Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 10

Will 49ers’ defense be patient or attack ‘slippery’ nemesis Kyler Murray in home opener?

SANTA CLARA — As Fred Warner basked Sunday in the 49ers’ 2-0 start, he credited their defense’s clutch finishes to this simple task: “Nobody has to be Superman.”

Next up in Sunday’s home opener is Arizona’s Kyler Murray, who’s been a kryptonite of sorts for the 49ers.

OK, he’s only 4-4 against the 49ers, and he’s yet to serve as Arizona’s No. 1-pick superhero from the 2019 NFL Draft. Murray, however, has the Cardinals also off to a 2-0 start, and he’s coming off a season sweep of the 49ers’ last season.

“Our ‘What It Takes’ meeting is very much about him,” and what he brings to the table, how we need to rush him, and how we need to take care of the QB run game and the run game as a whole,” said defensive Nick Bosa, the No. 2 pick in 2019.

“The thing with Kyler obviously is his legs and the ability to make the off-schedule plays,” Warner added. “That’s always kind of given us fits. … He’s slippery.”

While the 49ers’ defense braces for Murray to pass or run, the Niners’ offense is still awaiting whether Brock Purdy or Mac Jones will be its quarterback, though Purdy has practiced back-to-back days after sitting out Week 2 with a toe injury.

Murray’s arm produced his best outing against the 49ers and in their most recent matchup: a four-touchdown, 242-yard effort in Arizona’s 47-24 season-closing win Jan. 5. Three months earlier, Murray sparked the Cardinals’ 24-23 win at  Levi’s Stadium with a 50-yard touchdown run on their second snap.

“I would say it’s a great vibe there (in Santa Clara). Great vibe, beautiful stadium, (and) fans are always electric,” Murray told Arizona reporters this week, after apologizing for a controversial social-media post of him pictured in a Michael Vick jersey beside his dogs.

The 49ers went 3-1 against Murray in his first two seasons while Robert Saleh served as their defensive coordinator. Saleh’s return to that role this season has delivered immediate success with varied and less predictable looks.

“I’m excited about the plan this week,” Bosa said. “I think Saleh’s been good at it before, so he’s got some good tricks up his sleeve.”

“Anytime you’ve got a quarterback like Kyler, regardless of how the game’s going or how good you’re doing schematically, you never know when he can unlock something and get an off-schedule,” coach Kyle Shanahan added.

The 49ers defense has yet to produce an interception, having opened against their 2023 backup, Sam Darnold (Seattle), and then denied New Orleans’ Spencer Rattler his first career win last Sunday.

Murray has thrown 12 touchdown passes and five interceptions against the 49ers, while his mobility has resulted in three rushing touchdowns and an average of 7.4 yards per carry (57 for 422 yards).

“He’s going to make his plays. We just have to limit the damage,” said Warner, the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week for last Sunday’s dominance in New Orleans (11 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery, pass breakup).

Murray is not the one-man band of past seasons. He’s complemented by tight end Trey McBride, running backs James Conner and Trey Benson, and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Stanford product Michael Wilson.

Whereas Bosa and Bryce Huff notched sacks in 2.6 seconds and 2.44 seconds to seal the first two wins, respectively, Bosa noted the 49ers may exercise patience with their pass rush, as they did in a 2023 upset against Philadelphia and Jalen Hurts.

“It is counterintuitive to do that when rushing,” Bosa said. “He likes to bail back. He likes to spin out. So you just have to be aware.”

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General manager John Lynch is beaming with pride over the defense’s start. “I love the style we’re playing with,” Lynch told KNBR 680-AM. “We’re playing our brand, which is running to the football, arriving with bad intentions and getting a lot of people there. … They’re playing smart and not leaving big lanes to escape, which is going to be key against a guy like Kyler. The plays can go a long time with Kyler Murray.”

The quarterback hype train won’t end here.

The 49ers’ next four opponents feature a quarterback drafted No. 1 overall – the Cardinals’ Murray (2019), the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence (2021), the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford (2009; Detroit Lions), the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Baker Mayfield (2018; Cleveland Browns). On the horizon are: Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young (2023), Week 15 vs. the Tennessee Titans’ Cam Ward (2025), and Week 17 against the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams (2024).

Murray is 119 yards shy of reaching 20,000 in his career. Only three quarterbacks reached that mark with the 49ers: Joe Montana (35,124), John Brodie (31,548) and Steve Young (29,907). Brock Purdy is at 9,795; Mac Jones has 279.

Horoscopes Sept. 19, 2025: Trisha Yearwood, patience is a virtue this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Zegers, 41; Alison Sweeney, 49; Trisha Yearwood, 61; Cheri Oteri, 63.

