San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a potentially devastating ankle injury. Hall of Famer and 49ers great Jerry Rice was not happy and expressed his displeasure on social media.

Rice took issue with San Francisco's play-calling, as he posted a photo of Samuel on Instagram with a caption that read, "Please stop running our skill player up the middle" and tagged Samuel and injured quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Samuel went down with the injury with just over five minutes left in the second quarter when he carried the ball up the middle and was bent awkwardly after being tackled, which caused him to fumble the ball. He was visibly upset after being placed on the cart, with teammates consoling him before he was taken to the locker room.

An emotional Deebo Samuel was carted off the field 💔

(via @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/Wd3R3hl90v

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 11, 2022

Samuel's injury is yet another blow to the 49ers offense. After losing Lance to a broken ankle in Week 2, Garoppolo went down with a broken foot last week and will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

The versatile Samuel is used in a variety of ways within San Francisco's offense. Entering Sunday's game, he totaled 776 scrimmage yards with two receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. He's not on the same pace that earned him first-team All-Pro honors in 2021, but he's still an integral part of the team's success.

Samuel's role played a factor in negotiations for his contract extension this offseason. After not receiving an offer he deemed suitable for a player of his caliber, he reportedly requested a trade. The 26-year-old eventually agreed to a three-year, $73.5 million extension with $58.1 million guaranteed.

The 49ers are in first place in the NFC West, but losing Samuel for any amount of time would be detrimental to the team's chances of maintaining its spot.

San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel exited Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter and was ultimately ruled out with an ankle injury.

Samuel's leg got twisted awkwardly on a tackle and he was slow to get up before eventually being carted off the field.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that Samuel "most likely" suffered a high ankle sprain, per The Athletic's Matt Barrows.

Deebo Samuel is down and slow to get up after the last play after what appears to be a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/uVPZJQ1VV6

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 11, 2022

The only time Samuel has missed this season came in a Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams with a hamstring injury that he suffered in a Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Through San Francisco's first seven games, Samuel had been one of the team's best players. He caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 138 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries.

He entered Sunday's game having caught 50 passes for 569 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games, in addition to rushing for 207 yards and two scores.

The 2019 second-round pick has been mostly durable through his four-year NFL career. However, he appeared in just seven games during the 2020 season because of two separate hamstring injuries and a foot ailment.

When fully healthy, Samuel is one of the most effective players on the field for San Francisco. His best season came in 2021 when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, in addition to rushing for 365 yards and eight scores.

When the South Carolina product is sidelined, the 49ers have enough talent to make up for his loss, including Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.

The 49ers entered Sunday's game with an 8-4 record. They'll need Samuel fully healthy for a push for the playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly facing a three-month recovery period from his foot injury.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Garoppolo will have to stay off the foot for at least six weeks.

"That would mean Garoppolo would be fully cleared with no restrictions just prior to the start of free agency. Unlike this past offseason, when shoulder rehab affected his free-agent choices, there would be no issues this time," Rapoport added.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Dec. 9 that Garoppolo would not need surgery after suffering a broken left foot in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Shanahan acknowledged that the 31-year-old faced a lengthy recovery, but he said there was "a way outside chance" that he could return at some point in the postseason.

Prior to his injury, Garoppolo helped propel San Francisco to first place in the NFC West. He started the year as the backup to second-year quarterback Trey Lance before the 22-year-old suffered a broken ankle in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Garoppolo came off the bench and led the 49ers to a 27-7 victory. Overall, San Francisco went 7-3 with Garopplo as the starter.

In his 11 appearances during the regular season, Garoppolo threw for 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67.2 percent of his passes. He was a steady presence on a San Francisco team that boasts one of the best defenses in the league as well as a strong rushing attack.

In Garoppolo's absence, rookie Brock Purdy stepped in and threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns and an interception when he replaced Garoppolo in Week 13 against Miami. Purdy will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is reportedly expected to be among the top candidates for head-coaching vacancies this offseason.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported there's a belief within the 49ers that Ryan is "in line" to become a head coach after spending the last two seasons leading the San Francisco defense.

The Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders interviewed Ryans for their head-coaching vacancies last offseason. Ryans declined a second interview with the Vikings in favor of spending a second season as a defensive coordinator.

A two-time Pro Bowler over the course of his 10-year NFL career, Ryans joined the 49ers in 2017 upon his retirement. He's quickly moved up the coaching ranks, going from a quality control assistant to defensive coordinator in the span of four years.

Unsurprisingly, Ryans has developed a player-first reputation and coaches with the same type of infectious positivity he exhibited during his playing career.

