NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams

Cardinals

The Dolphins made the decision to trade RB Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals earlier this season because it was the last year of Drake’s deal and they had already determined he wouldn’t be a part of their future. Drake has made a strong case to be a part of what the Cardinals are building out in Arizona, however, with a four-touchdown performance in Sunday’s win against the Browns. 

“I would say that’s a pretty good game for the timing of it,” Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury said via Katherine Fitzgerald of the Arizona Republic. “He’s been waiting to show what he can do and be kind of the focus point of an offense for probably seven years, since Alabama, now. That was nice to see him have a breakout game, if you will.”

• The Cardinals worked out LB Jamey Meder and CB Duke Thomas on Tuesday. (Aaron Wilson)

49ers

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the 49ers also put in a claim for DE Terrell Suggs, who was awarded to the Chiefs. 
• 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said it would be a “long shot” for LB Kwon Alexander to return from his torn pectoral injury in time to play in the playoffs, but the team hasn’t ruled it out: “Can come back, it’s a really big injury and would be down the road and outside chance but we haven’t ruled it out.” (Cam Inman)

Rams

Rams QB Jared Goff banged his thumb on his LT Andrew Whitworth‘s helmet Sunday during Los Angeles’ loss to the Cowboys, resulting in an interception and what Rams HC Sean McVay termed a “nice contusion” on his thumb for Goff. All things considered, though, McVay said Goff’s injury shouldn’t limit him that much the rest of the season. 

“Really, any sort of thing that — especially for a quarterback — any part of your hand, I think can severely alter your ability to throw the football,” McVay said via Pro Football Talk. “He was able to kind of get through it and fortunately, today he woke up and was feeling better.”