Happy Birthday: Patience is a virtue this year. Learn to live with what you’ve got, and you’ll discover peace of mind and a path forward that accommodates your lifestyle and prospects. Engage in creativity that stimulates your imagination and encourages you to finish what’s left undone so you can start something that makes you feel passionate, timely and in control. Keep life simple and affordable, and you’ll command less stress and more satisfaction. Your numbers are 2, 13, 23, 27, 30, 39, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You are overdue for a change. Be original, collaborate with someone you love to be around and make plans that will lead to fond memories. Participating, socializing and collaborating with like-minded people will be uplifting. Join forces to address concerns, and you’ll make a difference. Don’t get angry; get moving, and see what happens. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Express yourself through your actions. Do something nice for someone you care about, and focus on putting your energy to good use by attending networking events, improving your fitness and diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Looking and feeling your best will enhance your love life and boost your confidence. Pick up the pace, and you will thrive. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Share your thoughts, entertain, and participate in events and activities that pump you up and offer you an opportunity to share and make a difference to the causes that concern you most. Refuse to let emotions and ego stand between you and doing what’s right. Promote change that leads to growth and positive prospects. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): How you approach people will be the deciding factor in what you receive in return. A positive attitude and energetic response will earn you the favor and support you need to advance your position, agenda or prospects. Be open to suggestions and willing to share, and something good will transpire. Avoid unnecessary expenses or purchases. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid temptation. Verify information before entering a joint venture or signing up for something that may not deliver what you expect. Time is on your side; slow down, gather the facts and consider how to make the most of what you already have. Pay attention to detail when it comes to your wellness and awareness. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take the high road regardless of what others do. Keep an open mind, but stick to the script that works best for you. When you feel unsure, step away and conduct your research. Let your intuition guide you when dealing with suspicious information, and reach out to someone trustworthy to verify the facts. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Express your thoughts, gather information from experts and align yourself with people heading in a similar direction. The connections you make will be helpful moving forward. Invest more time and effort into your surroundings, comfort and convenience, and you will increase your awareness of how to achieve your desired lifestyle. Romance is favored. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Finish what you start. Focus on doing the best job possible, and take a responsible attitude when dealing with institutions and authority. Distance yourself from those trying to wreak havoc or bring about changes that can be disruptive to your life and prospects. Put yourself first, and protect your possessions and assets. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When in doubt, step aside and become a spectator. What you learn will be valuable and help you when it is time to act. Focus inward, make personal gains, build confidence and expand your knowledge to help you achieve your dreams. What you start now will lead to higher income, a better position and greater prosperity. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can’t buy love, but you can protect yourself from those trying to take advantage of you. Ask questions, be a good listener and look for signs that offer insight into other people’s intentions. Commit to nothing, refrain from sharing personal information and protect your reputation. Choose discipline, common sense and a responsible attitude. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to money, contracts and health issues. Take responsibility, ask questions and adopt a proactive approach to ensure you receive the best possible advice. Leave nothing to chance or up to someone else. The time you spend going through the process of elimination will spare you disappointment, loss and grief. Speak up; be your own advocate. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Expect the unexpected and act accordingly. Examine every angle and consider how to utilize your attributes to excel. Networking will help you discover what’s possible and recognize who you are best suited to align yourself with. Partnerships look promising, but will require proper management and a written agreement if you plan to collaborate. Protect your ideas and secrets. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are thoughtful, conscientious and helpful. You are persistent and sophisticated.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.
2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.
3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.
4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.
5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

SF Giants’ silent offense wastes 10 walks, Webb’s gem vs. Dodgers

LOS ANGELES — The Giants just kept receiving gift after gift after gift.

For the 90th time since moving to San Francisco, the Giants (76-77) drew 10 walks in a single game. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, surrendered a season-high six walks. Relievers Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen issued two free passes.

Entering play, the Giants were 69-20 in games where they drew at least 10 walks since moving to the West Coast. Earlier this year, they drew 10 walks in a rain-shortened game against the New York Yankees. This season, teams in the majors are 15-2 when totaling at least 10 walks.

More runners should, generally, mean more runs. That wasn’t the case on a Thursday at Dodger Stadium where the Giants desperately needed a win. Despite those 10 walks and despite a great outing for Logan Webb — seven innings, two runs, one earned — the Giants began their four-game set against the Dodgers with a 2-1 loss on a night they mustered one lone hit.

“We had traffic all night long,” said manager Bob Melvin. “You think that we’d get one or two, especially with Webby doing what he’s doing on the mound. We saw a lot of pitches, we had a lot of traffic, couldn’t get a big hit.”

