Here are other San Francisco 49ers-related storylines that might interest you.
No QB controversy for the 49ers
NFL Network analyst David Carr doesn't see a quarterback controversy brewing in San Francisco. While Nick Mullens did a fantastic job filling in against the New York Giants, Carr believes head coach Kyle Shanahan will go back to Jimmy Garoppolo once the quarterback is healthy enough to get back on the football field.
"My initial thought when watching Mullens in his first start this year was: Man, he looks good out there," Carr wrote for NFL.com. "Comparing Mullens' cap figure this year ($750,000, per Over The Cap) to Garoppolo's ($26.6 million), I understand the impulse among outside observers to wonder if the Niners could save a little -- OK, a lot -- of money by finding a way to succeed without Garoppolo. But after watching more tape, I realize Mullens is what he is -- a good backup quarterback who will play well when you need him (and who, for what it's worth, is not signed beyond 2020). Garoppolo, who was out in Week 3 with an ankle injury, has the experience; he's proven he can lead the offense and that the moment isn't too big. When Jimmy G is healthy, he's the guy. No questions asked."
Four long snappers work out
Long snapper Kyle Nelson struggled mightily during the 49ers' 36-9 victory over the Giants. That led the team to work out several potential replacements on Tuesday. They were Andrew DePaola, Taybor Pepper, Drew Scott, and Garrison Sanborn, according to multiple reports.
If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Sanborn spent some time with the team last season. San Francisco signed him on September 23, 2019, and released him on October 22, 2019, after the 49ers reinstated Nelson from the reserve/suspended list.
#49ers worked out four long snappers today: Andrew DePaola, Taybor Pepper, Drew Scott and Garrison Sanborn, who was with the team for a spurt last season.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) September 29, 2020
Said Shanahan of Nelson's performance on Sunday: "It wasn't an issue in the game because of how the rest of the game went. We were able to still get a W, but he understands this business. He understands how the league works, and we're going to bring in some guys tomorrow, work them out. We'll see how they look, and then we'll decide what's the best for us going forward."
49ers impending transactions
Below is a summary of roster moves that the 49ers will reportedly be making or have set in motion.
- Protecting JaMycal Hasty, preventing another team from signing the practice squad running back
- Signing tight end Daniel Helm from the Buccaneers practice squad
- Releasing offensive lineman William Sweet from the practice squad
These moves, and placing tight end Jordan Reed (knee) and linebacker Mark Nzeocha (quad) on injured reserve, will likely be officially announced soon. The 49ers are also expected to activate wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) off injured reserve before Wednesday's practice.
Solomon Thomas joins The Crossover with Christian McCaffrey, DoorDash CEO
Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who landed on injured reserve with a torn ACL last week, recently took part in a three-person panel hosted by Noah Lichtenstein of Crossover VC. Also part of the Stanford-themed discussion was Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and DoorDash co-founder and CEO Tony Xu.
During the episode of ESPN's "The Crossover," Xu, McCaffrey, and Thomas discussed how football has changed over the last few generations, their times at Stanford University, how they navigate business opportunities, handling rejection, and much more.
Thomas on surrounding yourself with the right people:
"You really have to do your own research. Finding people that love what they do and know what they're talking about. Because nowadays, everyone can just go on Instagram and say anything, but you want to find the right people that can help you. The more I learn, the more I realize what's not real."
Thomas on his approach to personal growth:
"My decision to go to Stanford was about challenging myself and growing myself. I want to be around people who are going to make me grow and be the best me. I want to be around people who are going to challenge me and make me better."
You can watch the full episode below.
