel and recently signed WR Jordan Matthews both participated in the slot during practice this week, while Garoppolo praised Matthews range. 

“Jordan has a wingspan of 7-feet something. It’s insane,” Garoppolo said. “You think you miss him on a pass and he’ll make you look good. So you love that.”

• Matt Maiocco doesn’t think Jimmie Ward’s fractured collarbone is going to prompt the 49ers to go out right now and sign a veteran free-agent safety.
• Ward is expected to be ready in plenty of time for the regular season, despite the injury. 

Rams

Jay Glazer mentioned in his latest mailbag that the concerns regarding Rams RB Todd Gurley‘s knee are not overblown. 

“Nope, it’s not overblown,” Glazer writes. “I think the biggest test will be what happens early in the season. If he runs and it doesn’t blow up and the Rams are able to use him as a workhorse, then a lot of those concerns will go away. If not, they’re going to have to get a little creative. They would be wise to be prepared because the knee has gone through a lot from college to now, so they’ve got to brace for it swelling up again.”

Seahawks

• Brady Henderson reports that the Seahawks signed QB Geno Smith to a one-year, minimum salary contract for the 2019 season. 
• Smith will make $895,000 in 2019 and has $25,000 guaranteed in the form of a signing bonus. He’ll get $65,000 for making the 53-man roster and will carry a $735,000 cap figure.