That inability to get a big hit was most apparent in the top of the seventh, drawing four walks but ending up with one measly run.

Jung Hoo Lee and Patrick Bailey drew back-to-back walks to start the inning against Kopech. Drew Gilbert struck out, but Heliot Ramos loaded the bases by coaxing a free pass against Blake Treinen. That set up bases loaded for the heart of San Francisco’s order: Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman.

Devers didn’t deliver a hit but he did manufacture a run by abstaining from four balls out of the zone. That would be all San Francisco mustered.

Adames struck out looking on a perfectly-placed sinker by Treinen. Chapman, too, struck out, flailing at a sweeper out of the zone. The Giants ended the inning trailing 2-1, the final score to their fifth loss in their last six games.

Since putting up a four-spot in the first inning on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, the Giants have totaled just seven runs over their last 28 innings. Five of those runs were scored in the top of the 11th of Sunday’s 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks, erasing an afternoon where they mustered one hit through the first 10 innings.

“We’ve been a little Jekyll and Hyde,” Melvin said. “We’ve been real good or real bad for stretches. Unfortunately, that’s been the case. We don’t have much time left. We have to get better tomorrow.”

While the Dodgers were gifting the Giants free rallies, the Giants provided the Dodgers with a gift of their own — one that Los Angeles wouldn’t waste.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Dodgers put runners on second and third with one out. Mookie Betts pulled a grounder towards the six-hole. Ben Rortvedt, the runner on third, dashed home. Adames charged the grounder hard, then fired a perfect throw on the run to an awaiting Patrick Bailey.

If Bailey secured the ball, Rortvedt would’ve been out in plenty of time. But Bailey muffed the catch, Rortvedt was safe and the Dodgers had the game’s first run. The Dodger made Bailey’s error hurt more when Freddie Freeman, the next batter, snuck a grounder into center field for a single that scored Shohei Ohtani.

“Webby made a great pitch, Willy made a heck of a play, I dropped the ball, which is unacceptable,” Bailey said.

That error ultimately resulted in Webb being saddled with a loss despite an excellent outing in one of his most crucial outings of this year. If Webb had an outing of this quality in his last appearance, the Giants’ entire playoff outlook may be different.

Webb took the mound at Oracle Park last Saturday at Oracle Park with the Giants in a virtual tie for the third NL wild card spot with the Mets, who lost earlier in the day. When the Giants tagged Clayton Kershaw, who announced his intent to retire after the 2025 season, for four first-inning runs, that wild card spot was in their grasp.

Instead, the sinkerballer curiously stopped throwing his sinker. Webb only threw eight two-seamers against the Dodgers, his fewest since becoming a full-time starter. The result for him: four-plus innings, six runs. The result for the Giants: a 13-7 loss.

Webb’s start on Thursday was a return to his strengths. He threw 32 sinkers, which comprised about a third of his offerings. The pitch induced five outs, one being a strikeout, and no hits.

“This one, I just tried to not overthink it,” Webb said. “Credit to Patty and the pitching coaches.  (They) pretty much just said, ‘You’re good because you throw a good sinker and you throw a good changeup, not because you throw a good cutter. Don’t overthink it.’ Obviously, better than last time, but still not good enough.”

“He trusted his stuff,” Bailey said. “I think that was one of the better outings that he’s had this year. He threw the ball great.”

Webb’s next — and potentially final — outing of the regular season will be during the Giants’ final homestand of the year. It’s possible this team is still mathematically alive, if not have a fighting chance. It’s also possible this team, one that’s essentially four games back of the Mets with nine games remaining due to the tiebreaker, will be relegated to playing out the string.

SF Giants react to Clayton Kershaw’s retirement announcement

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw will make the final regular-season start of his career on Friday night at Dodger Stadium after announcing his intent to retire after the 2025 season. His opponent, appropriately enough, will be the Giants, a team he has faced — and dominated — more than any other in his career.

“I’m at peace with it,” the 37-year-old Kershaw said in a news conference on Thursday. “I think it’s the right time. It’s been such a fun year. I’ve had such a blast with this group. I’ve had such a blast with all you guys. So yeah, I can’t think of a better season to go out.”

“It’s a miraculous career,” said manager Bob Melvin said of Kershaw, who has a 2.08 ERA with 415 strikeouts over 62 games against San Francisco. “It’s kind of apropos that he’s pitching his last regular-season game against the Giants here. It’ll be pretty spirited here. An incredible career. It feels like he’s had three careers.”

Melvin has had the opportunity to see the evolution of Kershaw. In 2008, Melvin got his first look at a 20-year-old Kershaw in the infancy of his career as the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Sept. 7, 2008, Kershaw famously faced fellow rookie Max Scherzer when Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux were both scratched.

Following his time in Arizona, Melvin spent the majority of Kershaw’s prime in the American League managing the Oakland A’s (Kershaw has a career 1.34 ERA against the Athletics). Over the last four years, Melvin has shared a division with Kershaw while managing the Giants and San Diego Padres.

“He threw a little bit harder then,” Melvin said. “He’s adjusted year-to-year in what he does, but it’s really the competitive spirit that sticks out with guys like that. Their will to win and their expectation for themselves to be able to pitch this long and this well. He’s been doing it for a long time. He was doing it in Arizona back then and he’s doing it now. It’s pretty incredible to see what he’s doing.”

“I remember when he came up, he was a two-pitch guy: four-seam and curveball,” said hitting coach Pat Burrell on Sunday, prior to the announcement. “He really struggled to throw his changeup. He didn’t have the slider back then. We saw the evolution of what he became when the slider came in. When it did, it elevated him to one of the best that we’ve seen.”

Starting opposite of Kershaw on Friday will be fellow left-hander Robbie Ray, who has two head-to-head battles with Kershaw dating back to his time with the Diamondbacks.

In their first meeting on Sept. 24, 2018, Kershaw earned a win after allowing three runs over six innings with six strikeouts, while Ray had a no-decision after allowing two runs over five innings with seven strikeouts. Ray picked up a win and Kershaw was handed a loss in their second meeting on Aug. 31, 2019, though both starters combined to allow nine runs over 10 innings.

Before the implementation of the universal DH, Kershaw picked up a hit off Ray, flipping a middle-middle fastball into left field for a single.

https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/S2RMa2FfWGw0TUFRPT1fQndSVlVBSUNCUVVBWEZVRkJBQUFDRkFBQUZsVFZBY0FBRmNCQjFWV0JWSlRWbFJm.mp4

“In my mind — and probably everybody else’s — a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” said Ray, who played catch with Kershaw when he went to his first All-Star Game in 2017. “To be able to compete against him for so long, especially being in the West for as long as it was, and to see his career and what he’s accomplished is pretty cool.”

For all of Friday’s expected pomp and circumstance, Ray iterated the necessity of focusing on the task at hand.

The Giants (76-76) aren’t just 2.5 games back of the New York Mets for the third and final NL wild card, but they’re also behind the Cincinnati Reds (76-76) and Arizona Diamondbacks (77-76) in the standings. With their playoff hopes nearing zero, the Giants need Ray to rebound from his recent struggles (7.83 ERA over last five starts) and put up zeros.

“You try not to make too much of it. … These are big games that we’re playing, so just try to keep it alI in perspective, for sure,” Ray said.

Kershaw’s announcement to retire comes just a day after Justin Verlander — five years his elder — re-affirmed his intent to pitch next season.

Verlander, 42, has long said he wants to pitch until he’s 45, but the right-hander’s struggles over the first four months of the season put those plans in jeopardy. Verlander’s recent stretch of excellence, then, has effectively guaranteed he will have a spot on a major-league roster in 2026.

Over his last 11 starts, Verlander owns a 2.17 ERA over 62 1/3 innings with 60 strikeouts, pitching his best when the Giants have needed it most. With seven shutout innings on Wednesday, Verlander joined Roger Clemens as the only pitchers 42 or older to allow fewer than one run over four straight starts in the last 125 years, per Sarah Langs.

“I would hope that somebody would offer me a contract now,” Verlander said on Wednesday. “I’ve shown that I can turn it around and still pitch at a high level.”

Whether Verlander re-ups with San Francisco, specifically, is another matter entirely. Despite his efforts, Verlander has made minimal progress in his quest for 300 career wins.

Verlander, who won’t pitch in this series, entered the season with 262 victories on his résumé. With a week-and-a-half remaining in the regular season, Verlander’s career total only stands at 265 after he’s seen numerous victories fall by the wayside due to offensive shortcomings or bullpen blowups.

“There could be at least five or six more under his belt, for sure,” Melvin said. “That’s not even an exaggeration.”

Elected officials and dozens of protesters are arrested at Manhattan immigration holding facility

NEW YORK (AP) — More than a dozen elected officials were arrested Thursday while protesting conditions at a New York City immigration holding facility where a federal judge this week extended a court order requiring the government to shape up its treatment of detainees.

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Eleven officials were arrested while attempting to inspect holding rooms on the 10th floor of the government’s 26 Federal Plaza building in Manhattan, according to a coalition of politicians, advocates and faith leaders involved in the protest.

The officials, including city Comptroller Brad Lander and members of the state legislature, were seeking to ensure compliance with a preliminary injunction issued Wednesday that requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to eliminate squalid conditions and overcrowding.

