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Fowler: Mason Rudolph makes “some sense” for 49ers; Samson Ebukam “getting some buzz”
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The
Tom Brady-to-San Francisco 49ers speculation won't end anytime soon, despite the future Hall of Fame quarterback retiring—for the second time in two years. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently said to "
keep an eye on" soon-to-be free agent Baker Mayfield potentially landing with the Niners.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added another veteran quarterback name into the mix for head coach Kyle Shanahan—Mason Rudolph (h/t
Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area).
"The Bucs and 49ers came up most often when I asked around about quarterback Baker Mayfield's market," Fowler wrote in a feature breaking down the rumors coming out of Indianapolis during the NFL Scouting Combine. "Tampa Bay is looking at bringing in a veteran arm. Drew Lock, who was the backup in Seattle last year, is also an option there. And the 49ers need veteran help due to injuries to Trey Lance and
Brock Purdy. Mason Rudolph would also make some sense there."
San Francisco will likely look to insulate itself for the 2023 season after all four quarterbacks—Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy, and Josh Johnson—suffered injuries during the 2022 season. The latter two sustained their injuries in the NFC Championship Game, leaving the talented 49ers roster without a quarterback capable of throwing the football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made Rudolph (6-5, 235) a third-round selection (No. 76 overall) out of Oklahoma State in 2018. The quarterback last played in 2021, when he completed 35-of-58 attempts (60.3 percent) for 277 yards with a touchdown and an interception through two game appearances (one start) with the Steelers, per
Pro Football Reference.
Rudolph, 27, has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 game appearances (10 starts) through his three NFL seasons (2019-21). In addition to not playing this past season, Rudolph did not take a snap during his rookie 2018 campaign.
Samson Ebukam could get big payday
The 49ers may be on the verge of losing defensive end Samson Ebukam. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 15.
"Despite not being a household name, free agent pass-rusher Samson Ebukam is getting some buzz here in early March," wrote Fowler. "He could earn somewhere in the double-digit millions per year. Ebukam had five sacks with the San Francisco 49ers, playing well in an expanded role."
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49ers Notebook: Deebo is no longer "awful"; Ronnie Bell makes a splash; J.J. Watt praises Niners; Captain Andrew Luck makes Levi's cameo
Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
What Makes the 49ers a Special Team?
In Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers traveled across the country to face the tough AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers. When the 49ers lost the coin toss and the defense took the field, something special was unveiled in Pittsburgh. Though the team overall played well in their 30-7 victory, five specific players made the fans extraordinarily love this team.
Brock Purdy finished the game 19-29 for 220 yards, 7.6 yards per attempt, and two touchdowns. Coming off of a repaired UCL, many wondered how Purdy's arm would hold up when the games counted. The quarterback was pressured, hit, and sacked in this matchup, yet he still found a way to lead his team to two touchdowns. Both of Purdy's touchdowns came in the first half and went to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. His most impressive throw
Key stats from the 49ers' 30-12 Week 3 win vs. the Giants
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Below are several statistics and notes from Thursday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With The Win...
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the 9th time in franchise history.
The 49ers have won back-to-back regular season games against the New York Giants [W, 36-9 at NYG (9/27/20)].
San Francisco has won their home opener for the second-consecutive season.
The Niners improved to 22-21 against the Giants,
Kyle Shanahan provides injury updates on Brandon Aiyuk, others after 49ers beat Rams
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after the team's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. He provided injury updates from the game.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was in and out of the game due to a left shoulder injury. A reporter asked if the coach was concerned that the injury could be serious.
"I wouldn't think so," Shanahan responded. "I mean, I know he was hurting a little bit, but he was able to play through it, so I think I'll be all right."
The coach mentioned two other players in his post-game injury report.
"[CB Ambry] Thomas, he had a knee," Shanahan said. "He was in and out. After that, [CB Deommodore
