NFC West Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

49ers WR Emmanuel Sanders explained that he did not catch any passes throughout the week until the pregame workouts for Week 11’s game against the Cardinals, due to the rib injury he’s been dealing with. 

“I didn’t catch a single pass last week until I went out for pregame,” Sanders said, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic. “I couldn’t raise up my arm, really. And I really couldn’t run.”

49ers’ veteran CB Richard Sherman praised Sanders’ ability to play through injuries.

“Certain people have a certain reputation, and his reputation precedes him,” Sherman said. “He’s a really tough individual, mentally and physically. Unless it’s something where he can barely walk, he’s going to give us everything he can, every bit of energy he can. And that’s what he did. He gave us a chance. He made some big plays for us when we needed them. And he played as hard as he could for as long as he could.”

• 49ers LB Azeez Al-Shaair was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after clearing the league’s concussion protocol. Matt Barrows notes that Al-Shaair should play the SAM linebacker role in Week 12. 
• 49ers TE George Kittle returned to practice in a non-contact jersey. (Barrows)

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said WR Brandin Cooks (concussion) has “felt good” for the past two weeks and will play when fully cleared.

“He’s excited to be able to play. He’s felt good for a couple weeks, so when he’s feeling good and we’ve gotten the thumbs up from everybody else, that makes us all feel good. He’s going to play and we’re excited about that,” said McVay, via Adam Caplan.

• Per ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, McVay said WR Robert Woods returned to the team and will practice Thursday. His status for Monday night’s game is still up in the air, however. 
• Rams RB Malcolm Brown is away from the team awaiting the birth of his child. (Gary Klein)

Seahawks

As a part of the trade that brought him to Seattle from the Texans, Seahawks DE Jadeveon Clowney secured an agreement from the team that he would not be hit with the franchise tag after his deal expires at the end of the year. That means Clowney has complete control over whether he stays in Seattle, where he’s been a force, or hits the open market for presumably a major deal. For now, Clowney said he’s not thinking about that decision. 

“Right now I’m just focusing on trying to get ready to go for the Eagles,” Clowney said via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “A lot of football left, and I’m really focused on this season. I don’t care about looking down the road, just one game at a time, because we can do something special here. … That’s all I’m really focused on is trying to help this team trying to find a way to get to the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl.”

• ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks the Seahawks could wait to extend RB Chris Carson until he sorts out his fumbling issue. 
• Per Adam Caplan, Seahawks HC Pete Carroll expects WR Tyler Lockett to play in Sunday’s game after being limited in Wednesday’s practice due to a shin injury: “I do. He thinks that, too.”