A federal agent detains New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and other elected officials after they demanded access to the inspect the detainment facility at immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits federal building, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Federal agents detain the elected officials after they demand access to inspect the detainment facility at immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits federal building, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Federal agents detain elected officials after they demanded access to the inspect the detainment facility at immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits federal building, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Demonstrators chant during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the Jacob K. Javits federal building, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Show Caption1 of 4A federal agent detains New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and other elected officials after they demanded access to the inspect the detainment facility at immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits federal building, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Expand

Lander was previously arrested at the building after he linked arms with a person authorities were attempting to detain. He was released hours later.

Other officials were arrested outside the building, including city Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a spokesperson for the protesters said. In all, more than 75 people were detained.

Purdy speaks on toe injury as 49ers play waiting game with QBs

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers may be leaning toward having Mac Jones make a second consecutive start this weekend, but weren’t ready to declare their intentions on Thursday.

Starting quarterback Brock Purdy was on the field during the media window, along with Jones and No. 3 quarterback Adrian Martinez. The 49ers even had Purdy make his scheduled appearance with the media after a limited practice session.

“It’s been a day to day thing this week, and I feel I’m happy with my progress I’ve been making with my foot and toe,” Purdy said. “Nothing really more to it than that.”

It’s likely coach Kyle Shanahan won’t have much more to say about it when he speaks to the media Friday, other than that Purdy will be listed as “questionable.”

“I’ve just got to see come game time how I feel,” Purdy said. “I want to be out there . . . if you ask me, I’d love to (play) but I’m trying to be smart with my body and you never know. We’ll see when the game comes.”

However, Jones took the podium as well, meaning Purdy’s right turf toe might not be ready for the 49ers’ home opener against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

Told by tackle Trent Williams to get out and “hoop” in last weekend’s 26-21 win over New Orleans, Jones was asked if he’d be hooping against Arizona.

“Hopefully,” Jones said.

Not that it will change his approach much.

“As a backup, you’re not playing the first snap, and as a starter you are,” Jones said. “You’ve got to be ready for both. The externals don’t really matter. You just have to focus on the game plan and getting everything tidied up for Sunday.”

On his weekly appearance on KNBR, Shanahan outlined his concerns and what it would take for Purdy to play.

“Any time you hear turf toe you get nervous,” Shanahan said. “You don’t know what kind it is, and the fact that he was able to do something this week is a real good sign that he’ll have a chance to go on Sunday.”

What would it take for Purdy to play?

“Protect himself, do things to be successful and that he won’t make it worse,” Shanahan said. “Once you do that you’re pretty much good to go.”

Shanahan said he is open to Purdy being a backup for a week while he heals more completely.

In his weekly appearance on the 49ers’ flagship KNBR-680, 49ers general manager John Lynch was keeping it close to the vest. Purdy still has more rehab time and could possibly return after missing a single game in New Orleans. He said it was an “organizational decision: as to whether Purdy or Jones starts against Arizona.

As with any injury, there are degrees of severity depending on the extent of the trauma. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow had a case of turf toe so severe he’ll have surgery and miss three months of the season. Purdy has been walking without a limp and hasn’t been seen wearing the protective boot that is often part of the recovery process.

Purdy couldn’t pinpoint the time of the injury against Seattle. He told coaches his toe was bothering him but he was never removed from the game.

“I think it was an accumulation of certain plays and different moments in the game,” Purdy said. “It was the adrenaline cool down and I was like, ‘Alright, something’s wrong with my toe here.’ “

After the Cardinals, the 49ers host Jacksonville on Sept. 28, and then visit the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, Oct. 2.

Although Purdy and Jones operate the same offensive system with little change in play calling and design, at least one Arizona player was willing to state a preference as to which one he’d rather see.

“Do you want a truthful answer?” Arizona defensive end Calais Campbell said in an interview on NFL.com. “The truthful answer is I’d much rather play against Mac Jones. It’s not a shot because Mac is a first-round talent. He just hasn’t been in that offense a long time… With Brock, he’s a master of that offense. He can make it go.”

Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon stressed that getting Jones instead of Purdy doesn’t change things much.

“He’s smart, has talent, with where he was drafted and what he’s done already,” Gannon said told reporters. “He’s accurate, more mobile than you think. He’ll stay in there and take shots and deliver the ball accurately.”.

In Week 1, Purdy was 26-for-35 for 277 yards with two interceptions and two touchdowns, including the game winner on a 4-yard pass to tight end Jake Tonges.  Against New Orleans, Jones was 26 of 39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Lynch compared Jones’ play to that of Sam Darnold, who played for the 49ers as a backup to Purdy in 2023 but didn’t get extensive time until the season finale, and the 49ers had wrapped up the NFC West and the No. 1 seed.