"The game of football is fun. I want guys having fun out there, flying around and most importantly, our guys have to be confident," Ryans told reporters last month. "And you're confident when the energy is high. Everybody's smiling, everybody's having fun. If we're making plays right, that enthusiasm is going to be high, the energy is going to be high and that's when turnovers happen. That's when big hits happen, that's when big plays start to happen when everybody is just bought in and playing for each other."

The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts already fired their head coaches and will be looking for a new full-time coach this offseason. The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos also appear to be good bets to make coaching changes.

That said, the coaching market will likely be quieter this offseason than in recent years. Twenty teams have made coaching changes since the end of the 2019 season, and there were 10 vacancies last offseason. Denver's Nathaniel Hackett is the only coach hired last offseason in serious jeopardy of losing his job. Houston's Lovie Smith may also have a warm seat, but it's unlikely the Texans will want two one-and-done coaches in a row.

Terrell Owens knows just the guy who can help the San Francisco 49ers if they're looking for a wide receiver.

Owens said Wednesday on San Francisco radio station 95.7 The Game (via Audacy) he's "definitely available":

Terrell Owens' message to the 49ers:

"If you guys need a receiver, I’m good. Third down, red zone – trust me – I’m a very valuable asset. … I’ve already reached out to Jed York and told him, ‘If you need somebody, I’m definitely available.'"

(via @MorningRoast957)

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 7, 2022

Terrell Owens' made one last plea to the 49ers before signing off:

"Y'all still let those Niners know, man. I'm ready, man. All I want is an opportunity, man. That's all I ever wanted."

(via @MorningRoast957)

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 7, 2022

The six-time Pro Bowler isn't wrong in that he's "definitely available," but it's safe to say he definitely won't step onto an NFL field again.

Owens last played in the NFL in 2010 and has been out of the league long enough to get enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's also celebrating his 49th birthday, so he'd be the oldest player in the history of the NFL. George Blanda was 48 when he retired.

Owens is a 49ers legend and one of the most prolific pass-catchers of all time. He ranks eighth in receptions (1,078) and third in receiving yards (15,934).

The former Niners star remains in great shape too.

So, uh, @terrellowens just ran a sub 4.5 40…at 48 years old in the Dash of the Titans.

UNREAL. pic.twitter.com/uKNa2uUBf9

— Fan Controlled Sports (@fancontrolled) August 24, 2022

But the ship sailed long ago on an Owens comeback in the NFL.

Brock Purdy did enough in a Week 13 win over the Miami Dolphins to convince Hall of Famer Joe Montana that the San Francisco 49ers can still win the Super Bowl.

"You know what, if he does what he did last week, yeah," Montana said of Purdy leading the team to a title, per Josh Peter of USA Today.

Purdy, who earned the moniker of "Mr. Irrelevant" as the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, replaced the injured Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday and came through with 210 yards and two passing touchdowns in a 33-17 win.

"Mr. Irrelevant was pretty relevant last weekend," Montana said. "I think they’ve got a chance. I mean, their defense is playing well. When you've got a good defense, you can make (up for) a lot of mistakes on offense, and those guys have a tendency to make it up for you."

Garoppolo will miss the rest of the regular season with a foot injury, although ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the veteran can return late in the playoffs if the 49ers make a deep run. In the meantime, Purdy will take control of the offense and make his first career start on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite his lack of experience, Purdy has one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in his corner, as well as the league's No. 1 defense.

The Los Angeles Rams might have achieved two goals when they claimed veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers Tuesday.

The reigning Super Bowl champions now have another option under center with Matthew Stafford still on injured reserve and John Wolford battling a neck injury.

Los Angeles also ensured Mayfield didn't land with the San Francisco 49ers, who have to lean on Brock Purdy as their starter with Jimmy Garoppolo out for potentially 7-8 weeks because of a Lisfranc injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Social media applauded the gamesmanship by Rams general manager Les Snead.

The Rams claiming Baker so the 49ers couldn't is the division-rival pettiness you love to see. https://t.co/v0mKPFng76

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 6, 2022

Just to be jerks to the arch-rival Niners?
I hope so!
This kinda petty behavior > swapping jerseys at midfield https://t.co/yuYbKRqVxH

— Dave Dameshek (@Dameshek) December 6, 2022

Yanno, after watching Bryce Perkins and John Wolford the last two weeks, I certainly understand why Sean McVay said let’s try the Baker thing. https://t.co/Ja3IXRqBtn

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 6, 2022

Just blocking the Niners... https://t.co/5mVoxYvG3n

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) December 6, 2022

Rams really blocked the 49ers from getting Baker Mayfield.

This timeline is so hilarious.

— Vincent Frank (@VincentFrankNFL) December 6, 2022

the Rams being the team to claim Baker instead of the 49ers is my Super Bowl.

