The 49ers protected the following three players from being poached off their practice squad:
WR River Cracraft
G Colton McKivitz
LB Tyrell Adams
San Francisco returns to practice today. Before we get there, DeForest Buckner will hold a conference call at 9:30 a.m. PT.
49ers should ‘kick tires’ on these 4 players by NFL trade deadline
49ers Trade Target No. 1: CB Cameron Dantzler, Vikings
San Francisco only arguably needs help at running back, the offensive line and in the pass-rush department.
It certainly needs help at cornerback, both right now and for long-term options who can develop as quality components this year and well beyond.
One player who has come up before is Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler, who went from a Pro Football Focus All-Rookie team selection in 2020 to being something of an afterthought this year, even sparking some controversy about being benched earlier this season.
Perhaps the 49ers already reached out, and it’s likely Minnesota will have a notably high asking price for a second-year pro who has already shown the ability to be a starter.
That said, considering Dantzler has seen just 28 percent of the Vikings’ defensive snaps this season, and it doesn’t exactly look as if things will turn around anytime soon.
John Lynch, 49ers have ‘good plan’ for rookie CB Ambry Thomas
“We still believe Ambry is going to be a really good football player for us,” Lynch said. “We drafted him because we believe he has starting traits in our league.
“He’d been away from football for a year. There’s some strength development that we knew had to take place. That’s happening. He’s working incredibly hard. We have a good plan for him.”
Deebo Samuel deep receiving stats reflect new usage with 49ers
What’s more remarkable for Samuel, and perhaps a sign that he’s only starting to scratch his ceiling, is that the 49ers aren’t even getting consistently strong quarterback play yet. Jimmy Garoppolo has been up and down, and rookie signal caller Trey Lance is still erratic early in his development as a passer.
It looked like the line of scrimmage might be the limit for Samuel after last season, but now as he’s expanded his game as a pass catcher, he’s raising his ceiling significantly and entering the upper echelon of NFL receivers.
Kendrick Bourne notes interesting difference between Mac Jones, Jimmy Garoppolo
Question: How much is different from the way Jimmy delivered the ball in the pocket from a timing and velocity perspective, and now you’re dealing with a 23-year-old rookie. What’s the difference?
Bourne: “The velocity part is just — Mac, he’s throwing it hard, but when you catch it, it’s like a pillow. I can definitely say that. He’s special, man. Jimmy’s got a rifle and it comes in harder. That’s the difference I would say about the two. Timing-wise, I wouldn’t say they’re that different. They’re both pretty solid. It’s all about the pocket and pressure and stuff like that. Velocity is just the most difference between them, that’s what I would say.
“Mac, man, I’m really blessed to be in a situation with him, starting this new era of New England football. It’s the same, but with new players. I’m happy to be a part of it. We’re showing a lot of flashes. I’m appreciative of that, and it just shows we got potential. If you’ve got potential, you know the ceiling is high. That play was just amazing, too. It’s just crazy how it’s playing out. The future is really bright, as well all can see.”
NFL Week 7 odds, picks: Bengals shock first-place Ravens, Colts upset 49ers on Sunday night
The problem with picking this game is that I have no idea who the 49ers quarterback is going to be. I think it’s going to be Jimmy Garoppolo. If Garoppolo was as good at football as he is handsome, the 49ers would be undefeated this year, but sadly, that’s just not the case. However, I do think that Garoppolo is a better quarterback than Carson Wentz, although that might not matter, because the Colts offense doesn’t revolve around Wentz.
The prediction here: Taylor goes off and the Colts squeak by in an upset that will have 49ers fans calling for Garoppolo to be traded.
The pick: Colts 26-23 over 49ers