“Maybe it hasn’t gone the way they wanted elsewhere, but maybe if we put them in our situation and pour into them, maybe we can get all that talent that we see out of them,” Lynch said.

On the first of his weekly appearances, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young is of the belief that the 49ers and Shanahan are where quarterbacks go to get well.

“Mac gets the benefit of being here and seeing how good he can get,” Young said. “Because that’s the promise. If you come here, we’ll see how good you are. And he’s willing to take that chance, so good for him.”

A.P. PhotoDefensive end Mykel Williams (98) celebrates with Bryce Huff (47) after Huff's sack of New Orleans quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Mykel Williams’ big game

Did rookie first-round pick Mykel Williams “arrive” as an NFL force with his strong game against New Orleans?

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“There’s going to be ups and downs,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “I felt that last week was fantastic for him. On run downs he set edges and knocked people back, created mismatches we need against a tight end. And on third down, he did a really good job collapsing the pocket and giving those edge guys a chance to rush the passer. When you’ve got pocket push, that’s where that (outside) speed comes to life.

“There’s going to be a roller coaster. Some games will be great, some won’t. But even in games which don’t pop off the tape, he’s going to find ways to get better.”

Practice update

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder) did not practice. Jennings was clearly fighting both injuries against the Saints, even as he broke free for a 42-yard touchdown reception from Jones. Also not participating was Spencer Burford (knee), who may or may not need surgery in the near future.

Those who were limited in practice were defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, Kyle Juszczyk (concussion), Siran Neal (concussion), Purdy, Jordan Watkins (calf) and Williams.

Rookie running back Jordan James (finger) was a full participant.

49ers mourn Jim Fahnhorst

Linebacker Jim Fahnhorst, who played for three 49ers championship teams in a seven-year career from 1984-90, died Wednesday at age 66.

Fahnhorst is the younger brother of Keith Fahnhorst, a 49ers’ offensive tackle from 1974-87.

Senate confirms 48 of Trump’s nominees at once after changing the chamber’s rules

By MARY CLARE JALONICK

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed 48 of President Donald Trump’s nominees at once, voting for the first time under new rules to begin clearing a backlog of executive branch positions that had been delayed by Democrats.

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Frustrated by the stalling tactics, Senate Republicans moved last week to make it easier to confirm large groups of lower-level, non-judicial nominations. Democrats had forced multiple votes on almost every one of Trump’s picks, infuriating the president and tying up the Senate floor.

The new rules allow Senate Republicans to move multiple nominees with a simple majority vote — a process that would have previously been blocked with just one objection. The rules don’t apply to judicial nominations or high-level Cabinet posts.

“Republicans have fixed a broken process,” Thune said ahead of the vote.

The Senate voted 51-47 to confirm the four dozen nominees. Thune said that those confirmed on Thursday had all received bipartisan votes in committee, including deputy secretaries for the Departments of Defense, Interior, Energy and others.

Among the confirmed are Jonathan Morrison, the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump’s 2020 campaign and was once engaged to Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.

Thune’s move is the latest salvo after a dozen years of gradual changes by both parties to weaken the filibuster and make the nominations process more partisan. Both parties have obstructed each other’s nominees for years, and senators in both parties have advocated for speeding up the process when they are in the majority.

Republicans first proposed changing the rules in early August, when the Senate left for a monthlong recess after a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations over the confirmation process and Trump told Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to “GO TO HELL!” on social media.

Democrats have blocked more nominees than ever before as they have struggled to find ways to oppose Trump and the GOP-dominated Congress, and as their voters have pushed them to fight Republicans at every turn. It’s the first time in recent history that the minority party hasn’t allowed at least some quick confirmations.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to members of the media after attending a policy luncheon with Democratic leaders, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has said Democrats are delaying the nominations because Trump’s nominees are “historically bad.” And he told Republicans that they will “come to regret” their action — echoing a similar warning from GOP Leader Mitch McConnell to then-Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in 2013, when Democrats changed Senate rules for executive branch and lower court judicial nominees to remove the 60-vote threshold for confirmations. At the time, Republicans were blocking President Barack Obama’s picks.

Republicans took the Senate majority a year later, and McConnell eventually did the same for Supreme Court nominees in 2017 as Democrats tried to block Trump’s nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.

“What Republicans have done is chip away at the Senate even more, to give Donald Trump more power and to rubber stamp whomever he wants, whenever he wants them, no questions asked,” Schumer said last week.

