The San Francisco 49ers are in the final week of preseason, and soon the roster speculation will give way to actual roster decisions. There is no shortage of questions surrounding this team, which I must confess is never boring to cover. From Jed York's stunning legal situation and what the NFL could do about it to the veterans fighting to keep their jobs, there's plenty to talk about as the regular season gets closer.
As always, thanks to everyone who sent in questions for this week's mailbag. Let's jump in.
What kind of punishment would you expect the NFL to hand down on Jed York? - Dave B.
I'd expect a fine and likely a short suspension, but I'd be surprised if the NFL went much beyond that. The league has already said York's case will be reviewed under its Personal Conduct Policy, and because he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges, this isn't quite the same situation New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft found himself in back in 2019 and 2020. Kraft was never convicted, and prosecutors eventually dropped the charges after key evidence was ruled inadmissible. York, meanwhile, has already accepted a criminal plea.
The interesting part is that the NFL's policy specifically says owners are held to a higher standard. We've seen the league suspend an owner before, when Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay received a six-game suspension and $500,000 fine. Irsay was arrested in 2014 after police stopped him for erratic driving and found prescription medications in his vehicle. He was ultimately charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor.
During the suspension, Irsay couldn't attend games or practices, enter the Colts' facility, represent the team at league meetings, or publicly discuss team matters. An important difference here is that Irsay pleaded guilty, whereas York pleaded no contest to misdemeanors stemming from his incident. That doesn't mean York will get suspended six games. But it does establish that the NFL has been willing to suspend an owner for significant off-field misconduct.
Eddie D. lost the team for doing something illegal. Could the same happen to York? - Stephanie F.
No, these are entirely different situations. Eddie DeBartolo Jr. got caught up in a Louisiana riverboat casino scandal involving former Governor Edwin Edwards. DeBartolo was trying to obtain a casino license and ultimately pleaded guilty in October 1998 to a felony charge of failing to report an alleged extortion attempt. As part of the plea, he paid $1 million and received two years' probation.
Then the NFL came down hard on him. In 1999, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue suspended DeBartolo for the entire 1999 season and fined him another $1 million. DeBartolo was prohibited from having any involvement in 49ers operations, and the league placed him on probation with additional restrictions. But it's important to note that the NFL didn't force DeBartolo to permanently give up the 49ers. The family ownership fight did that.
So don't expect the league to pursue removing York as owner. That won't happen. DeBartolo had a felony conviction, a gambling-related scandal involving a political figure, a guilty plea, and a massive internal family/ownership dispute happening at the same time. The NFL suspension was serious, but it was the combination of the scandal and the family battle that ultimately ended his ownership of the 49ers.
Ummm, does the NFL give Jed York the Robert Kraft treatment since they were both caught "red..: bare-handed" - Lowbridge
I understand the comparison, but Kraft's situation was different from York's. Kraft never pleaded guilty or no contest to anything. His charges were eventually dismissed after the court blocked the video evidence prosecutors intended to use. The NFL, therefore, never had a criminal finding to act upon.
York has already pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, received credit for time served, and paid a $1,150 fine. So I don't think he gets to simply say, "Well, Robert Kraft didn't get punished." The circumstances aren't identical.
That said, I don't expect the NFL to come down with the hammer. My guess is a fine and likely a brief suspension.
In your estimation, which veteran players are on the bubble of making the team as cutdown time approaches? - Ed H.
Christian Kirk may get cut. At a minimum, he could end up on short-term IR, based on what Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday. Kirk hasn't practiced since the first practice of training camp, so I'd say he's on thin ice.
Brett Toth may not make it through either. He's dealing with an injury, and the 49ers have Robert Jones, Connor Colby, and rookie Carver Willis pushing for that left guard spot. If the young guys convince Shanahan and the coaching staff that they can handle the job, Toth could become expendable.
I'd keep an eye on Isaac Guerendo, as well. He still hasn't practiced.
Will George Kittle and Nick Bosa play in week 1? - Basil S.
George Kittle is available to play week one against the Los Angeles Rams. But I seriously doubt he will. I don't even expect him to make the very long trip to Australia. It's more likely Kittle plays against the Miami Dolphins in week two.
As for Nick Bosa, he still isn't practicing. Is this just a precaution to keep him healthy for the season-opener? Is this the 49ers' version of bubble wrap? If so, then Bosa will likely play. Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday that he's hopeful the star pass rusher will be back at practice next week.
Having no Kittle or Bosa against the Rams spells disaster to me. But let's hope at least Bosa is available. For now, I predict no on Kittle and yes on Bosa.
What's the latest on the injury front? - Terry A.
In addition to Kittle and Bosa, here are some updates that Shanahan provided the media on Tuesday:
- Romello Height has an ankle injury.
- Mike Evans has a groin injury. Shanahan says he expects him to return to practice next week.
- Kurtis Rourke broke three ribs in the first preseason game.
- Kirk and Vederian Lowe are candidates for short-term IR.
- Robert Jones is expected to return to practice next week and will fly to Australia for week one. Jones has been out with a calf injury.
- Austen Pleasants is dealing with a knee issue, but he should return next week.
- Jacob Cowing has a groin injury, but the hope is that he'll be back next week.
- Shanahan on Dominick Puni (concussion): "Puni had some residual effects. He was in the protocol, got out, and he complained of some residual things after practice today. So he's most likely back in it."
That's all we have for this week's edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back in two weeks with a brand-new one ahead of the season opener.
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