Banta-Cain could become a Niner

My dad passed away three weeks ago as of the writing of this article. It was sudden and unexpected, and the result has been a gaping chasm in the foundation of our family. My mom, brother and I are still processing, as are my kids, my brother's kids, all of our extended family, and scores of friends. As I sat numbly, the television playing something that did not even register with me, an ad for the start of the NFL season, the Thursday night game between the Texans and Chiefs, happened to air. I thought about the upcoming season, the fact that it might actually happen, and that the Niners will have a chance to make another run at the Lombardi while their window of opportunity stands wide open. Generally, I would have been pumped, because football season is my favorite time of year. I have

The NFL might look to move or postpone any games in locations where the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 200. The AQI in Santa Clara could be well over that mark this weekend due to the continuing wildfires in the area, which makes you wonder what might happen with the San Francisco 49ers' opener on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. IQAir.com forecasts Saturday's AQI at 274 and Sunday's at 217, which are both categorized as "very unhealthy." Could the game be moved? Would it need to be postponed? Jake Montero of KNBR on Friday

San Francisco 49ers fans could see a lot of a familiar face this weekend when their favorite team takes on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. That's because running back Le'Veon Bell is expected to miss "a couple of weeks," according to Jets head coach Adam Gase. That could mean the 49ers defense facing a healthy dose of Frank Gore, the Bay Area team's all-time leading rusher and a fan favorite. Le'Veon Bell could be out "a couple weeks," per Adam Gase. pic.twitter.com/7X8zBbbYWu— Ralph