Republicans will move to confirm a second tranche of nominees in the coming weeks, gradually clearing the list of more than 100 nominations that have been pending for months.

“There will be more to come,” Thune said Thursday. “And we’ll ensure that President Trump’s administration is filled at a pace that looks more like those of his predecessors.”

What are Nexstar and Sinclair, the ABC affiliate owners who issued statements against Jimmy Kimmel?

By MAE ANDERSON and MATT SEDENSKY

NEW YORK (AP) — Two ABC affiliate owners spoke out against late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel ahead of ABC’s decision to suspend the presenter over comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Their comments highlight the influence local TV station owners have on national broadcasters such as Disney-owned ABC.

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Here are key facts about the two companies.

Nexstar Media Group

Nexstar Media Group, based in Irving, Texas, operates 28 ABC affiliates. It said it would pull Kimmel’s show starting Wednesday. Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s death were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division.

The company owns or partners with more than 200 stations in 116 U.S. markets, and owns broadcast networks the CW and NewsNation, as well as the political website The Hill and nearly a third of the Food Network.

It hopes to get even bigger. Last month, it announced a $6.2 billion deal to buy TEGNA Inc., which owns 64 other TV stations.

FILE- In this Oc. 29, 2014, file photo honoree Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, attends the 24th Annual Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame Awards at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. Nexstar is offering to buy Chicago’s Tribune Media for about $4 billion, four months after the collapse of a similar bid from Sinclair Broadcast Group. The offer Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, would make Nexstar, whose stations reach nearly 39 percent of all U.S. television households, the biggest operator of local TV stations in the U.S. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

The deal would require the Federal Communications Commission to change rules limiting the number of stations a single company can own. The FCC’s chair, Brendan Carr, has expressed openness to changing the rule.

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Sinclair Broadcast Group, based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, operates 38 local ABC affiliates. On Wednesday the company, which has a reputation for a conservative viewpoint in its broadcasts, called on Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to the activist’s political organization, Turning Point USA. Sinclair said its ABC stations will air a tribute to Kirk on Friday in Kimmel’s time slot.

Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks and owns Tennis Channel.

Controversies

Sinclair made headlines in 2018 when a video that stitched together dozens of news anchors for Sinclair-owned local stations reading identical statements decrying “the troubling trend of irresponsible, one-sided news stories plaguing the country” went viral. Sinclair didn’t disclose that it ordered the anchors to read the statement.

Nexstar operates similarly.

Danilo Yanich, professor of public policy at the University of Delaware, said the company is the “biggest duplicator” of news content today His research showed Nexstar stations duplicated broadcasts more than other affiliate owners.

Affiliate influence

Lauren Herold, an editor of the forthcoming book “Local TV,” said the web of companies involved in getting Americans their television shows is “relatively unknown” to most viewers, though their influence has been made known for decades.

Often, Herold said, that’s been when local affiliates have balked at airing something they viewed as controversial, such as the episode of the 1990s comedy “Ellen” in which Ellen DeGeneres’ character came out as gay.

“It’s not a complete oddity,” Herold said. “I think what’s more alarming about this particular incident to me is the top-down nature of it.”

Whereas past flare-ups between affiliates and their parent networks have often involved individual local TV executives, Herold pointed to the powerful voices at play in Kimmel’s suspension: Disney CEO Bob Iger, the FCC’s chair Carr, as well as Sinclair and Nexstar.

“The FCC kind of pinpointing particular programs to cancel is concerning to people who advocate for television to be a forum for free discussion and debate,” Herold said.

Jasmine Bloemhof, a media strategist who has worked with local stations, including ones owned by Sinclair and Nexstar, said consolidation has given such companies “enormous influence.” Controversies like the latest involving Kimmel, she said, “reveal the tension between Hollywood-driven programming and the values of everyday Americans.”

“Networks may push one agenda, but affiliates owned by companies like Sinclair and Nexstar understand they serve conservative-leaning communities across the country,” Bloemhof said. “And that friction is bound to surface.”

Monterey Regional Airport gets new $25M grant for replacement terminal

MONTEREY – The Monterey Regional Airport is receiving $25.13 million in new federal funding for construction of its replacement passenger terminal which officially broke ground in June.

Morello

“The estimated cost of the replacement passenger terminal is still approximately $98 million,” said Monterey Regional Airport Interim Executive Director Chris Morello in an email. “We received a grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Improvement Airport Terminal Program on June 6, 2025 for this construction in the amount of $14.2 million. With this additional $25.1 million, we are in a good position.”

Morello added that the Monterey airport anticipates needing about between $3-to-$9 million more in additional grant funds to complete the Federal portion of the funding for the construction. Those funds will come in federal Fiscal Year 2026, which commences on Oct. 1.

