Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 14

49ers report card: ‘Huge character win’ by shorthanded NFC West leader

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Here is how the 49ers (4-1) graded in Thursday night’s 26-23 overtime win at the Los Angeles Rams (3-2):

PASS OFFENSE: A

Mac Jones won for the third time in as many starts in place of Brock Purdy, throwing for 342 yards with two touchdown passes, no interceptions, no fumbles, no Ricky Pearsall, no Jauan Jennings, no George Kittle and no Brandon Aiyuk. No kidding. Kendrick Bourne, after Sunday’s three-drop fiasco, was Jones’ favorite target (10 catches, 142 yards, one drop). Jones delivered scoring strikes to Jake Tonges and Christian McCaffrey for a stunning 14-0 lead, then even after aggravating a left-knee injury, Jones rallied. He was 6-of-9 for 61 yards to set up a 59-yard, go-ahead field goal late in regulation. The overtime drive opened with completions to Kyle Juszczyk, McCaffrey and Tonges before Jones took his one and only sack.

RUN OFFENSE: D

After McCaffrey averaged a season-low 2.6 yards per carry (57 yards, 22 carries), he aptly summed up this season’s woes: “Everyone and their mother wants the run game to get going more, myself included. We have to keep chipping at it and getting guys back and keep pushing.” Brian Robinson Jr. was worse, with six yards on three carries. Numbers aside, the Rams’ defensive front is menacing and deserves credit.

PASS DEFENSE: C-

The 49ers went a franchise-record 12th straight game without an interception, and they gave up 389 yards and three touchdowns to Matthew Stafford. But they made some clutch plays. Deommodore Lenoir was called three times for holding, but he made a couple pass breakups deep in 49ers territory late in the game. Bryce Huff had the lone sack on Stafford, and the only other hit on him came by Alfred Collins.

RUN DEFENSE: A+

The biggest play of the 49ers’ season so far came with a fourth-and-1 stop at their 11-yard line to end overtime. Lenoir and Marques Sigle bottled up Kyren Williams for no gain after Chase Lucas, Fred Warner, Mykel Williams and Collins impeded any escape route. Speaking of Collins, he forced and recovered a Williams fumble at the 1-yard line with just over a minute left in regulation. Blake Corum fumbled a Stafford pitch that Trevis Gipson recovered. Sigle had 13 tackles, Warner 12.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-

Related Articles Even by 49ers’ high QB standards, Mac Jones delivered something special vs. Rams What the 49ers said after beating the Rams in overtime Studs and Duds: Kyle Shanahan, second-stringers lead hobbled 49ers to improbable win over Rams 49ers 26, Rams 23: Fourth-down stop secures overtime upset Niners beat Rams with overtime stand

Eddy Piñeiro is 11-for-11 on field-goal attempts since replacing Jake Moody, and each of Piñeiro’s four field goals Thursday seemed valuable. A career-long 59-yarder put the 49ers ahead with three-plus minutes left in regulation, and his 41-yarder in overtime proved the winning points. Jordan Elliott blocked a fourth-quarter point-after kick to keep the score at 20-20 and prevent the 49ers from ever falling behind in this crazy game. Skyy Moore failed to cleanly field the Rams’ first two “dirty ball” kickoffs, but that Rams’ strategy backfired in overtime when Josh Karty failed to reach the landing zone and put the 49ers at their 40-yard line for their final possession.

COACHING: A

Kyle Shanahan was aggressive on offense. Robert Saleh was aggressive on defense. When it came to special teams, Shanahan made a bold call to attempt a 59-yarder that, if missed, would have put the Rams in great position to take their first lead late in regulation. The 49ers are undermanned but alone on top of the NFC West. Wild.

Horoscopes Oct. 3, 2025: Chubby Checker, your curiosity will take you on an adventure

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Seann William Scott, 49; Neve Campbell, 52; Gwen Stefani, 56; Chubby Checker, 84.

Happy Birthday: Your curiosity will take you on an adventure. An open mind and a desire to learn will encourage you to expand your interests, and point you in a direction that offers greater interaction with people who share your beliefs, intentions and desires. Social skills will open doors that intrigue you, and the people you connect with will encourage you to move forward. Be aware of the costs and what you need. Your numbers are 5, 17, 26, 32, 38, 45, 49.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Sort out any differences you are having, and concentrate on tying up loose ends. Use your imagination, and you’ll discover a cost-effective way to accomplish tasks spectacularly. A partnership will offer more than you anticipate. Don’t shy away from a worthwhile deal. It’s OK to express yourself if you are kind and considerate. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotional decisions will backfire if you aren’t careful. Do your research before making a purchase, signing up for a subscription or volunteering your time, skills or money. Patience will pay off, and good results will be yours if you do your due diligence. An emotional situation will require a heartfelt conversation, not a shouting match. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Share your experience with colleagues or experts. Choose to use positive affirmations and body language to receive a favorable response. Get your facts straight and stick to an honest account of your experience. Avoid frequenting places with health risks or that are conducive to injury. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Go on a learning spree. Discover what you can do to stay healthy, fit and mentally sharp to do your job. It’s essential to be upfront about what interests you and how much time, effort or money you want to contribute. Leading someone astray will tarnish your reputation. Domestic upgrades and self-improvement are favored. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Emotion and anger will hurt a relationship if you aren’t careful. Money matters, such as shared expenses or joint ventures, aren’t likely to pan out as planned. Ask questions and verify your facts before agreeing to participate in something costly. Indulgence and excess will leave you in a precarious position due to hidden costs. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your finances in order. Don’t buy something you don’t need or want or cannot afford. Donating or taking on too much will be your downfall. Offer suggestions, not time or money. Intelligence coupled with intuition will help you sidestep potential professional risks. Focus your energy on staying current with industry changes. Attend networking functions. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be creative; consider how you can make your surroundings and lifestyle more accommodating and practical. Divvy up your workload to ensure you attend events or sign up for activities that spark your imagination or encourage you to look and feel your best. Only take on what’s within your means mentally and financially. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Refrain from sharing too much information or secrets. Be a good listener and only respond to what’s necessary. Anger and frustration can lead to opposition and setbacks. Look for opportunities to travel, reunite with old friends or learn something new that will help you advance or redirect your professional goals. Personal growth is favored. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be open regarding your intentions, and you’ll receive positive input that helps you gain insight into how best to proceed. Only pay for what you need, and don’t hesitate to say no to anyone putting pressure on you to do or contribute more than necessary. It’s time to invest in yourself instead of supporting someone else’s dreams. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick to simple, cost-effective solutions. Channel your energy into doing, not arguing over what others think or want from you. Time is money, and it’s necessary to look out for your interests. Opportunity is within reach, but only if you are willing to put yourself first. A physical change will boost your confidence. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You know the protocol regarding financial, medical or legal affairs. Make it straightforward for anyone who doesn’t understand the ramifications of not following the rules and regulations. A change at home will turn out better than you anticipate and help set you on a positive path. Let your intuition and intelligence lead the way. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t limit yourself when it’s others who need to adjust to what’s happening. A change in attitude or perspective can help you adapt your routine to suit your needs. Focus on what’s best for you and create opportunities that make your life easier. Learn from your experiences and carry on in secret if necessary. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are engaging, kind and helpful. You are popular and assertive.

