49ers Webzone senior writer Al Sacco joined popular Niner Empire online show Ronbo Sports this week to discuss the team and the numerous offseason roster competitions.
Sacco discusses the battle for the two guard spots along the offensive line, including what Joshua Garnett has done to prove himself to Kyle Shanahan and the coaching staff.
Some fans weren't fond of the decision to extend the contract of guard Laken Tomlinson or even the 49ers picking up the fifth-year option of defensive end Arik Armstead. Sacco explains why San Francisco made these decisions and what the team likes about the two players.
Other topics of discussion include which wide receivers are likely to make the team, the looming suspension hanging over second-year linebacker Reuben Foster, and what the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams have done this offseason.
The conversation with Sacco begins at about the 9:25 mark.
Brandon Aiyuk responding well to 49ers' WR competition, says Trent Sherfield
By David Bonilla
8 hrs
There has been a lot of conversation this week surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There were high expectations for the second-year San Francisco 49ers player. However, in the regular-season opener, Aiyuk surprisingly split playing time with new 49ers wideout Trent Sherfield.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has explained that much of that is due to Aiyuk's earlier hamstring injury. That presented Sherfield with an opportunity, and the former Arizona Cardinal took advantage. The 49ers' offensive coordinator wanted to dispel any rumors that the young receiver might be in the team's doghouse.
"In-house with the 49ers, it's not like he's in the doghouse at all or anything,"
49ers DC DeMeco Ryans talks CB availability, says Josh Norman 'in a really good place'
By Kirk Larrabee
Sep 9
It remains to be seen what the 49ers will do at cornerback against the Detroit Lions on Sunday if starter Emmanuel Moseley is unable to play, but it's possible that recently-signed veteran Josh Norman may be able to contribute if called upon.
Moseley remained sidelined at practice on Thursday while dealing with a knee injury. Norman has less than a week of practice with the 49ers under his belt after being signed on September 6, which creates a question of whether or not he'd be in shape to play in Sunday's season opener. But defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans told reporters after practice on Thursday that Norman is trending in a positive direction despite his limited practice time.
"One thing about Josh is he's a veteran who has done it for a while," Ryans said.
Kyle Shanahan talks 49ers' CB options with Jason Verrett injured; Richard Sherman 'always a possibility'
By David Bonilla
Sep 12
Could Richard Sherman return to the San Francisco 49ers? Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't eliminating the possibility following the likely loss of starting cornerback Jason Verrett for the season. After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that he fears Verrett suffered a torn ACL, ending the season again for the often-injured veteran cornerback.
What are the 49ers' options moving forward? Recently-signed cornerback Josh Norman was inactive for the game.
"He was definitely ready to go," Shanahan said. "Josh actually told us if we tell him today that he's up, he'll be ready to go. So Josh has been a soldier all week, and I'm real excited to have him here, and I know he was ready this week, so I expect him to be ready next week also."
Shanahan
Elijah Mitchell finishing the day with over 100 rushing yards while Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon watched from the sidelines was probably not the result anyone expected at running back for the San Francisco 49ers in their 41-33 Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
But that's exactly how things transpired after the third-round pick Sermon was an unexpected healthy scratch and Mostert left the game early due to a knee injury.
Mitchell, who was selected in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Louisiana, finished the day with 19 carries for 104 yards, with one of those carries going for a 38-yard touchdown. Mitchell was impressive for the 49ers during training camp and the preseason when he was healthy, so his success when given the
