NFL Notes: 49ers, Raiders, Rams

49ers

49ers’ veteran LT Joe Staley said he is “coming back” for 2019 and is excited to continue his career.

“I’m old and I just want to win, so it’s been frustrating in that respect,” Staley said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. “I’m excited for next year. I’m coming back, and I’m excited for next season.”

Staley added that a goal for him has been to play his entire career with one NFL team.

“I thought that was something that wasn’t being done a whole lot with free agency and everything,” Staley said. “Everybody’s career and career path are unique to the individual, but I thought would be pretty cool to stay in one position and be one team for your whole entire career. And I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that.”

Raiders

Raiders WR Jordy Nelson said he intends to play in 2019 and that he has enjoyed his time in Oakland thus far.

“I plan to (return),” Nelson said, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports. “It’s not always the player’s decision. Yeah, that’s the plan. We’ve enjoyed our time out here so far, enjoyed being with the team and starting the rebuilding process and being a part of that.”

Raiders HC Jon Gruden praised Nelson being  “instinctive, so smart, so versatile and so team oriented” and believes Nelson is still a “good quality” player. 

“He’s a good player, as good as you’ll ever get the chance to coach,” Gruden said. “He is so instinctive, so smart, so versatile and so team oriented. That’s why he is here. I think he’s got close to 30 catches in the last four games. He’s healthy, he’s learned our offense and he’s learned how to play anywhere on the line. Third down or any down, he is still a really good quality wide receiver.”

• Gruden was asked about the decision to fire strength and conditioning coach Tom Shaw, but referred to it as a “personal matter” on Wednesday: “That’s a personal matter. I’ll just leave it at that. Tom’s a good friend, really good at what he does. It’s a personal matter and unfortunately, we’re going to have to go in a different direction, and that’s something we’re going to have to do when the season’s over.”

Rams

• Rams HC Sean McVay said Thursday that RB Todd Gurley suffered similar symptoms to the knee injury he’s currently dealing after their season opener against the Raiders. (Gary Klein)