placeholder image

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports


Solomon Thomas gives Ziggy Ansah his blessing to wear No. 94

Sep 25, 2020 at 1:13 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
New San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ezekiel Ansah had been practicing this week while wearing a No. 98 jersey. That number, of course, belongs to defensive end Ronald Blair, who remains on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list with a knee injury.

That was only temporary.

When Ansah takes the field on Sunday against the New York Giants, the veteran pass rusher will be wearing the same jersey number he wore in Detroit and Seattle — 94.

But wait a minute — that number belongs to former first-round pick Solomon Thomas, who played as recently as this past weekend. It turns out that Thomas, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury, gave Ansah his blessing.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that Ansah initially had to wear No. 98 because there just aren't enough numbers available. That's the cost of being part of a franchise with such a rich history.

"We just have an issue with retired numbers on our team," Shanahan explained on Friday. "That's why training camp is always tough for us. We just retired too many numbers. We'll see how that keeps going."

Shanahan added that the 49es expect Blair to return this season.

"Solly, obviously him going on IR for the year, that made that (number) available," Shanahan continued. "Ziggy was real cool about it because that's his number. He called Solly and asked him if he could do it, and Solly was honored to tell him that it was no problem, and really helped him out with that."

The 49ers have paused on retiring numbers. They already have 12 out of commission. That is tied with the New York Giants — who the 49ers coincidentally play on Sunday — for the second-most in the NFL. The Chicago Bears lead the league with 14.

The last number to be retired belonged to Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. The 49ers have no plans to add to their total anytime soon, instead opting to add players to their team Hall of Fame and displaying the numbers of those honored prominently at Levi's Stadium.

"Retiring a number requires a pretty Herculean effort to get there, which it should," York told The Athletic last year. "With a ring of honor, I think you can honor more players that way. Again, if there's a specific reason to retire somebody's jersey, it doesn't preclude you from doing that."



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
5 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


placeholder image

49ers LB Fred Warner and wife Sydney welcome first baby

By David Bonilla
Mar 11

According to PEOPLE, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and his wife, Sydney, have welcomed their first baby, son Beau Anthony, into the world. Beau was born on Thursday, March 7, in San Jose, California. San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner and Wife Sydney Welcome First Baby: 'Over the Moon' (Exclusive) https://t.co/wrEEOTCeKJ— People (@people) March 11,


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
5 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


placeholder image

Falcons signing 49ers TE Charlie Woerner to a 3-year deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 11

According to the player's agent, the Atlanta Falcons are signing San Francisco 49ers tight end Charlie Woerner to a three-year deal reportedly worth $12 million. The impending unrestricted free agent's contract can be officially signed on Wednesday, the start of the new league year. According to his agent, Alex Essex, the Falcons have agreed to terms with TE Charlie Woerner. A three-year deal worth $12 million.@ZachKleinWSB first reported Atlanta's interest.— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein)


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone