49ers Aim for Recovery After Setback Against Rams

The San Francisco 49ers are focused on recovery after a challenging 42-26 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on November 5, 2023. Despite the loss, Coach Kyle Shanahan reported no new injuries, a notable development for a team that has faced significant challenges with player health this season.

In his postgame comments, Shanahan initially expressed surprise at the absence of injury updates. “No injuries,” he stated, a phrase not often associated with the 49ers this year. Although this news does not bring back key players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, or Mykel Williams, it does suggest a potential return for quarterback Brock Purdy. After dealing with turf toe, Purdy is gradually approaching full participation in practice.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. is also making strides in recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him for six games. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins may also join the practice squad this week after missing the Rams game due to a hip injury. Shanahan remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “I’m still not fully believing it. I’m going to wait until Wednesday to make sure nothing creeps up.”

Looking ahead, the 49ers (6-4) are eager to move past the Rams game and prepare for their upcoming match against the Arizona Cardinals, who currently stand at 3-6.

As the team assesses Purdy’s readiness, Shanahan emphasized the importance of consistent practice. “When Purdy starts practicing on consecutive days and is no longer listed as ‘limited,’ it’s a good indication he’ll be back in the lineup,” he remarked. Until then, the quarterback duties will fall to Mac Jones, who delivered a strong performance against the Rams with 319 passing yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception.

Pearsall’s recovery has been slow, which is why the team opted against placing him on injured reserve. Shanahan hopes to see him return to practice soon, but he will need to meet specific performance benchmarks first. Collins was a last-minute decision against the Rams, with Shanahan commenting that, “He came in and tried to go but didn’t improve as much as we were hoping.”

The emotional impact of the Rams loss also weighs on the team, as Shanahan noted that players have to learn from their mistakes. “Even though there were a lot of bad things about that game, we had plenty of opportunities,” he said, referring to missed chances that could have altered the outcome. “That’s why we want to get back to work fast and get that taste out of our mouth.”

With the 49ers’ current position in the NFC West, every game is critical. Shanahan stated, “We’re capable of beating anyone in this league with the situation we’re in, but if you don’t play well, we’re also capable of losing to every team in the league.” The 49ers must focus on their performance in the upcoming weeks to secure their playoff aspirations.

In terms of on-field performance, the 49ers faced notable challenges against the Rams, including penalties due to too many players on the field during specific plays. Shanahan acknowledged the defensive struggles, stating, “I mean, they put up 42 points, and we didn’t have a very good day.” Pro Football Focus highlighted that the 49ers blitzed over fifty percent of the time, yet Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford managed to capitalize on those opportunities effectively.

Despite the setbacks, the offensive line showed resilience, with players like Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford stepping in effectively. Shanahan expressed satisfaction with their performance against a formidable Rams front.

As the team prepares for their next challenge, the 49ers remain hopeful for a turnaround. The upcoming match against the Cardinals will provide a crucial opportunity for redemption and a chance to reclaim momentum heading into the latter part of the season.