JOSH DUBOW Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Injured San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, middle, sits on the bench during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Brock Purdy returns to 49ers’ starting lineup after 6-game absence

November 13, 2025

Quarterback Brock Purdy returns to the starting lineup for the San Francisco 49ers this week after missing six games with a toe injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced Thursday that Purdy will start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Purdy expressed excitement about his return, saying he feels healthy and ready to lead. He initially injured his toe in a game against Jacksonville, which led to a setback. Shanahan admits the team may have rushed him back too soon but believes Purdy is now ready after six weeks off. Despite backup Mac Jones’ strong performance, the 49ers trust Purdy’s abilities.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) and wide receiver Russell Gage (84) celebrate after a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

49ers’ season marred by injuries, but Mac Jones keeps playoff hopes alive

November 3, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have been winning games despite significant injuries to key players. On Sunday, first-round pick Mykel Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury in a victory over the New York Giants. The team is now 6-3, even without stars such as Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Improved defense and special teams, along with standout performances from Christian McCaffrey and backup quarterback Mac Jones, have kept them competitive. Coach Kyle Shanahan says Jones’ strong play is helpful but hasn’t changed Brock Purdy’s recovery timeline. The team hopes to get more injured players back soon to boost their offense.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams (98) is helped by an athletic trainer during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

49ers’ Mykel Williams out for season with torn ACL, adding to injury woes

November 3, 2025

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Mykel Williams will miss the rest of the season after the first-round pick was diagnosed with torn ligaments in his right knee. Williams got hurt late in the fourth quarter of a win at the New York Giants. Tests confirmed a torn ACL. This injury adds to the 49ers’ defensive woes. Nick Bosa is already out with a knee injury, and Fred Warner has an ankle injury. The Niners will rely on Keion White to fill Williams’ role. White was acquired from New England last week. San Francisco also signed Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, left, applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

49ers place defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve

November 1, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have placed defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve after he re-injured his hamstring during practice. Gross-Matos initially hurt his hamstring in Week 5 against the Rams and missed three games. He returned to practice Thursday but got hurt again. The 49ers are already missing two other defensive linemen, including star Nick Bosa. San Francisco ranks last in the NFL in sacks per game. The team acquired Keion White from New England and signed Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad. The 49ers also promoted offensive lineman Nick Zakelj and activated Spencer Burford.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, left, and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride chat prior to an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Santa Clara. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

49ers activate star tight end George Kittle from injured reserve ahead of Falcons game

October 18, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have activated star tight end George Kittle from injured reserve. Kittle missed the past five games with a hamstring injury. He returned to practice this week and is ready to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. The 49ers also activated defensive lineman Kevin Givens, who is set to make his season debut after a pectoral injury. San Francisco hopes Kittle’s return boosts their struggling offense. The team ranks last in the NFL in yards per carry. To make room on the roster, the 49ers placed linebacker Fred Warner on injured reserve.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) passes the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Nelson, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

49ers’ Brock Purdy out for third straight game; Mac Jones to start against Falcons

October 17, 2025

Quarterback Brock Purdy has been ruled out for his third straight game for the San Francisco 49ers due to a toe injury. Mac Jones will start against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Kyle Shanahan says tight end George Kittle will return after missing five games with a hamstring injury. Purdy initially hurt his toe in the season opener and will now miss his fifth game in six weeks. Jones, who is 3-1 as a starter, leads the NFL with 313 passing yards per game. The 49ers hope Kittle’s return will boost their running game and provide Jones with another passing option.

Special footballs used for kicks and punts are held by a ball crew member during the first half of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

NFL kickers are making more 60-yard field goals than ever and the balls could be part of the reason

October 7, 2025

NFL kickers are now making long-distance field goals more frequently, with many kicks exceeding 60 yards. This shift has sparked questions about whether the balls are altered. A rule change this year allows teams to prepare kicking balls before game day, leading to more consistent performance. There have already been four kicks of at least 60 yards this season, close to the single-season record. The new rules have also impacted punts, with average distances increasing. Kickers say the broken-in balls add a few extra yards to their kicks.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa walks off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL, AP source says

September 22, 2025

San Francisco star defensive end Nick Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season. Bosa hurt his knee in the first half of a win over Arizona on Sunday and didn’t return to the game. Bosa gave a thumbs-down after the injury but initial tests did not show a torn ACL. Coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game that more tests would be needed to determine the severity of the injury. A person familiar with the situation said on condition of anonymity because an announcement hadn’t been made that those tests showed that Bosa had torn his ACL and his season was done.

49ers’ Nick Bosa exits win vs. Cardinals with knee injury, gives thumbs-down to crowd

September 21, 2025

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa left the win against the Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury. He exited the field favoring his right leg after a third-down pass rush in the first quarter. He went to the medical tent and later to the locker room. Bosa was ruled out at halftime. San Francisco rookie Mykel Williams also left with a wrist injury but returned quickly. Bosa, the 2022 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been crucial for the 49ers. The team has been missing several key players because of injuries, including George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

49ers’ Brock Purdy ‘week to week’ with toe injury; Mac Jones expected to start Sunday

September 11, 2025

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with a toe injury and is considered “week to week.” General manager John Lynch shared Thursday that the team consulted with specialists to reach this diagnosis. Purdy’s return remains uncertain, and Mac Jones will start against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Purdy injured his toe and shoulder in the season opener against Seattle but stayed in the game to secure a win. Jones, who joined San Francisco in March, was previously linked to the team during the 2021 draft. Coach Kyle Shanahan says Purdy’s recovery is progressing, but his return date is still unknown.

