Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
New 49ers pass rusher Randy Gregory explains production drop with Broncos
Oct 11, 2023 at 3:12 PM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers acquired pass rusher Randy Gregory via a trade with the Denver Broncos. The veteran defender was inactive on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys after returning to Denver to gather his belongings. However, he rejoined his new teammates on Monday.
Will Gregory be suited up on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns?
"We'll see how he is today," head coach Kyle Shanahan said before Wednesday's practice, the first of the week. "Today will be the first day we see him on the field, and we'll decide that over the next three practices."
The 49ers hope Gregory adds depth and production to an edge rushing group that already includes
Nick Bosa,
Drake Jackson, and Clelin Ferrell. Gregory has accumulated nine tackles, two tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits, a sack, and a pass defensed through four games with the Broncos this season.
San Francisco is counting on the expertise of respected defensive line coach Kris Kocurek to unlock Gregory's full potential.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Gregory produced two seasons that saw him reach opposing quarterbacks six times. The defender recorded only three total sacks since joining the Broncos last year. Gregory doesn't believe that last season's knee injury in Week 4 (he returned in Week 15) was the sole reason behind his diminished productivity.
"
I've been there for two years," Gregory told reporters on Wednesday after being asked what happened in Denver. "I've had two new staffs, and this staff, at the end of the day, I think there's a lot of moving parts, a lot of guys getting a lot of confidence on my side of the ball, probably in a stage where they're looking to rebuild, get some new leadership, things like that.
"And at the end of the day, ultimately, I wasn't part of that plan. So I think it's better that it happened this early in the season, kind of get me in a new place, get me acclimated, and get them going in their own direction."
Gregory emphasized his background in being part of winning cultures, dating back to playing the game in his youth. However, he admitted that culture was lacking in Denver, which is why he's excited about joining the 49ers.
"Being able to step in somewhere where there is a winning culture, they're winning right now, obviously, they got a lot on the line, and they're seeing the big picture for me," Gregory said. "... I just want to slide in where I belong, and playing on a team like this, and the history they have, obviously playing against them, I have a lot of respect for the staff and the offense, and a lot of guys I've played against since I was in a Cowboys uniform."
Regarding his health, Gregory affirmed that he is 100 percent recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for much of last season.
"Over the course of probably the first month of the season, I felt I've gotten better," Gregory shared. "Right now is, obviously, the different defense. Won't be standing as much, and I think that's going to help me out as far as my knee goes, staying low. I think one of the big things for me was pad level, and being in the three-point is probably going to help out with that."
Related News
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers hosted Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell on pre-draft visit
Ben Standig of The Athletic reports that the San Francisco 49ers, along with several other teams, hosted Alabama edge defender Chris Braswell on a pre-draft visit.
Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell, randomly pictured below, had a 30 visit with the Commanders, per source. Also, Panthers, 49ers and others. Hadn't seen much about his visits elsewhere.Discussed him here. Day 2. https://t.co/WX0UcMr3Pr— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 24,
How Brandon Aiyuk reacted to 49ers drafting Ricky Pearsall; New WR exited to play with Brock Purdy
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was a teammate of Brandon Aiyuk for one season (2019) at Arizona State. It was Aiyuk's final season with the Sun Devils and Pearsall's first, before transferring to Florida after the 2021 season.
Now, the two are teammates again after the 49ers selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick.
Speaking to reporters after the first round, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that they received a text from Aiyuk after the pick was made.
"Fire pick. Can't lie," Aiyuk said in the text, much to Lynch and Shanahan's delight.
Shortly after hearing his name called, Pearsall spoke to reporters via Zoom and was asked about his relationship with Aiyuk.
"We
What Brock Purdy told Ricky Pearsall; New 49ers WR models play after Brandon Aiyuk
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall arrived in Santa Clara this morning, ready to tour his new NFL home before speaking with the media. Pearsall briefly spoke to reporters via Zoom on Thursday night after learning that the 49ers had selected him as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. During that conversation, he revealed that he had once played against Brock Purdy in high school, acknowledging that the now-49ers quarterback had put up about 70 points against his team.
Pearsall had an opportunity to speak to Purdy after learning they had become teammates.
"He just reached out to me this morning, just congratulating me, saying, 'We're going to get to work,'" Pearsall shared. "... We're gonna get to work, for sure. And he's from Arizona,
John Lynch on new draft dynamic, 49ers' chances of trading from No. 31
As customary, NFL teams engage in preliminary discussions about potential draft trades during owner meetings. The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 31 spot in the first round but appear receptive to moving either up or down. The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night.
General manager John Lynch addressed reporters on Monday and acknowledged the wide range of possibilities. However, he noted that any potential discussions about trading spots with other teams will likely intensify later in the week.
"It's going to be an interesting year," Lynch stated. "I think it's an interesting draft class. I was just looking at my notes and one interesting thing to me, dynamic, and the way of the world right now, we put a grade on players in the fall if we think