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.

High School football: Bonilla’s two touchdowns lift Monterey past Vikings

MONTEREY — For a defense that had given up 103 points in its last two games, the emphasis during a shorter week of practice for Monterey was to not let the last two weeks determine an entire football season.

“I am always coaching with that mindset, understanding the big picture and the life of a season,” Monterey coach Alex Besaw said. “We’re a young bunch. It’s important to understand our recent set of circumstances doesn’t define us.”

Seven sophomores on the defense had a growth spurt Thursday, as the Toreadores put together arguably their best defensive effort of the season in a 13-7 decision over North Salinas.

“There were some points of emphasis at practice and the kids responded well,” Besaw said. “We were more aggressive. We were getting downhill and attacking the football. I felt the past two games we were more on our heels.”

Injuries have crippled the Toreadores through the first half of the season as six players are likely gone for the season, while two more starters are down for another month.

“I pulled up two more sophomores this week because we’re getting thin,” Besaw said. “This was a good point in the season to get a win for the program.”

After a 3-0 start to the season, the Toreadores were humbled in a pair of losses, giving up 62 points on the road last week to Alisal.

“A week to respond after a loss feels like a month,” Besaw said. “Two straight losses feels like an eternity. I told the kids you can not believe everything that is said, even with a win.”

On the heels of a pair of upset wins over Carmel and Hollister, the Vikings were the surprise team in the first half with their 4-1 start.

“I’m at a loss,” North Salinas coach Ben Ceralde said. “The focus has been missing the last few weeks at practice. I’ve tried to get the message to these kids that games are won during the week. This might be an eye-opener.”

Thrown into the Gabilan Division this fall despite never having won a Mission Division title, the Vikings have played with a blue-collar attitude in the first half of the season.

“It’s that time of the season where you’re either dialed in or you’ve checked out,” Ceralde said. “We took the foot off the pedal and may have underestimated our opponent. You can’t do that in this league.”

Neither offense showed much life over the first three quarters, although Monterey took the opening drive down to the 1-yard line before the Vikings stopped them a few inches short of the goal line.

As has been the case in North Salinas’ last two games, linebackers Nathan Orzoco and Robert Bennett were the architects behind the defensive unit, along with bookends Dylan Gabriel and Hugo Valencia.

“The defense has been playing great for the last five weeks,” Ceralde said. “They have been keeping us in games the last two weeks.”

Yet, the Vikings offense had shown flashes of their potential three weeks ago when they produced 49 points in knocking off defending state champion Carmel.

“I would have thought this game would have been the complete opposite,” said Ceralde, in an anticipated shootout.

Instead, a combined five turnovers grounded both offenses before sophomore Dylan Reynoso punched it in for North Salinas with seven minutes left in the game, giving them a 7-0 lead.

Feeling a sense of urgency, the Toreadores rediscovered an offense that put up 40 points last week, driving downfield before Ethan Bonilla crossed the end zone for the eighth time this year.

“I don’t think anyone felt we couldn’t score,” Besaw said. “Nothing really changed in what we were doing. The first drive of the game was our best drive. We were an inch from scoring.”

However, missing the extra point with 3:23 left in the game kept North Salinas up by a point.

“It starts to creep up in the back of your mind, what else can go wrong?” Besaw said. “The valley of the season has its ups and downs. Three minutes is plenty of time. Lets get a stop. I have three time-outs.”

Unlike last week when North Salinas ran off the last seven minutes of the clock, it couldn’t establish a drive and was forced to punt with 1:06 left in the game, where the Toreadores started on their own 40.

In 40 seconds, Monterey moved 55 yards to the Vikings 5-yard line, setting the stage for Bonilla to cut back to the left and slip into the end zone with 13 seconds remaining.

“When he cut back, my initial reaction was if Ethan doesn’t score, we’re not going to have enough time to snap the ball before the clock runs out,” said Besaw, who had used all his time outs.

Linebacker Connor Rose’s one-handed interception just before halftime for Monteregh kept the game scoreless. Xavier Martin, Brandon Devoe, Ricardo Luna and Israel Johnson all had breakthrough games.

“The message will be finish the season strong,” said Ceralde, whose squad has a bye next week. “We’re still the underdogs, no matter what. We’re in the playoff chase. Play with a chip on your shoulder.”

Soledad 35, San Lorenzo Valley 21: One less day to prepare meant one less day for the Aztecs to ponder how they watched a late fourth quarter lead slip away last Saturday at Scotts Valley.

The feeling of being winless is no more as Soledad erupted for a season-high 35 points, building as much as a 28-point lead in the third quarter in upsetting San Lorenzo Valley.