“The remainder of the funding for the construction has always been planned to be loans paid back by airport revenue,” said Morello. “That borrowing is on track to be completed sometime in 2025.”

Upon completion, the new replacement passenger terminal will boast nearly 63,000 square feet of public space to serve the more than 600,000 passengers annually who currently move through the Monterey airport. The new facility will likely be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified, have five passenger boarding bridges, eight commercial aircraft parking spaces and offer 440 public parking spaces. The new terminal is expected to deliver a modern, accessible and efficient travel experience once the terminal is open, estimated to happen in spring 2027.

On Wednesday, California U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff announced that Monterey Regional was one of 46 California airports awarded a combined $168.85 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program, which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings. Congress appropriates funding for the AIP annually.

More than $25 million in new federal grant funding has been awarded for the construction of the Monterey Regional Airport new replacement terminal projected to open in spring 2027. (Monterey Regional Airport)

“From large international hubs to the hundreds of small regional or local airports, the Golden State’s airports play an essential role in helping millions of Californians and visitors alike get where they need to go,” said Padilla in a press release. “This tranche of more than $168 million in federal aviation funding will modernize our airport infrastructure to create a safer, smoother passenger experience while creating good-paying jobs and investing in low-emission equipment.”

Monterey Regional Airport’s $25.13 million portion of the $168.85 million in federal aviation funding was the largest awarded, followed by Los Angeles International Airport at $22.77 million and San Francisco International Airport at $16.76 million, among others.

Monterey’s new airline passenger terminal will accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage, and this grant funds the sixth phase, which consists of construction of 16,625 square feet of the terminal building, according to the announcement from the Senators.

“With the grant funds we have enough money available to take us well into construction,” said Morello. “We are waiting on (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) to move a gas line that is in the footprint of the replacement terminal location. That is scheduled for Sept. 29 so people will see construction commence on the building in early October.”

Morello said the aircraft ramp parking has been completed and construction has started on the long-term parking lot that will support the replacement terminal location.

“This federal funding will make a critical investment in California’s airports, improving their safety and modernizing their infrastructure, while creating more jobs in communities across the Golden State,” said Schiff in the release. “I will keep working with Senator Alex Padilla and the entire California delegation to continue to strengthen our transportation system and boost our local economies.”

The replacement passenger terminal is one project of many in the more than $200 million Monterey Regional Airport Metamorphosis Safety Enhancement Program, which is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement to enhance safety at the airport. The program is made possible through multiple and significant federal grants.

Other projects in the program include a state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station which opened in 2023, new general aviation hangars on the airport’s north side, completed in 2023, and the future relocation of Taxiway A, the final phase of the MRY Metamorphosis SEP.

Flavors of Pacific Grove returns with more food, music

PACIFIC GROVE – Pacific Grove’s downtown will turn into a restaurant-themed bar crawl next week, when the Chamber of Commerce hosts the 13th annual Flavors of Pacific Grove.

The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. along Lighthouse Avenue and surrounding streets. Twenty-six restaurants are participating this year, one of the highest numbers in the event’s history, according to the chamber.

Attendees will be able to sample food and drinks from locations across downtown. Restaurants on Lighthouse Avenue will be open for tastings and businesses including Monterey Bank, Bradley Print Services and Pacific Grove Meeting House will host food vendors inside for guests to come in and try tastings from other local restaurants. Each location will be different with things like magicians planned, and live music can be heard throughout the evening.

Seven bands will perform, with music set up on the street and at different downtown venues. Scheduled acts include The Wharf Rats, Blue Fire Band, Greg Brock Music, Victory Lane, Shannon and the Night Divers and Asher MacEnulty, known locally for playing at the farmers market.

Michael Fuffke, director of membership for the Chamber of Commerce, said the evening is designed to showcase Pacific Grove’s dining scene and create a social atmosphere.

“It’s a nice, relaxing evening with good food, and it’s very social,” Fuffke said. “People often buy tickets in groups and enjoy the event together.”

He added that the event has become a tradition for many.

“It’s like the town hosting its own housewarming party,” Fuffke said. “Everyone who participates loves it, and people come back year after year because they get little tastes of what the restaurants do. It brings the whole community together.”

Tickets are $75 per person. They are available at the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce office, 584 Central Ave., and are expected to sell out. Tickets can be picked up starting Monday at the chamber office, or on the day of the event at Bradley Print Services.

Fuffke said the timing of the evening also makes it appealing. “It’s a great price and a lot of fun,” he said. “You’re home early, so it’s a nice, pleasant evening. If you haven’t done it, it’s worth a try.”

The event will run rain or shine.