The 0-5 49ers travel to face Washington, who is currently 2-2 on the season. The 49ers are coming off of two narrow overtime losses to the Cardinals and Colts, respectively, and have not won a regular season game since December 24, 2016. They look to defeat a Washington team that has won two out its last three games and almost defeated the Chiefs in Kansas City.
Many look at this game as the Kirk Cousins Bowl. The Washington quarterback has been strongly linked to the 49ers since January, but was franchise tagged for the second year in a row. Speculation is that Cousins may land in San Francisco next year, when he becomes a free agent. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was Cousins' former offensive coordinator in Washington before moving on to Atlanta for the last two years.
The 49ers will also be facing a couple of familiar faces. Former head coach Jim Tomsula is the defensive line coach for Washington. Tight end Vernon Davis will also be suited up across the line from the 49ers.
The game will also be a reunion for 49ers wide receiver Pierre Garçon, who will be returning to Washington after signing with the 49ers this offseason. Garçon is having a strong start to the year, with 28 catches for 379 yards through the first five weeks of the season.
Game Notes:
Linebacker Reuben Foster, who has been sidelined since Week 1, will not play.
Safety Eric Reid will be active and will play today. He had missed the previous three games with a knee injury.
Undrafted free agent tight end Cole Hikutini will be active for the first time this season.
Washington will be without CBs DeAngelo Hall (IR) and Josh Norman (ribs).