Chris Culliver will play cornerback

Defensive back Jimmie Ward was never one to hold back. He is scheduled to become a free agent after playing nickel in the San Francisco 49ers defense this season, a move from his previous and preferred safety spot. Ward started the season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, missing the first four games. Then, he suffered a broken hand after returning in Week 5, missing the next game. Strong play by safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson forced the 49ers to use Ward at the nickel cornerback position. However, the defensive back has made it clear he always preferred playing safety and even requested the 49ers move him back to his natural position. That obviously did not happen. "When I told Coach Kyle, I said, 'Hey Coach

The San Francisco 49ers have had six starting quarterbacks since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017. Four quarterbacks took snaps this season alone, including the playoffs. The only quarterback to start an entire season is Jimmy Garoppolo, who did so in 2019. Much of the constant quarterback switching has been due to injuries. The 49ers entered the regular season with Trey Lance atop their quarterback depth chart. Jimmy Garoppolo was QB2, and Brock Purdy, a rookie, was QB3. Then Week 2 hit. That's when Lance went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Eleven weeks later, Garoppolo exited a game with what turned out to be a season-ending broken foot, although there was a slim chance he might have been able to suit up had the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. Christian McCaffrey RB Christian McCaffrey registered 14 carries for 84 yds. and 1 TD to go along with 4 recepts. for 22 yds. He has now registered at least 50 scrimmage yds. and 1 TD in all 4 of his career postseason games. He is the 8th player and 6th RB since 1970 to accomplish the feat in at least each of his first 4 postseason games (RB Marcus Allen, LAA/KC - 7 games, RB Terrell Davis, Den. - 7, RB Curtis Martin, NE/NYJ - 5, WR Randy

Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle took a stab at defending Kyle Shanahan and his play calling from fans and media who place at least part of the blame for the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback injuries on the shoulders of the head coach. It's a fascinating read. Silver argues that the quarterback woes have more to do with poor luck than Shanahan unnecessarily putting his signal-callers in harm's way. Whether or not you want to accept Silver's stand on the situation is up to you. The topic has created much debate among the fanbase, but it is a discussion for another day. One thing was made clear this week. Jimmy Garoppolo, the