“Our record does not indicate who we are,” Soledad coach Eric Rodriguez said. “The kids believe in the process. Being young is not an excuse. I think playing on Thursday worked to our advantage.”

The Aztecs had been snakebitten through their first four games, failing to hold a 19-point first-half lead in falling to Monte Vista, and letting a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter evaporate at Scotts Valley.

“I reminded the kids of my first year when we started 0-7, won our last three games and finished second to make the playoffs,” Rodriguez said. “Phase one of our season is over. We have some momentum going into league.”

Soledad, who has setbacks to undefeated Scott Valley, 4-2 North Salinas and reigning state champion Carmel, will open Mission Division South play next Friday, hosting King City.

DJ Valenzuela aired it out with touchdown passes to Daniel Garcia and Ayden Raso during a 21-point third quarter, staking the Aztecs (1-4) to a 35-7 lead.

“He’s getting a grip of the offense,” Rodriguez said. “He understands it a little better. DJ is throwing with confidence. Our goal is to still run the ball. But we have a lot of confidence in our passing game.”

Christian Gonzalez opened the second half with a 90-yard kickoff return. Earlier in the game, the sophomore broke free for a 61-yard touchdown run. Gio Gallegos opened the scoring for Soledad with a touchdown run for the game’s first points.

“The mindset at halftime was finish,” said Rodriguez, who has 13 underclassmen on his roster. “We haven’t played well in the second half this year. That kickoff return set the tone. There’s been no quit in this group.”

 

Even by 49ers’ high QB standards, Mac Jones delivered something special vs. Rams

The fan base is already choosing up sides and wondering if maybe Brock Purdy could end up holding a clipboard when healthy.

Mac Jones knows better, even after a 26-23 overtime win for the 49ers over the Rams Thursday night, during which he elevated himself to sainted status — at least for now — among The Faithful.

“They brought me here to play as a backup, and that’s my job,” Jones said. “Brock’s the starter of this team, and right now he’s dealing with something. For him to go out there last week and play when you know he probably wasn’t at full health, I’m just trying to get some wins for him so it helps us down the line.

“At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. You want your backup to go out there and win, because at the end of the season, that could be the hit or miss between making the playoffs or not.”

Which is precisely the point. To create a quarterback controversy where there is none is a mindless exercise. It’s better to celebrate the 49ers for being a team that has two quarterbacks capable of taking them to the postseason. Purdy has done it twice. Jones led the 49ers to win over a Rams team that should be among the best in the NFC and a legitimate contender to reach the Super Bowl.

Jones was 33-for-49 for 342 yards, two touchdowns and had no interceptions. He played with a brace on his left knee, hurt it again, necessitating a trip onto the field from the training staff, and was having his calf and right forearm worked on constantly as Matthew Stafford was finding the range against the 49ers’ defense.

“He played his ass off,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Was unbelievable in the first half. Got banged up in the second half and battled through it and protected the ball going against that defense and throwing the ball that many times without having a turnover. I can’t say enough good things about Mac.”

You and everybody else. Amazon Prime play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit were falling all over themselves trying to come up with ways to sum up what Jones was doing in extremely tough circumstances.

That’s how good Jones was. Shanahan and the 49ers likely erred in letting Purdy play last week in a 26-21 loss to Jacksonville. His turf toe worsened to the point where he was declared out on Wednesday and didn’t even make the trip to Los Angeles.

No one is sure when Purdy will be back. And assuming Jones didn’t come out of an extremely physical win with something that could put him on the sidelines, he could be the quarterback when the 49ers return to action in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones is already 3-0 as the starter for a team that’s 4-1 and atop the NFC West. The 49ers took a lot of flak for being inert in free agency, but it’s conceivable that the two-year, $7 million deal which landed Jones could save their season.

In the first half, Jones was pretty much flawless in executing Shanahan’s offense as well as it can be run, considering the caliber of the opponent. He was 15-of-23 for 179 yards and both touchdowns, 6 yards to Jake Tonges and 1 yard to Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers dominated the time of possession and led 17-7, a lead they expanded to 20-7 in the third quarter.

But the 49ers as currently constituted simply aren’t equipped to finish off the Rams without a fight. Not without George Kittle, Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall Jr., Nick Bosa, Jauan Jennings, etc., etc.

That the Rams came back was totally predictable. This is a Rams team that hung with Philadelphia last season in the playoffs and again in a 33-25 loss this season. They were 3-1 and had beaten the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts. Their defensive front is as fearsome as it gets.

Jones even did something highly unusual in his postgame press conference: He called the Rams the best defense in the NFL.

“It was just awesome to be on a team that fights,” Jones said. “Even if we lost, I would have been just as proud, to be honest, because I know those guys have my back and I have their back.”

Left tackle Trent Williams agreed with Jones’ assessment of the Rams and said of his quarterback, “Tough as nails man, just an apex competitor.”

A.P. PhotoMac Jones is 3-0 as a starter subbing for injured starter Brock Purdy for the 49ers.

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who weathered two painful drops against Jacksonville and played the game of his life against the Rams with 10 receptions for 142 yards, played with Jones in New England, where he was unceremoniously replaced after three seasons despite a strong rookie year.

“It’s just awesome to see him in this space,” Bourne said. “New England was a different world for him. To see now the peace he has, playing free and having fun, I think that’s a big part of the game for him.”

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Running back Christian McCaffrey said he didn’t know what the oddsmakers thought about the 49ers’ chances and called the NFL the “best reality show” before being asked to assess what Jones has brought to the team.

“I don’t have enough good things to say about Mac,” McCaffrey said. “He’s somebody we can all get behind. It’s a testament to his attitude and the way he plays football. It’s a testament to Brock and the way he’s been helping him and getting him ready to go.”

In the end, Jones was still trying to process it all.

“Definitely a lot of things happened,” Jones said. “I was working through some stuff and I was able to play. If I can protect myself, I feel I should be out there. That was the first time the trainers had to come out on the field in my career. But once I realized what I was dealing with, and flipped over, I realized what it was and I felt a lot better.”

What the 49ers said after beating the Rams in overtime

The 49ers are 3-0 in the NFC West after going on the road and beating the Rams 26-23 in overtime on a short week in Los Angeles.

A fourth-and-1 stop from their own 11-yard line sealed the win after the last time in the red zone, Alfred Collins prevented a go-ahead touchdown by Kyren Williams when he punched the ball out at the 1.

Mac Jones, starting in place of Brock Purdy and hobbled by a knee injury himself, was 33-of-49 for 342 yards and two touchdowns.

Kendrick Bourne, starting in place of the injured Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, had a career-high 142 yards. Christian McCaffrey led the 49ers with 22 carries for 57 yards and was their second-leading receiver with eight catches for 82 yards.

The 49ers (4-1) now have 10 days to get healthy before they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 12.

Here’s what Kyle Shanahan and the players had to say after the win:

Kyle Shanahan

On McCaffrey:

He’s one of the toughest, grittiest guys I’ve ever been around. … Christian’s been unbelievable. He’s been running into some really tough looks but he doesn’t shy away from anything.

On Eddy Piñeiro’s delayed return to the locker room postgame:

I believe it took him like 20 minutes to get in there. I don’t know if he was doing interviews or what. We would have been mad at him, but he was four-for-four, so it was ll good. Maybe he was talking — I don’t know how to not cuss — like he did two weeks ago.

On getting wins despite injuries:

You don’t sit here and make excuses with injuries, but we’ve had to have a lot of guys step up that we weren’t sure we were going to need coming into the year, especially guys coming from other teams.

Trent Williams

On the locker room:

It was a confidence builder for sure. The Rams — not only have they been hot this year, they’ve been hot since last year. …

On the run game:

We had almost 400 yards of offense. So, we didn’t abandon it. We stuck to it. Kept handing it off and made them respect it. It opens up everything in the back. We got Christian McCaffrey — they’re gonna sell out to stop him.

On Mac Jones:

I watched Mac over the years, just kind of as a spectator. So I’ve seen the swag he possessed. I’ve seen the way he answered interviews. He’s a very lighthearted guy, keeps the mood light. But, you know, he’s a competitor.

On Alfred Collins:

Since training camp, he’s been on an escalator, man. He’s constantly taking steps to improve. You can see it in his assertiveness and the way he plays. The difference from July to now, it’s night and day. And you know, it’s funny because guys usually don’t take that big of a jump until they’ve had an offseason to train and they’ve had a season to see everything. But his progression is kind of scary.

Kendrick Bourne

On bouncing back:

Last week was very tough on me, just the adversity I went through and the standard I hold myself to and the things I want to do for my teammates, first and foremost for the fans, for the organization. I hold myself to a higher standard.

On bouncing back from his drop last week:

I look at those type of plays, I look at it as it falls on me. Third-and-5, I’m wide open to catch a 5-yard route. Mac trusting me, it goes right through my hands. So it’s just adversity. It’s just a game within a game. It’s a mental game on the sideline that every individual player is having.

On Mac Jones’ mentality:

I saw him in New England, it was a different world for him, so to see him now with the peace he has — he’s playing free and having fun. I think it’s a big part of the game for him.

On outside doubt amid the injuries:

Everybody has their opinion and they have the right to it. I think it’s just huge by Kyle and them, having (Demarcus Robinson) and older guys, (Marquez Valdes-Scantling), guys that have experience in the game. And the depth we have, it shows and it’s important for the NFL.

On his mentality:

I didn’t come here to be the guy. I’m not coming here to try to get 50 catches a game. None of that. I’m here to play a role, help the younger guys, be a vet. And so if Kyle wants me to play F or he wants me to go to running back, then that’s what the week is going to present.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, middle, runs against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)Christian McCaffrey

On the win:

I love the character of this team. It’s hard. You got guys who are changing positions on a short week and having to learn an offense and just showed up a couple weeks ago.

On Mac Jones:

I don’t have enough good things to say about Mac. He’s an absolute warrior. He’s a leader — he’s somebody that we all get behind for sure.It’s a testament to him and his attitude and the way he plays football. It’s a testament to Brock and the way he’s been helping him and getting him ready to go.

On winning despite run issues:

The win is the most important thing. We don’t care how we have it. Obviously, I think everybody and their mother wants the run game to get rolling a little bit more, myself included. But we just got to keep chipping away and keep working at it and get some good guys back.

Alfred Collins

On his forced fumble:

A couple plays before, they were doing a draw play, so I ran upfield and they ran right there. So I felt them doing that, try to fight back. It’s a must-have-it play, you know what I’m saying? If I didn’t do that, then it would have been different, maybe they score. I saw the ball, cocked it back and hit it.

On working as a pro:

Coming to work every day, being intentional, finding things to get better every day. Technique to conditioning to recognizing different plays and stuff. Continue to buy into what this whole organization is doing. This is a 10-out-of-10 organization and I’ve been just flourishing. It’s only up from here.

On the final stop:

It’s a mindset. We all always got our ears pinned back, you know what I’m saying. We fight for each other. That was a big play for everybody.

On the ball from the fumble:

I think the equipment guy has it. I was kind of tired, I ain’t going to lie. My legs were dead. I was just trying to get to the bench, sit down.

A.P. PhotoSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)Mac Jones

On the bumps and bruises:

A lot of things happened, but feel good, just working through some stuff. I was able to play, so that’s all that matters. If I feel like I can protect myself, then I feel like it’s my job to be out there.

On staying down with the knee:

It was the first time the trainers came out in my career. So I don’t like to stay down but I was just dealing with something and once I flipped over, I realized what it was and felt a lot better.

On his message to Bourne:

Let’s move on and focus on the week. I was like, you gotta move on. And he did, and that’s what KB does. I feel like when you have the relationship we have — I knew that about him and he knows that about me. Sometimes we struggle to move on from bad plays, so he’s always got my back when it’s not going great and then I always have his back.

