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Mike Evans Mike Evans Clicks quickly with Purdy
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:24 PM
Evans secured six of seven targets for 49 yards and a touchdown during the 49ers' 27-7 Week 1 win over the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Analysis: Evans shrugged off recent nagging injuries to hit the ground running in his 49ers regular-season debut, recording three catches for 22 yards on the opening possession alone. Evans would go on to double up that reception tally by game's end, tying for the team lead in that category with Deebo Samuel while also drawing even with his teammate for second in targets. Evans was also on the receiving end of the second of Brock Purdy's three touchdown passes, muscling his way to a contested two-yard grab in the left corner of the end zone in the third quarter. If early returns are any indication, the Purdy-Evans connection could be a prolific one throughout the season, and a Week 2 home matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 20 presents as a particularly promising matchup. |
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Eddy Pineiro Eddy Pineiro Goes 2-for-3 in FG tries Thursday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:18 PM
Pineiro converted two of his three field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries Thursday in a season-opening 27-7 win against the Rams.
Analysis: Pineiro opened the scoring with a chip-shot 20-yard FG in the first quarter. His second field goal was much more difficult, as he nailed a 56-yarder early in the fourth. Pineiro had one more FG try, but he hit the right upright on a 52-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter with the game essentially in the bag for San Francisco. All in all it was a successful season opener for the veteran kicker, whose six field goals from 50-plus yards out last season marked a career high. San Francisco's offense looked to be in good form against a tough Rams defense Thursday, so Pineiro could be in for plenty of opportunities in 2026. |
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Brock Purdy Brock Purdy Three-TD effort to open season
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:16 PM
Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards with three touchdowns and one interception while adding five rushes for 29 yards during the 49ers' 27-7 Week 1 win over the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Analysis: After an offseason in which the Rams' fearsome pass rush garnered plenty of headlines, Purdy navigated the season-opening matchup against his talented NFC West rival in nearly flawless fashion. The fifth-year signal-caller got off to a fast start with new No. 1 receiver Mike Evans, connecting with him on three occasions for 22 yards during a 15-play opening drive that culminated in a field goal. Purdy went on to hit Evans for a contested two-yard scoring strike early in the third quarter, and he sandwiched impressive touchdown tosses to Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel of 39 and 15 yards, respectively, around that play. Purdy's early second-quarter interception on a pass intended for George Kittle did lead to the Rams' only touchdown, but as the final numbers indicate, the veteran quarterback did more than enough to atone. Purdy should have a strong chance of carrying over the season-opening momentum into Week 2, as a home date with what's expected to be a vulnerable Dolphins defense awaits on Sunday, Sept. 20. |
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Admits he's not 100 percent
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:14 PM
Garrett said after Thursday night's loss to the 49ers that his knee is not 100 percent healthy, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Garrett posted no stats in the box score in his Rams debut Thursday, and it was the first time since the 2018 season that he didn't even record a single quarterback pressure in a game. "This was the worst version of myself that I've put out there, and I've got to be better," Garrett said. The star edge rusher missed most of training camp and the entire preseason tending to a knee injury. He'll have 10 days to get ready for Week 2 against the Giants. |
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Jake Tonges Jake Tonges Injury believed to be serious
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:11 PM
Coach Kyle Shanahan said after Thursday night's win over the Rams that Tonges' knee injury "does not look good," Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Tonges hobbled off with the assistance of trainers in the second quarter against Los Angeles and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He now appears to be looking at an extended absence. Luke Farrell soaked up the TE2 snaps behind George Kittle following Tonges' departure. |
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Kyren Williams Kyren Williams Records TD in Week 1 loss
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:08 PM
Williams rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and brought in all three targets for 24 yards during the Rams' 27-7 Week 1 loss to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Analysis: Williams worked in what was just one carry short of an even timeshare with Blake Corum in terms of rushing work, outpacing the latter by that one rush attempt and gaining 13 fewer yards in the process. However, Williams was the only one of the two to have a pass-game role, and he was the sole Rams player to cross the goal line in an alarmingly poor performance by the offense via a five-yard power run on the first play of the second quarter. It remains to be seen if the Week 1 division of labor will have staying power, with the next opportunity to see how matters play out coming in a Week 2 home matchup against the Giants on Monday night, Sept. 21. |
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Puka Nacua Puka Nacua Solid numbers in Week 1 loss
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 11:01 PM
Nacua brought in five of nine targets for 74 yards during the Rams' 27-7 Week 1 loss to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Analysis: Nacua was in the familiar position of leading the Rams in receptions, receiving yards and targets, but in a game where Los Angeles' offense surprisingly sputtered and Matthew Stafford threw for only 155 yards, those figures were still below the star wide receiver's lofty standards. Nacua's role as Stafford's unquestioned top target remains locked in, and despite the lackluster season-opening team performance, the fourth-year receiver should have plenty of opportunity to bounce back in a Week 2 home matchup against the Giants on Monday night, Sept. 21. |
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De'Zhaun Stribling De'Zhaun Stribling Avoids Achilles injury
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 10:58 PM
Stribling (ankle) avoided an Achilles injury Thursday against the Rams after initial tests revealed his Achilles is intact, James Palmer of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: After suffering his ankle injury in the first quarter Thursday against the Rams, Stribling came back in the game in the second quarter and abruptly left again after he fell to the ground in pain while running a route. While he's avoided an Achilles injury, Stribling's ankle issue did look to be pretty serious after he had to be helped off the field and then carted to the locker room. The good news is the 49ers have 10 days before their next game. Stribling will undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury. |
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Christian McCaffrey Christian McCaffrey Efficient with modest workload
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 10:56 PM
McCaffrey rushed 10 times for 68 yards and brought in five of eight targets for 20 yards during the 49ers' 27-7 Week 1 win over the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Analysis: Coming off a 2025 regular season where he was able to suit up for all 17 games while handling 413 total touches, McCaffrey saw a notable workload reduction to open the new campaign. Rookie third-round pick Kaelon Black actually outpaced McCaffrey by four carries, but it was the latter who edged out his new backfield mate for the team lead in rushing yards. McCaffrey flashed his trademark explosiveness when carrying the ball and should still helm the ground attack on the majority of weeks, although lopsided game scripts in either direction could lead to head coach Kyle Shanahan taking the opportunity to curtail his star running back's volume. McCaffrey will next take aim at what is expected to be a vulnerable Dolphins defense in a Week 2 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 20. |
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Ryan Flournoy Ryan Flournoy Signs one-year extension
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 10:31 PM
Flournoy agreed to a one-year contract extension worth up to $6 million with Dallas on Thursday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
Analysis: Flournoy has been a nice find for the Cowboys after they selected him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The wideout tallied a career-best 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns over 16 regular-season games last year and is set for a larger role as the team's No. 3 wide receiver in 2026. Flournoy is now in line to remain with Dallas through 2027, and he could be a great value if he proves to be productive with potentially increased opportunities during the upcoming campaign. |
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Davis Allen Davis Allen Getting examined for possible concussion
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 9:45 PM
Allen is getting examined for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Thursday's matchup with the 49ers.
