NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

Cardinals RB David Johnson isn’t happy about losing his hold on the starting job in Arizona. Johnson entered 2019 as Arizona’s bell cow, but injuries and a trade for RB Kenyan Drake have relegated him to an ancillary role. However, Johnson clarified that a recent social media post wasn’t directed at his teammates, coaches or situation. 

“I was looking at the photo and there were a lot of Steeler fans,” Johnson said via Kyle Odegard of the team website. “Even on the way to the game, there were Steelers fans at the hotel. There were Steelers fans everywhere. It was odd that it was our home game and there were so many Steelers fans. I have a list of lyrics that I like from Christian rappers. I saw the photo, and that seemed pretty accurate. Also, just fantasy [football criticism]. That’s probably all I get on social media. Anywhere I go it’s probably about fantasy. It was a little bit of that as well.”

• The Athletic’s Mike Sando writes the Cardinals will likely decline the fifth-year option for LB Haason Reddick this offseason.
• Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald will play in his final home game of 2019 this Sunday, and if he doesn’t return to the team in 2020, it will end up being the final home game of his career: “You never know. I don’t give it much thought. I’ve told you before, I stay in the moment, man. The career will end. When it ends, it end.” (Kent Somers)

49ers

The 49ers have been fairly committed to a running back by committee system under HC Kyle Shanahan. But injuries to Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida thrust former journeyman Raheem Mostert into a more prominent role and the veteran has stepped up his play in recent weeks even with the return to health from the other two backs. Mostert has 250+ total yards and three touchdowns in the past two games and now leads the team in rushing.  

“Raheem’s earned it over these last few weeks,” Shanahan said via the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch. “I mean, how many games can you go and how many years can you go averaging six yards a carry? I mean, we keep trying to balance it out, but what Raheem has done these last few weeks and has continued to do, we need to give him more opportunities. He’s given us no choice. I’m happy for him and it’s been great. He’s been extremely impressive.”

• The Athletic’s Mike Sando writes the 49ers will likely decline the fifth-year option for DE Solomon Thomas this offseason.

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said TE Gerald Everett (knee) is considered “day-to-day” but is not ready to resume practicing. 

“His knee is making progress, but not ready to get out there and practice with us yet,” said McVay, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.

Rams QB Jared Goff said he would not be surprised to see Cowboys QB Dak Prescott eclipse his four-year, $134 million deal.

“Not at all. He’s a great player and he deserves everything coming his way,” said Goff, via Gary Klein.

Seahawks

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said DE Ezekiel Ansah (neck) returned to practice on Tuesday and has a “real good chance” to play in Week 15. 

“Ziggy’s practicing today,” Carroll said, via John Boyle of the team’s official site. “He’s got a chance, a real good chance to be OK, but he has to still prove it. It’s a strength issue right now.”

Carroll said LB Mychal Kendricks (hamstring) resumed running on Tuesday but didn’t attend Wednesday’s practice. Their staff will decide on his availability at the end of the week.  

“He ran [Tuesday] and I think he’s going again today,” Carroll said. “He won’t practice [Wednesday], so we’ll have to wait and see all the way to the end of the week to see if he can make it back.”

Regarding Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny (ACL), Carroll said the running back is scheduled to undergo surgery.

“There’s some other stuff they’ll look at when they get in there,” Carroll said. “He will have surgery. He’s not going in immediately, they’re going to let it quiet down before they do that. It’s a long haul to get him back, so we’re going take all the right precautions to make sure we start the process at the right time. They’ve got to get in there and figure out what’s going on, but it’s ACL damage that they’re mainly concerned with.”

• CBS Sports analyst and former agent Joel Corry identifies Seahawks DL Jarran Reed as a potential franchise tag candidate.