On if he feels like the starter:

I know they brought me here to play as a backup and that’s my job. and Brock’s the starter of this team and right now he’s dealing with something. For him to go out there last week and play when he probably wasn’t at full health, he cares about this team. I’m jsut trying to get some wins for him so it helps us down the line.

On the full-team performance:

The defense played great. Special teams came in clutch, had great field goals by Eddie. I like him a lot. He’s cool.

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On his talk with Kyle Shanahan about the betting line moving:

He was like ‘Dude, I can’t believe they moved us like underdogs again,’ or whatever. And I’m like, I don’t know what that means really, but, yeah, let’s go kill them! He was pissed about it. I was like ‘Yeah, I’m pissed too.’

Fred Warner

On Mac Jones:

He’s obviously proven that he can win us games in those first two starts that he had with us.

On the final stop:

You hope to finish it and not have to go to overtime. But yeah, it was insane. Obviously they didn’t want to have it end in a tie, so they thought they could, I guess, big boy us at the end there. And we had to see who wanted it more.

On the final stand:

You could just tell the way they had lined up, that they were going to run the ball. There are some times if they line up and they’re a little bit looser, you may have the chance to have some sort of play-action pass on that play. But you could tell when they came out that they were going to run.

On Collins’ big stop:

John Lynch is probably going to celebrate on the plane tonight. (Laughs). Alfred Collins, unbelievable play on the 1-yard line to punch the ball out and give our team a chance to keep going, it was unbelievable.

On motivating the team on a short week:

The intensity was there from the first snap. Kyle’s the best in the game at motivating his players through the film, through the tape. And of course, Saleh is amazing in his own right as well. So humongous win.

Studs and Duds: Kyle Shanahan, second-stringers lead hobbled 49ers to improbable win over Rams

Thursday Night Football is a barbaric cash grab from the NFL.

I hope it never goes away.

Because what we watched this Thursday night was just about as good as it gets from an entertainment standpoint. The down-to-their-last-guy 49ers found a way to gut out a 26-23 overtime win against their rivals, the Rams, to move to 4-1 on the season and 3-0 in the division.

Be honest, you didn’t see that coming. Who could have?

Here are the studs and duds from the game of the year.

STUDS

Mac Jones • QB

Mac-nificient.

That’s the kind of game on which legacies are built. Jones played near-mistake-free football, threw for 342 yards, two touchdowns on 49 attempts, fought through countless injuries (was he throwing up on the sideline), and did it all with a second-rate roster (save for Christian McCaffrey) that was playing Malik Turner at receiver on a critical late fourth-down drive.

There have been plenty of great free agent signings in the NFL this season, but not one has been as impactful as Jones joining the Niners on a two-year deal worth $7 million.

Have any conversation about Jones and Purdy you want — after a win like that, a performance like that, there is nothing that can be considered hyperbole.

Kyle Shanahan • HC

He and Jones had a mind-meld that the Rams’ offense couldn’t match. The offense was simple, but effective, and while the players on the field executed, you simply have to credit Shanahan for what he was able to scheme on a short week against a Rams team that has a defense with absurd weaponry up front.

Jones brings out the best in Shanahan. Shanahan brings out the best in Jones. There’s simply no use denying it.

And right now, Shanahan is the NFL’s coach of the year.

Christian McCaffrey • RB

Thirty touches, 139 yards — the Niners still can’t run the ball on the ground, but McCaffrey, with the extension of the run game on screen passes and short routes, is still impacting games in a big way.

Kendrick Bourne • WR

An outstanding game, even accounting for a tough drop and back-to-back plays where he didn’t know where to line up.

But when you catch 10 passes for 142 yards, you can get away with stuff like that.

Alfred Collins • DT

It could have been the game-winner. It was undoubtedly the game-saver. Collins’ forced fumble of Kyren Williams at the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter was the kind of stuff that gives a young, talented player like Collins — one who was trying to find his way — the confidence to reach his potential.

Brian Robinson • RB

He was seeing it and feeling it on Thursday, and that, paired with the dire state of the Niners’ depth chart, had Shanahan put Robinson and McCaffrey in the backfield together.

Demarcus Robinson • WR

Jones hadn’t played a game with D-Rob, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have chemistry — they worked together a lot in training camp. That showed in this game, with Jones hitting Robinson with great anticipation rows and the kind of catches only a veteran receiver makes.

Plus, Robinson was an excellent blocker in this game, creating a handful of big plays. Don’t underestimate stuff like that.

Jake Tonges • TE

It’ll be Tonges’ final game as the Niners’ No. 1 tight end — George Kittle is expected back for Week 6. And while Tonges is no Kittle, he did a great job in his stead, catching 7 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown Thursday.

Renardo Green • CB

Consider this the Green breakout game. The second-year cornerback was the man-coverage corner in the Niners’ Cover-6 scheme, and Stafford simply stopped throwing it his way after a second-yard catch for 11 yards by Davonte Adams.

The 49ers’ defense needed him back for this game — without Nick Bosa, these guys cannot rush the passer.

He delivered.

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Skyy Moore • KR/PR

» Immediately botched a kickoff, and provided next to nothing from scrimmage. So much for that third-base experience.

In the fourth quarter, Moore allowed a punt to bounce in play and roll to the 2-yard line. The Niners still managed a field-goal out of it, but goodness, that’s the kind of play you simply cannot make.

Issac Guerendo • KR

That might be it for Guerendo, who was saved from a kick return fumble by a quick whistle.

Deommodore Lenoir • CB

The Rams attacked him repeatedly because they knew his aggression will bite him. Three holding penalties (two accepted) showed they were right.

Connor Colby • LG

Another tough day for the rookie, who has regressed significantly since his breakout game against the Saints. By the second half, the Rams were running defensive plays that targeted him and only him — he didn’t hold up well.

