NFL Notes: 49ers, Broncos, Rams

49ers

49ers’ DC Robert Saleh says that the team is counting on DE Dee Ford to have a productive season in 2020.

“Dee Ford is a big piece of the puzzle,” Saleh said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “His speed has got to be accounted for when he’s out there. It just kind of opens it up for everybody else on that front and by opening it up, it just stretches the offensive line and the way they’ve got to protect. The attention that he gets, that they’ve got to pay attention to with regards to chipping and the different things they’ve got to do, just frees up everybody.”

Broncos

Broncos GM John Elway believes their offense has the potential to score a lot of points and believes they have a strong defensive pass rush. 

“I still have confidence the offense can score a lot of points They have talent on that side, and had a good camp I think we’re explosive. I think with the youth we may see some inconsistencies. Hopefully, not too much,” said Elway, via Troy Renck. “I like the players we have on the defensive side, their instincts. A.J. Johnson’s had a great camp (at linebacker). Plus, I like our ability to get after the quarterback.”

Elway said he expects them to have a versatile defense with LBs Mark Barron, Austin Calitro, and Josey Jewell. 

“Barron has a lot of experience and he can move around and help us. Austin Cilatro started the last five games for Jacksonville last season. He can play the game and is a great special teamer,” Elway said. “Josey had a really good camp as well as A.J. And Joe Jones played well, too.”

As for Broncos QB Drew Lock, Elway mentioned that the quarterback was “a little inconsistent” in training camp but finished the offseason well. 

“I think Drew was a little inconsistent (in camp), but that’s what we expect. You have to get challenged. You have to have bad days in practice. How you bounce back from them is important. You learn from those days,” Elway said. “I think he had a really nice last night, finishing camp strong.”

• Per ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Elway says the team doesn’t plan to put second-round WR KJ Hamler on injured reserve to start the season and the hope is he can play in the opener. Hamler missed a few weeks with a hamstring injury. 
• Former Broncos’ LB Todd Davis spoke about the years he spent with the team after his release on Friday: “I really don’t want to talk too much about it. What I would tell you is when God decides it’s time to move, it’s time to move. I’m excited. It was definitely fun. I’m excited for what’s next. The last time I was cut (by NO in ’14) it led to a pretty good run and a Super Bowl ring. So when it’s time to move, it’s time to move. And it’s time to move.” (Mike Klis)

Rams

The Rams are still trying to figure out the situation with rookie LB Terrell Lewis‘ knee injury and HC Sean McVay has not been able to provide many details.

“We are working through some things, trying to figure out what is going on with his knee,” McVay said, via Eric Williams of SI. “Doing some tests — some different things like that. I don’t have any updates, but that’s why he’s missed. We are just getting some things figured out. It’s a unique situation. I’m probably not knowledgeable enough to be able to truly articulate it. There’s still a lot of things that we’ve got to get figured out, so I’d like to be able to wait until I have the right information, and accurate information to be able to give you guys what’s going on with him.” 

• McVay said the Rams will have “true clarity” on Lewis’ injury on Wednesday, but he could already declare the rookie out for next Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. (Lindsey Thiry)