Analysis: The tight end recorded one catch on one target for 13 yards before exiting. The Rams use as many as four tight ends, and in Allen's absence, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson are the players still available at the position. |
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Jake Tonges Jake Tonges Will not return Thursday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 9:29 PM
Tonges (knee) will not return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Brooke Evans of the 49ers' official website reports.
Analysis: Tonges was helped off the field during the second quarter of Thursday's contest, and his night will come to an early end. The extent of his status is not yet known, but his status will be updated again when more details are available. |
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Questionable to return Thursday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 9:18 PM
Curl (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the 49ers, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Curl suffered an apparent ankle injury in the first half of the contest, and his availability for the rest of the game is now in doubt. In his absence, Jaylen McCollough is a top candidate to see added snaps in the secondary. |
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Jake Tonges Jake Tonges Questionable to return Thursday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:58 PM
Tonges (knee) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Tonges came up limping in the second quarter and was unable to put any weight on his right leg while being assisted off the field by the Niners' training staff. The tight end didn't draw a target prior to suffering the injury. Luke Farrell will be in line for more snaps while Tonges is sidelined. |
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De'Zhaun Stribling De'Zhaun Stribling Ruled out for remainder of Thursday's game
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:53 PM
Stribling (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Analysis: Stribling briefly exited Thursday's game in the first quarter with a left ankle injury but was quickly cleared to return after being checked out in the blue medical tent. However, on the next drive, Stribling crumpled to the ground while running a route and had to be assisted off the field by the training staff before being carted to the locker room. He's now done for the night Thursday, having recorded zero targets. Demarcus Robinson is operating as the Niners' WR3 behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. |
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De'Zhaun Stribling De'Zhaun Stribling Leaves game again Thursday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:41 PM
Stribling had to be helped off the field and headed back to the blue medical tent during Thursday's game against the Rams after appearing to re-injure his left ankle, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: After previously returning from an ankle issue earlier Thursday, Stribling again came up lame while running a route in the second quarter. He fell to the turf and had to be assisted off the field by the training staff. Demarcus Robinson is now operating as the Niners' clear WR3 behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. Stribling didn't draw a target prior to his injury. |
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Breaks up two passes in loss
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:40 PM
Gonzalez recorded two solo tackles and two pass breakups in Wednesday's 13-10 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: On the same week that he became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history with a four-year, $135-million extension, Gonzalez showed how he earned that status, allowing just two catches for nine yards across the five passes on which he was targeted. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the 24-year-old's ability to cover might also limit his chances to put stats on the board, as evidenced by his line Wednesday night. The 2023 first-round pick has just three interceptions across his first 35 career regular-season games. |
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Registers five stops Wednesday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:34 PM
Byard posted five tackles (two solo) in a loss to the Seahawks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Byard tied for second on New England in stops behind Robert Spillane (eight). Byard joined the Patriots in March after two seasons in Chicago. He saw his tackle total dip considerably last year to 93 over 17 regular-season games but balanced that with seven pickoffs, the second-highest total of his career. Byard was on the field for all 50 of the Patriots' defensive snaps Wednesday and should have a near-every-down role throughout the campaign. |
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Makes five tackles Wednesday
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:27 PM
Woodson recorded five tackles (five solo) during Wednesday's 13-10 loss at Seattle.
Analysis: Woodson's five tackles in Week 1 were good enough to tie for the second-highest total on the team in a game where the Seahawks only ran 50 plays on offense. Woodson was on the field for all of those, and he should play a similar role in Week 2 versus the Steelers. |
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Leads team in tackles
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 8:26 PM
Spillane finished with eight tackles (seven solo) in New England's 13-10 loss to Seattle on Wednesday night.
Analysis: The inside linebacker was active during a strong defensive effort by the Patriots in their season opener. Spillane recorded 97 tackles (48 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble across 13 regular-season games a year ago. He should be able to continue to accumulate numbers in the center of New England's defense this season. |
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