Kyle Shanahan outlines the 49ers’ pre‑bye routine, noting the team will reconvene on Monday after a day of workouts and meetings. PFF grades reveal left tackle Colby struggled with five pressures and a 45.4 pass‑blocking score, the lowest among the O‑line. Star RB Christian McCaffrey admits a mild hamstring strain left his leg “dead” in the loss to Atlanta, casting doubt on his return post‑bye. Defensively, the line fell flat — no tackles for loss from the edge, missed assignments from Gracen Halton and Sebastian Valdez, and only minimal pressure from Romello Height, Keion White, and Mykel Williams, despite containing Bijan Robinson to a single 10‑yard run.
Thursday Night Football hit a new Prime Video peak in Week 7 as the Patriots defeated the Bears, drawing an average 19.86 million viewers and a 21.72 million peak during the 9 PM ET slot. The game ranks as the most-watched TNF episode since the Broncos‑Chiefs Christmas clash (21.06 M) and beats the prior Week 7 record of 17.12 M set by the Seahawks‑49ers in 2015. All six TNF broadcasts on Prime this season have set multi‑year highs, lifting the series average to 17.71 M—up 12% from last year and the best average through Week 7 on record.
EssentialSports releases its Week 8 NFL power rankings, highlighting the surprise drop of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers after each suffers its first loss. With only four teams holding one or fewer defeats after seven weeks, parity tops the league. The list shuffles the Chargers to the bottom (0‑6) and moves the Dolphins up after a 28‑25 win over the Jets, while the Titans slip after squandering a 14‑point lead to Cleveland. The rankings capture the turbulence of an unexpectedly competitive season.
The 49ers could return Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans and more after the bye week. The full list of injured players poised to return for Week 9 against the Raiders.
The 49ers dissect their first loss to the Falcons, with LB Fred Warner, coach Kyle Shanahan and TE George Kittle blaming turnovers, penalties and sloppy play, while noting the team stays healthy heading into the bye. Meanwhile, the Rams bounce back from a 2‑4 start, blasting the Raiders 35‑21 after a dominant 28‑6 first half and emphasizing a revived ground game led by Blake Corum and Kyren Williams. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald reports positive early signs on WR Rashid Shaheed’s knee injury, awaits imaging on OT Charles Cross, and holds off on status updates for RB Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet. The piece offers a snapshot of NFC teams’ recent challenges and adjustments.
The Seattle Seahawks break their losing streak with a dominant 20-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Lumen Field, keeping their NFC West hopes alive. Sam Darnold connects with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba for a 33‑yard TD and later a 10‑yard strike to Emanuel Wilson, who caps the scoring. Kansas City struggles as Patrick Mahomes is pressured, forced into a fumble and two missed field goals by Harrison Butker. The loss drops the Chiefs to 4-3 after a 5‑0 start, exposing defensive gaps and a muted Kenneth Walker III. Meanwhile, the 49ers flounder in an upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons, fueling a bonus “enemy reaction” segment.
Seven weeks into the 2026 NFL season the North dominates, with every team in both the NFC and AFC North holding winning records. The unbeaten Minnesota Vikings sit atop the pack at 6-0, the only perfect team after the Chiefs, 49ers and others fall. AFC North leader Cleveland (5-2) under new coach Todd Monken adds heat, while the NFC North’s Lions, Bears, Packers and Vikings all remain competitive. Minnesota now faces a tough stretch – a road game at Detroit, then home versus Buffalo and away trips to Green Bay and San Francisco – and will likely emerge around 8-2. Their surge hinges on Brian Flores’ defense compensating for an inconsistent offense.
The 49ers didn't get much from Brandin Cooks in their loss to the Falcons, and with reinforcements coming back, he may soon be gone.
The 49ers are weighing potential trades ahead of the NFL deadline. Kyle Shanahan discusses the team's plans and how returning players could shape its approach.
Trade deadline buzz highlights the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears as aggressive buyers on the defensive line. Insider Jordan Schultz predicts 12‑20 trades, with the 49ers linked to Maxx Crosby, DeForest Buckner, and even Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., while the Bears are eyeing Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat. Buckner’s frustration with the Colts (2‑5) could make him a perfect fit for the 49ers' Super Bowl push. The speculation suggests both teams will make notable moves before the deadline.
Coach Kyle Shanahan says Christian McCaffrey’s mild hamstring strain should heal during the 49ers’ upcoming bye, leaving him fit for the Week 9 showdown with the Raiders. Shanahan also expects WRs Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, DE Nick Bosa, LB Luke Kuechly (typo corrected to Gifford), S Marques Hardin (Sigle), and DT CJ West to return. Despite a 6‑1 start marred by injuries and a Week 7 loss to Atlanta—highlighted by Brock Purdy’s interception—San Francisco hopes the bye restores health ahead of a crucial home game. No kicker tryouts are planned.