49ers 26, Rams 23: Fourth-down stop secures overtime upset

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The 49ers squandered leads throughout an epic night at SoFi Stadium, up until the final play of overtime Thursday night.

The Rams went for it on fourth-and-1 from the 11-yard line. Kyren Williams, who fumbled at the 1 with a minute to go in regulation, got stuffed for no gain, with defensive backs Deommodore Lenoir and Marques Sigle credited for the game-saving stop.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh sprinted onto the field, players joyously scattered to celebrate, and the 49ers had emerged with a 26-23 triumph.

“It was a huge character win,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “… It’s been a good start for us.”

What a way for the injury-laden 49ers to rebound from Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville and improve to 4-1 overall. They’re also 3-0 in divisional play, with a win now over each NFC West rival. The Rams fell to 3-2 by virtue of losing their first divisional game of the season.

Oddsmakers didn’t think the short-handed 49ers could win on a short week, and Shanahan rallied around how the 49ers had become 8 1/2-point underdogs once Brock Purdy was ruled out Wednesday along with wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings.

“Kyle came up to me and was pissed about it,” said Mac Jones, who won for the third time in place of Purdy. “He said, ‘I can’t believe they moved us as underdogs more.’ I said, ‘I don’t know what that means but let’s kill them.’”

Jones (342 yards, two touchdowns, no turnovers) survived despite aggravating a left knee injury and being treated by trainers on the field for the first time in his five-year career.

After Purdy aggravated his toe injury in Sunday’s loss, his status is week-to-week, and Jones said he’s simply “trying to get some wins for him.”

The win finally came once Shanahan’s counterpart, Sean McVay, opted against an overtime-tying field goal and dialed up a run for Williams. Chase Lucas, filling in at nickel back for an injured Upton Stout, was the first responder as Williams ran right, then Sigle and Lenoir finished the tackle while Fred Warner, Alfred Collins and more dogpiled outside the 10-yard line.

“We were talking in the huddle and I said (to Lucas), ‘Bro, I need you to shoot that gap. You’re very vital to this play,’” Lenoir recalled in the locker room. “When he shot the gap, the running back bubbled to the outside, and then me and Marques Sigle made the tackle and got him down. Niners win! Niners win!”

Lucas said he and Warner were both first on the scene, then it became: “Crunch to the bunch.”

In the end, their winning points came from Eddie Piñeiro, who made a 41-yard field goal on overtime’s opening possession, his fourth field goal in as many attempts this game. A 37-yarder sent the 49ers into halftime with a 17-7 lead, a 20-yarder made it 20-7, and then a career-long 59-yarder put the 49ers ahead with 2:52 remaining.

Setting up Piñeiro overtime winner was Jones delivering six consecutive completions, to Kyle Juszczyk (12 yards), Christian McCaffrey (15 and 7 yards) and Jake Tonges (6 yards, twice).

But the Rams responded with Matthew Stafford (389 yards, three touchdowns) driving them into scoring position, too. Rams coach Sean McVay went for it on fourth-and-1 from the 11 rather than have Joshua Karty attempt a tying field goal. Karty made a 48-yarder with two seconds left in regulation to force overtime, but Karty also missed a third-quarter field-goal attempt and had a point-after kick blocked by Jordan Elliott to keep the score tied at 20 in the fourth quarter.

The Rams produced back-to-back touchdown drives to that point, Stafford delivering scoring strikes to Puka Nacua (1 yard) and Williams (8 yards).

The 49ers defense didn’t produce an interception for a franchise-record 12th consecutive game, but it came through in heroic fashion, and not just on the final play. With just over a minute left in regulation, rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins punched the ball free from Williams to prevent a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown run.

“It’s a must-have-it play. I saw the ball and knocked it out,” Collins said.

The 49ers failed to run out the clock, the Rams responded with Karty’s field goal to force overtime, and then came their fifth win in six regular-season games here.

Next up for the 49ers is another road trip, Oct. 12 at Tampa Bay. Thursday’s annual visit here launched a stretch of playing four of five away from Levi’s Stadium, the earliest such string since 1989 for the 49ers.

The 49ers put everyone on upset alert when they scored touchdowns on their first two possessions, with Jones throwing scoring strikes to Tonges (6 yards, capped a 72-yard drive) and McCaffrey (1 yard, 91-yard drive).

Jones completed all five of his passes for 75 yards on the first drive. Unlike Jones’ starting debut in Week 2 at New Orleans, Purdy did not make this trip, nor did Pearsall (knee), Jennings (ribs, ankle) and George Kittle, who is now eligible to come off injured reserve, although his status is unknown after a Week 1 hamstring injury.

Stepping up in their absence were Kendrick Bourne (11 catches, 142 yards), McCaffrey (eight catches, 82 yards) and Tonges (seven catches, 41 yards).

Shanahan dialed up aggressive calls on the 49ers’ second series that spanned 91 yards in 17 plays and 8-plus minutes. The 49ers twice converted on fourth-and-1 (by Jones and Brian Robinson), they executed a reverse/flea-flicker to McCaffrey to the 30-yard line, Demarcus Robinson made a back-shoulder catch at the 6 on third-and-9, and, rather than secure their first rushing touchdown of the season, McCaffrey leaked out to catch Jones’ 1-yard scoring strike for a 14-0 lead.

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The Rams responded by reaching the 49ers’ 24-yard line. Two plays after converting on fourth-and-1, Blake Corum botched Stafford’s pitch, and it was recovered at the 49ers’ 31 by Trevis Gipson. The 49ers couldn’t convert that takeaway into points, barely crossing midfield before punting.

With Jason Pinnock blitzing, Williams was left wide open to score on a 14-yard reception and cut the 49ers’ lead to 14-7 about 2 minutes before halftime.

The 49ers’ defense, already without Nick Bosa for the rest of the season, lost two starters before the fourth quarter: defensive linemen Kalia Davis (fractured hand) and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring).

“Look, I don’t know what the oddsmakers are,” McCaffrey said after totaling 57 rushing yards and 82 receiving yards. “I do know I love this team, the character of this team.”

