Zimmer told reporters after his team's 34-26 loss to the 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday that the 49ers were holding with frequency throughout the game and that officials weren't consistent in calling penalties. Zimmer made the comments after being asked about runs made by 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who had six carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns during the game.
"I think we misaligned on that one (run). The other ones were -- these guys hold all the time, so they're grabbing us around the waist, grabbing our backs," Zimmer said. "The officials, they don't want to call it every play, but until they start calling every play, they're not going to stop doing it."
The 49ers were called for five penalties during the game, two of them for offensive holding. Both calls were on guard Laken Tomlinson.
Zimmer wanted to see more holding penalties than that and was in the ear of the officials at times during the game for that reason.
"Most of the day that's what I was talking to them about," Zimmer said.
49ers tight end George Kittle was asked about Zimmer's comments during his media session after the game. He seemed to disagree with Zimmer's assessment, then added that he was getting held as well... then had some words for Zimmer at the end.
"I think if you're running your feet and your hands inside just because a guy spins and flails his arms, it's not holding," Kittle said. "He's just flopping. You can watch plenty of pass plays; I felt I got a holding call out there on a pass route. I got hugged and tackled. I think there were like three of those out there that don't get called. It's football, you know? Refs throw flags, refs don't throw flags. It's just the game. If you're going to sit on the sideline and complain about holding the whole time, I'd tell your guys to make better plays."
Whether it was holding or not, the 49ers were highly successful running the ball against the Vikings on Sunday, totaling 39 carries for 208 yards (5.3 average) with three touchdowns. Rookie Elijah Mitchell led all rushers with 27 carries for 133 yards and one touchdown. The 49ers racked up 423 total yards on offense against the Vikings, with their performance on the ground going a long way in helping them dominate time of possession (37:07 to 22:53) in the victory.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle gushes over Mike Evans' early impact
As Mike Evans approached free agency, the prospect of joining the San Francisco 49ers intrigued him. Before making his decision, the veteran wide receiver reached out to tight end George Kittle, who has spent his entire NFL career with the organization. Kittle gave Evans a... -
George Kittle raves about 49ers rookie Kaelon Black: 'Very fast and very mature'
Much has been made of the San Francisco 49ers selecting running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many viewed the pick as a reach, but the 49ers remain confident in their decision and believe Black can make a long-term impact. One teammate who has... -
49ers' George Kittle shares encouraging recovery update with eyes on Week 1 return
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has consistently targeted a Week 1 return as he recovers from the Achilles injury he suffered during the team's playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. When the injury occurred, many assumed Kittle's recovery would extend into... -
49ers injury notes: Isaac Guerendo setback; Nick Bosa, George Kittle updates; Mac Jones doesn't throw
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Thursday and provided several key injury updates as the team continued organized team activities (OTAs), which began on Wednesday. Isaac Guerendo suffers offseason setback It was already expected to be a...