49ers’ Brock Purdy a ‘long shot’ to play Sunday due to toe injury, could miss multiple weeks

September 10, 2025

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is a “long shot” to play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday due to a toe injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that Purdy couldn’t practice after getting hurt in a season-opening win at Seattle. If Purdy can’t play, Mac Jones will start for the 49ers. Purdy played through injuries to his toe and left shoulder, leading a game-winning drive against Seattle. Jones, a former first-round pick by New England, signed with San Francisco in March. The 49ers are also without star tight end George Kittle, who is on injured reserve.

San Francisco 49ers place-kicker Jake Moody (4) reacts after making a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

49ers cut Jake Moody, place George Kittle on injured reserve

September 9, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have waived kicker Jake Moody after he missed two field goals in the season opener. They also placed star tight end George Kittle on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Kittle will miss at least four games. Moody, a 2023 third-round pick, struggled with consistency, leading to his release on Tuesday. Despite a promising start, his performance declined, especially after an ankle injury last season. The 49ers also signed receiver Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. They currently have open spots on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey walks on the sideline during a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

49ers star Christian McCaffrey questionable for season opener after calf injury

September 5, 2025

San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is questionable for the season opener after injuring his calf at practice. Coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey got hurt on Thursday and didn’t practice Friday. His availability for Sunday’s game at Seattle will be a game-time decision. McCaffrey missed most of last season’s training camp with a calf injury and later had knee issues. If he can’t play, the 49ers will likely rely on Brian Robinson, who recently joined the team. Receiver Jauan Jennings is set to play after missing training camp with a calf injury and contract dispute.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) runs a punt return for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

49ers trade for Chiefs receiver Skyy Moore, AP source says

August 20, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to acquire receiver Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs. The teams will swap sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2027. The trade, announced Wednesday, depends on Moore passing a physical. Moore, drafted by Kansas City in 2022, has struggled with injuries and performance. He had 43 catches for 494 yards and one touchdown in 36 games. The 49ers need healthy receivers, with several players, including Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, dealing with injuries. Coach Kyle Shanahan also mentioned that Demarcus Robinson faces a suspension.

FILE - Smelling salts lay on the sidelines during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)

NFL bans smelling salts, saying product can mask concussion symptoms

August 5, 2025

The NFL is banning the use of smelling salts during games, citing safety concerns and the potential to mask concussion symptoms. The league sent a memo to teams on Tuesday explaining the decision. The memo references a 2024 FDA warning about the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of ammonia inhalants. The NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended the ban. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle mentioned the ban during an interview, expressing hope for a compromise. However, the memo clearly prohibits any club personnel from providing or supplying these products.

FILE - San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, left, talks with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, middle, and head coach Kyle Shanahan during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

49ers’ Robert Saleh leads list of new coordinators for NFL contenders

August 4, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have brought back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator to revive their struggling defense. The team hopes he can recreate the success of 2019 when the defense helped them reach the Super Bowl. Saleh returns after being fired as head coach of the New York Jets. The 49ers aren’t alone in making coaching changes. Detroit, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay have also replaced coordinators because of promotions or departures. Other teams such as Houston, Cincinnati, and Seattle have made changes to spark improvement. These moves could significantly impact which teams succeed in the upcoming season.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey speaks during a news conference after practice at NFL football minicamp Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Christian McCaffrey hopes longer offseason leads to better health in 2025 for 49ers

June 16, 2025

The biggest beneficiary of an extended offseason for the San Francisco 49ers just might have been star running back Christian McCaffrey. A year after he was limited to just four games because of injuries to his Achilles tendon and knee, the engine of San Francisco’s high-powered offense was on the practice field for the offseason program and is hoping to get back to the form that made him AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. A healthy McCaffrey would be a key component for San Francisco to rebound from a 6-11 season.

FILE - Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) rushes during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)

San Francisco 49ers acquire Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff, AP source says

May 30, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed on a deal to acquire Bryce Huff from Philadelphia after the pass rusher restructured his contract with the Eagles. A person familiar with the situation said on condition of anonymity that the two sides agreed to the trade after Huff revised his contract. The trade can’t be completed until after June 1. ESPN first reported that the teams were finalizing the deal for a Day 3 draft pick, saying the Eagles will pay about $9 million of Huff’s salary this season with the 49ers on the hook for nearly $8 million.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy smiles after speaking during a news conference at the NFL football team's facility, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Brock Purdy avoided offseason drama before signing 5-year, $265 million extension with the 49ers

May 21, 2025

After watching drama-filled offseasons when it came to contract negotiations the past two years with his San Francisco 49ers teammates, Brock Purdy was intent on doing his best to avoid a repeat in his situation. Purdy and the 49ers managed to do just that when they agreed on a five-year extension worth $265 million following talks that had had no public acrimony. Purdy described said the initial offer from the 49ers as “respectful” and made a point of showing up to the start of the offseason program last month as a sign of good faith. That all led to the deal to the deal getting finalized quickly.

JOSH DUBOW Pro Football Writer.