Seth Curry explains why the time was right to join Warriors, older brother Steph

SAN FRANCISCO — For years, a younger brother had balked at his older sibling’s dream.

As he embarked upon his Hall of Fame career, Steph Curry had always wanted to team up with Seth, two years his junior.

And for the better part of a decade, Seth, 35, had pushed back.

“I’ve said a few times in the past that I don’t want to be on the same team, that I want to create my own path,” Seth Curry said during his introductory press conference on Thursday afternoon, later adding. “But I’m comfortable being here now, and definitely everybody is excited, and I’m excited.”

But as their careers wind down, he could no longer pass up the opportunity. And aside from just the two brothers, the entire extended Curry family was thrilled by the development.

Well, maybe everybody but former NBA guard Dell Curry.

“Instead of watching multiple games, it should be easier to watch just one game,” Seth Curry said. “Everybody’s excited about it, except maybe my dad, who didn’t want to see me leave Charlotte.”

He joined the team as its third and final free-agent signing — Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton being the other two — made after the Warriors finalized a two-year, $46.5 million contract with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

Seth Curry signed a minimum contract. Although he may not be the flamethrower that his older brother is, the younger Curry is still one of the top snipers in the league.

The 6-foot-1 guard played in 68 games for his hometown Charlotte Hornets last season, and led the league with a 45.6% accuracy rate from behind the 3-point line.

“Seth is a really good player in his own right,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “he’s one of the best shooters in the league, and he’s going to help us win some games this year.”

That level of shooting was no fluke: Over the course of an 11-year NBA career, one that has seen him shoot 43.3% from 3-point distance and average exactly 10 points per game, Seth Curry has made at least 40% of his triples in eight different seasons.

The younger Curry is expected to be a marksman that the Warriors often lacked behind Steph Curry and Buddy Hield last season, an issue that became even more evident in the playoffs once Curry went out with a pulled hamstring in the second round.

Getting familiar with the playbook will not be a problem.

“Honestly, I probably watched 95% of Warriors games for the last 16 years,” Seth Curry said. “I know their style, and I know how they play.”

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Seth will likely back up third-year guard Brandin Podziemski and compete with Hield and eventually Melton — who will miss the start of the season while rehabbing from ACL surgery — for minutes in the backcourt.

Kerr noted that Seth did not scrimmage with the team on Thursday as he ramps up his conditioning and familiarity with the rest of the team.

“It’s a little weird,” Seth said about guarding Steph in half-court drills. “But it’s practice, and we’re trying to prepare each other for the games.”

But he will have no issue when it comes to finding his way around San Francisco.

“The Bay, I’ve got a lot of love for here, and I’ve felt like it was one of my homes, with Steph being here for so long,” Seth said. “It’s good to be here.”

Jonathan Kuminga describes his lofty goals with Warriors under new contract

SAN FRANCISCO – After finishing up a light practice with free throws at Chase Center on Thursday afternoon, the man the entire NBA offseason revolved around stepped up to the microphone.

Jonathan Kuminga then made his first public comments since inking a new two-year, $46.5 million deal with the Warriors on Tuesday, avoiding the Wednesday deadline to accept a $7.9 million qualifying offer. He scoffed at the notion that signing a short-term contract, which would allow him to be traded in January, could be seen as “betting on himself.”

“Betting on myself, that is helping us win a championship,” Kuminga said. “I think that’s our goal and that’s how we’re all looking at it. I’m blessed, glad I got this done.”

He characterized the negotiations, which saw both the Warriors and a handful of other teams offer various contracts, as a learning experience for the soon-to-be 23-year-old.

“I never thought I would experience that, but it was a great experience, and I’m glad to actually just go out there and listen to certain things,” Kuminga said.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr had previously said he held no ill will toward Kuminga for contentious negotiations that saw the player’s agent, Aaron Turner, criticize Kerr by name. Now that Kuminga was back at training camp, it was business as usual for all parties involved.

The Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga shoots free throws during their NBA practice at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract with the Warriors. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

“He looked good, and I think Jonathan is in good condition because he’s been working out,” Kerr said.

His teammates had expressed identical sentiments at Monday’s media day, separating Jonathan Kuminga the free agent from Jonathan Kuminga the person.

“My teammates today, all of them were happy to see me back here,” he said.

Kuminga was selected No. 7 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, but saw limited playing time during the Warriors’ run to the 2022 title. He saw his minutes fluctuate last season, when he averaged 15.3 points per game but saw his playing time decrease upon returning from a severe ankle injury after the Jimmy Butler trade.

The coaching staff did not believe that the two wings could play effectively together, something Kuminga hopes will change with a full training camp.

“It’s very easy and simple with Jimmy,” Kuminga said. “I don’t see it not working, and I think that with us having time together with me being healthy, and him being healthy and here from Day 1, it’s going to help us figure out certain things about each other.”

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, left, watches during their NBA practice at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract with the Warriors. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Kerr said that he plans on having an in-depth “sit-down” conversation with the fifth-year forward, who has publicly desired a more featured offensive role that may not exist on a Warriors team that will run offense through Steph Curry and Butler.

Kuminga downplayed his desire for more shots on Thursday, expressing a willingness to focus on defense.

“Being involved on both sides, and if it’s on defense and it’s ‘Go guard the best player,’ or if it’s ‘We need you to score’ or ‘We need you to guard certain people,’” Kuminga said. “I feel like that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

He later reiterated his desire to be a key contributor on a team that contends for a fifth title of the Curry era.

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“I need to mark my name as somebody who helped this team win a championship, and I think that would be beautiful,” Kuminga said.

Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga does sprints during their NBA practice at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract with the Warriors. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

This echoed the role that Kerr outlined the day before.

“The more he can defend with activity, rebound, run the floor, and then there’s a better chance he has to play,” Kerr said on Wednesday. “You know, everybody progresses at a different rate.”

