49ers-Cardinals expected to move forward despite poor air quality

The NFL plans to move forward with the plans for its two California-based games during Week 1 — the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals at the San Francisco 49ers — according to Pro Football Talk.

There was some concern that the 49ers-Cardinals game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara would need to be postponed or moved due to wildfires creating poor air quality in the area. The same with the other game in Inglewood.

On Friday, the air quality index (AQI) for Sunday's game was expected to be well over 200, which is the threshold that might prevent a game from being played. That expected number has dropped significantly over the past 24 hours.

Right now, the AQI in Santa Clara sits at 180, which is still considered unhealthy.

"The NFL has moved a game because of wildfires before, when a San Diego Chargers game moved to Arizona," notes Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "But in that case the Chargers' stadium and parking lot were being used for evacuees and rescue work."

Poor air quality could still impact who the 49ers can put on the football field on Sunday. Running back Tevin Coleman, for example, did not practice on Friday due to the air quality at the team facility, which is situated next to Levi's Stadium.

"I know when it is up to 150, that's when it can affect some people with different conditions," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday. "So, that's something that Tevin, it'll be a personal decision when he gets there. It's not just an automatic 'no.'"

Added Shanahan: "I know he's going to want to play extremely hard and be out there. I know that it kills him not to be, but I also know Tevin will make the right decision. I know our doctors will help him with that."