NFC West Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

• Per the Athletic’s Matt Barrows, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said there’s still a chance K Robbie Gould could play Monday night despite a quad injury. 
• He’s expected to be back the following week against the Cardinals regardless. 
• Shanahan wasn’t optimistic that 49ers WR Trent Taylor would be able to come back off of injured reserve after suffering multiple setbacks in his recovery from a broken foot, including infection. (Barrows)

Rams

The Rams have consistently maintained that they’re not looking to limit RB Todd Gurley‘s load in 2019 to preserve him following a 2018 knee injury. However, the numbers paint a different picture, as Gurley is on pace for a career-low — by far — 184 carries halfway through the season. Rams HC Sean McVay was asked if he was happy with Gurley’s workload through eight games. 

“I don’t know that I would say that,” McVay said via Pro Football Talk, “because it’s never really been something where we’re looking at a pitch count, a workload. We want to be the most efficient offense we can possibly be. Certainly, if you said, ‘What would your pick be?’ I’d much rather see some of the production that we’ve seen over the years past.”

McVay went on to praise Gurley for the way he’s handled the change in usage. 

“What I do think is important to emphasize is that it certainly is not exclusive to what Todd can control. There’s a lot of factors that have gone into that and what I love is the way that he’s continued to compete. He’s made his presence felt in some different ways that aren’t exclusive to what show up on the stat sheet, but it sure is appreciated in this building with some of the things you see him do protection-wise and just demonstrating an unselfish approach for a player like him.”

• McVay notes Rams LB Bryce Hager‘s recovery from a shoulder injury has been adversely affected by a nerve and it’s looking like Hager will end up on injured reserve. (Lindsey Thiry)

Seahawks

The Seahawks are the latest team to take a chance on the talented-but-troubled WR Josh Gordon following his release from the Patriots. Gordon’s issues with substance abuse are well-documented, but the Seahawks are hopeful they have the strong locker room culture to give Gordon the support he needs to thrive. 

“You look at the history of this organization, you always have different personalities and the locker room always stays intact,” Seahawks OT Duane Brown said via Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. “Guys thrive here and I think he’ll be no exception. We were all very excited when we saw the news. So when he gets here, we’ll embrace him. We’ll be here for him in whatever capacity we need to be, but I expect nothing but the best from him.”

• Carroll said it shouldn’t take long for Gordon to learn the playbook and put himself in position to contribute in the offense: “He’s a smart football guy. He’s going to get it. It’s not going to take him long.” (Curtis Crabtree)
• Carroll added both Gordon and S Quandre Diggs would practice all week but still might not play Monday night against the 49ers. (John Boyle)
• Carroll mentioned Seahawks DE Ezekiel Ansah is still working on regaining his weight after offseason shoulder surgery. Ansah is at 250 pounds after playing most of his career above 270: “He’s still battling physically to get back to right.” (Crabtree)
• Carroll noted TE Ed Dickson is expected to help the team now that he’s healthy. (Crabtree)