Kuminga entered training camp with more than just a new contract. He also sported a new number, going from “00” to No. 1, a digit he wore before his NBA career.

“I just want to try new things,” Kuminga said.

It remains to be seen if a different number signifies a change in his standing on the Warriors, or if it will be more of the same for the former lottery pick.

The Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga, center, with teammates including Buddy Field, left, during their NBA practice at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract with the Warriors. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

 

49ers updates: Niners beat Rams with overtime stand

3:41 OT – After the teams exchange timeouts on fourth-and-1 from the 49ers’ 11-yard line, the Niners stuff Kyren Williams for no gain and win it 26-23.

5:51 OT – Eddie Piñeiro makes a 41-yard field goal that skimmed off the left upright, giving the 49ers a 26-23 lead in overtime. Mac Jones completed five straight passes to open the drive, then had a sack and an incompletion.

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0:02 4Q – Joshua Karty hits a 48-yard field goal to tie it at 23. Kyren Williams redeemed himself with a fourth-down catch that helped set up the kick. We are looking at overtime at SoFi Stadium.

1:08 4Q – Alfred Collins punches the ball away from Kyren Williams at the 49ers’ 1-yard line and recovers the fumble himself, saving the Niners from what appeared likely to be a touchdown drive by the Rams. The 49ers lead 23-20.

2:52 4Q – Eddie Piñeiro drilled a 59-yard field goal to give the Niners a 23-20 lead. The drive started on the 49ers’ own 2-yard line. Mac Jones’ 18-yard pass to Kendrick Bourne on third-and-1 from their own 11 opened things up.

10:39 4Q – After getting a stop, the Rams drive 88 yards on nine plays for a touchdown to tie the score. Matthew Stafford found Kyren Williams for the touchdown, but Joshua Karty’s extra point is blocked by Jordan Elliott, so it is 20-20.

3:45 3Q – The Rams answer right back after the 49ers’ field goal, driving 69 yards for a 1-yard Matthew Stafford-to-Puka Nacua touchdown. After the score, Jones took the field with the 49ers’ offense, but he went out soon after. It’s 20-14, the 49ers still lead.

6:33 3Q – Eddy Piñeiro makes a short field goal to make it 20-7, 49ers. The kick came one play after Mac Jones, who was already limping on his previously injured left knee, took a massive hit to the chest from Byron Young and went down grabbing his knee. Trainers attended to Jones, and he jogged off the field.

12:46 3Q – Joshua Karty misses a 53-yard field goal wide right to end the Rams’ first drive of the second half. The Niners take over at their own 43, leading 17-7. But the 49ers rule out defensive tackle Kalia Davis for the rest of the game with a hand injury on his birthday.

Halftime – The 49ers go up by two scores again as Mac Jones leads a 12-play, 48-yard drive capped by a 37-yard field goal by Eddie Piñeiro as time expires in the first half. It’s 17-7 as Jones is 15-of-23 for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey has only 45 yards rushing on 13 carries (3.5 average), but he also has five catches for 44 yards and a score.

2:09 2Q – Los Angeles gets on the board with a 14-yard pass from Matt Stafford to Kyren Williams, who went untouched into the end zone from the right flat. The Rams went 85 yards on eight plays. Back-to-back 20-plus-yard completions by Stafford accelerated the drive for the Rams. It’s 14-7, 49ers still lead.

8:56 2Q – The Rams got some momentum going on their second drive, but a Matt Stafford fumbled snap ended it after 39 yards. Trevis Gipson recovers for the 49ers, who still lead by two touchdowns.

13:44 2Q – The 49ers’ second drive took 17 plays to go 91 yards. Two 13-yard passes to Demarcus Robinson were the long gains. Christian McCaffrey had 28 total yards on the drive and completed it with a 1-yard touchdown catch from Jones. It’s 14-0 Niners early in the second quarter.

10:09 1Q – The 49ers march 72 yards on their first possession to score, as they have so many times in the Kyle Shanahan era. This time, though, it’s Mac Jones directing the offense, as he was 6-for-6 on the drive. A 35-yarder to Kendrick Bourne was the big gain, and a 6-yarder to Jake Tonges capped it, completing the second stringers’ perfect start. It’s 7-0 49ers.

Below are our pregame notes:

With the 49ers already having made their big decisions the day prior, there were no surprises on their inactive list for Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receivers Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ribs, knee) were inactive along with running back Jordan James, wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf), defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) and linebacker Nick Martin.

With Pearsall and Jennings active, targets for quarterback Mac Jones will be Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore and Marques Valdes-Scantling. Jones will be starting his third game for the 49ers, with Purdy aggravating his toe injury in Sunday’s 26-21 loss to Jacksonville.

Sitting Purdy in theory would give him extra time to heal with the 49ers getting the weekend off after playing a Thursday game. The 49ers resume play in Week 6 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at which time George Kittle (hamstring) will be eligible to come off injured reserve after being injured in the opener.

Another potential return to practice — although he might need time to get up to speed — could be safety Malik Mustapha, who had off-season ACL surgery.

Martin, a rookie out of Oklahoma State, is a healthy scratch for the fifth time — somewhat of a surprise for a third-round draft pick who was drafted to compete with Dee Winters for the starting weak-side linebacker spot alongside inside linebacker Fred Warner.

Winters, however, has been one of the 49ers’ standouts in replacing Dre Greenlaw, who signed with Denver and is currently on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury. Despite speed and athleticism that should lend itself to being a special teams contributor, Martin has so far come up short in that area, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

So far linebackers getting regular special teams reps include Curtis Robinson and Luke Gifford.

“He’s got to dominate special teams first,’ Saleh said. “Dee Winters is playing at an extremely high level, and the guys after Dee and Fred are outpacing him on special teams. Nick is going to be fine, He needs reps, but he’s got to earn those reps.”

Inactives for the Rams are quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, tight end Tyler Higbee, offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, offensive lineman Beaux Limmer and defensive end Desjuan Johnson.