The 49ers haven't discussed working out kickers despite Eddy Piñeiro's seven missed kicks this season. Kyle Shanahan explains the team's current plans.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says running back Christian McCaffrey’s mild hamstring strain, suffered in Week 7, is unlikely to keep him out beyond the upcoming bye week. While he won’t guarantee a return, Shanahan notes a long list of injured players—including WRs Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, DE Nick Bosa, and LB Garret Wallow—could also be ready after the break. The potential roster shake‑up may reshape the 49ers’ receiving corps against the Raiders, with questions about depth at the defensive line and safety positions as well.
Michael Penix Jr. earned high praise from safety Jessie Bates III after the Falcons stunned the 6‑0 49ers 29‑20 on Oct. 26. Penix threw 25‑of‑34 for 213 yards and three touchdowns, stabilizing Atlanta’s offense after a 0‑2 start and helping the team win three of their last five games. Bates lauded Penix’s poise, saying “you can sleep good at night when you have Michael Penix playing quarterback for you.” The win sets up a Week 8 road clash with Tampa Bay on Nov. 1.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirms RB Christian McCaffrey suffers a mild hamstring strain but is expected to return after the team's upcoming bye week. The 30‑year‑old, a former 2017 first‑round pick, has logged 84 carries for 389 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, plus 34 catches for 251 yards in seven games this season. McCaffrey, who was traded from Carolina after a contract restructure, is in the final year of his $17.2 million deal before a new four‑year, $64 million extension. His health outlook remains positive as the 49ers await his comeback.
The 49ers receive encouraging injury news as Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa and several other players target returns following the bye week ahead of Week 9.
Washington’s Dan Quinn admits DT Javon Kinlaw’s recovery is slower than expected, but notes the return of QB Marcus Mariota, WR Treylon Burks and DL Charles Omenihu to practice. Quinn’s Week 6 win over the 49ers earns him short‑term job security, though analysts say the Commanders must stay consistent. Meanwhile, Giants RB Cam Skattebo praises the three‑back rotation after a Week 7 overtime touchdown, saying the unit’s chemistry could keep New York’s ground game strong. Skattebo feels fine after a 42‑yard run, and coach John Harbaugh reaffirms confidence in rookie kicker Dominic Svada despite recent struggles.
The San Francisco 49ers need help at wide receiver and it does not seem like Brandin Cooks is part of the equation going forward.
The 49ers fell 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 26, 2026, and fans are fuming over what they see as inconsistent officiating. While key mistakes—Osa Odighizuwa’s fourth‑down penalty and Kaelon Black’s fumble—cost the game, many point to a disputed interception by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III versus a nullified Jordan Watkins touchdown. Critics argue the catch rule was applied unevenly, and they also highlight a rare double‑penalty where the 49ers were denied a substitution while the Falcons refreshed their lineup. The post breaks down the plays and asks whether the calls truly swung the outcome.
The Chicago Bears sit at 5-2 behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. A look at the Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks as the NFC's most fearsome teams.
The San Francisco 49ers see their perfect start snap with a 29-20 Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 26, 2026. Injuries to key players like Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and a brief thigh issue for Christian McCaffrey limited offensive depth, while Brock Purdy’s two interceptions and two fumbles contributed to a –4 turnover margin. Seven penalties (55 yards) and a fatigued defense allowed Michael Penix Jr. to connect with Drake London for a crucial TD. The article argues that injuries, lack of backup preparation, and costly mental errors sealed the upset, leaving fans to wonder if the 49ers can rebound.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz says he’d be shocked if the San Francisco 49ers don’t pull off a trade before the deadline, joining the Chicago Bears as the two most aggressive clubs. He links the 49ers to pass‑rush targets Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack and DeForest Buckner, noting the team ranks 24th in pressure rate and needs more edge threats after the Falcons’ success pressuring Kyle Shanahan. Schultz predicts 12‑20 trades league‑wide and suggests a move for Mack—who posted a sack, two TFLs and three pressures in Week 4—could be plausible. The article weighs the odds of multiple 49ers deals as the deadline looms.
The 49ers lost to the Falcons in Week 7, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't take the victories where they can, namely against Bijan Robinson.
Week 7 flips the NFC South as the Buccaneers crush the Panthers 43-13, delivering a dominant 258‑yard rushing attack and four forced turnovers despite Baker Mayfield’s return. The Falcons survive a 20-29 loss to the previously unbeaten 49ers, thanks to interceptions by Kendal Daniels and Jessie Bates III, while Michael Penix Jr. shines. Meanwhile, the Saints fall 10-16 to the Steelers in France, with rookie Tyler Shough’s lone interception sealing their fate and prompting doubts about Kellen Moore’s job. All four division teams remain under .500 at home, keeping the NFC South race wide open.
After a 6-1 start but a Week 7 loss to Atlanta, the 49ers face a spate of WR injuries—Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson and Brandon Aiyuk are out. The front office could turn to Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin as a low‑cost fix before the Nov. 10 deadline. The Athletic lists Godwin as a potential 49ers target; he’s on a $22 million 2026 salary, has 27 catches for 243 yards and no TDs this season, and ranks 51st in yards per route run among qualified receivers. He remains a name to watch as San Francisco seeks to bolster its offense.