— James Brady (@jamesbradyisme) December 6, 2022

Schefter threw a bit of a wet blanket on the discourse, though, when he reported the Niners didn't place a waiver claim on Mayfield.

Some also wondered whether San Francisco was the one playing three-dimensional chess.

Pretending that Jimmy was out for the year to trick McVay into employing Baker >>>>> https://t.co/O7PRYLVl8u

— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) December 6, 2022

CMC seeing that the Niners didn't get Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/DtYyH34NZa

— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) December 6, 2022

Rams keep helping the 49ers season

— Tim Baysinger (@tim_bays) December 6, 2022

Nick Bosa pissed ...

... that the 49ers already have played the Rams twice. https://t.co/LRK4b7Kj6g

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 6, 2022

At 3-9, the Rams haven't been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, but their quest for the postseason is effectively over.

Playing the role of spoiler and helping to deny the Niners an NFC West title provides Los Angeles with what little satisfaction it can take from a disappointing season.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could return from his foot injury in time to play in the postseason.

ESPN's Adam Schefter provided more context Tuesday:

Sources: Doctors concluded today that 49ers' QB Jimmy Garoppolo does not need foot surgery, it is not a Lisfranc injury, and if rehab goes smoothly, he could have a chance to return in 7-8 weeks, making him a potential playoff contributor. pic.twitter.com/beYu1Pa9KU

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

The 31-year-old suffered a broken foot Sunday against the Miami Dolphins and was forced to undergo what was thought to be season-ending surgery. He had soreness in his left knee after taking a hit against the New Orleans Saints the week prior.

Any injury to Garoppolo is cause for concern, especially because he has been hampered by ailments since the New England Patriots traded him to the Niners in October 2017.

The Eastern Illinois product appeared in only three games during the 2018 season before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. In 2020, he played only six games due to an ankle problem. Entering this season, he underwent shoulder surgery and missed training camp.

He was supposed to be Trey Lance's backup this year, but the 2021 third overall pick suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2, thus thrusting Garoppolo back into the spotlight.

Garoppolo has played well this season, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns against four interceptions in 11 games. He has also rushed for 33 yards and two scores.

With Lance out for the year, rookie Brock Purdy is in line to start until Garoppolo returns.

With Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance both out for the season with injuries, the San Francisco 49ers seem like a natural landing spot for Baker Mayfield.

The Carolina Panthers announced they released Mayfield on Monday, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the possibility of adding him.

"I've always been a fan of his but feel real good with all our players," Shanahan said, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Lance suffered a fractured ankle in Week 2, and Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in Sunday's victory over the Miami Dolphins. That forced the NFC West leaders to turn to rookie Brock Purdy.

To Purdy's credit, he played fairly well and went 25-of-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while helping the team improve to 8-4 on the campaign.

The seventh-round draft pick out of Iowa State likely didn't expect to see significant time as a rookie, but he is now the starting signal-caller for a team with realistic Super Bowl hopes.

San Francisco did add some depth by signing Josh Johnson off the Denver Broncos practice squad, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, but he has been a journeyman throughout his career and has appeared in games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington, New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.

The 49ers are in an unusual position where they could win the Super Bowl with even average quarterback play.

Their defense is one of the best in the league, and they are loaded with offensive playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. All the quarterback has to do is avoid major mistakes and get the ball into the playmakers' hands, which is what Garoppolo was doing prior to the setback.

Perhaps Mayfield is someone who could do just that more effectively than Purdy.

He was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft and played well at times for the Cleveland Browns, including when he posted 26 touchdown passes to eight interceptions in 2020. However, he threw 13 interceptions last year and had a 74.4 passer rating in seven appearances with the Panthers this year.

Consistency has long been an issue for Mayfield, and Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported he asked to be released when the Panthers told him he would be third on the depth chart.

He may get a chance to redeem himself on the 49ers, but Shanahan seemed fine with the current options as well.

With Baker Mayfield officially released by the Carolina Panthers on Monday, the question becomes where the veteran quarterback might end up.

One possibility is the San Francisco 49ers, who have lost Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo for the season already due to injuries. That has left the relatively unproven Brock Purdy atop the depth chart, so a veteran option like Mayfield—even if he has played poorly this season—would make sense.

Certainly, NFL fans and reporters think so, though not with much confidence that Mayfield would improve San Fran's title odds or benefit former teammate Christian McCaffrey:

On Baker Mayfield: I imagine McCaffrey's input would be valued by the 49ers on this. Mayfield isn't a Shanahan-style QB and his personality sure doesn't seem to fit this locker room, but maybe worth a flyer.

— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 5, 2022

But actually, there’s no way Baker Mayfield makes it to the 49ers on waivers, right?

…right?? pic.twitter.com/wrKZB7MRVJ

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) December 5, 2022

Baker Mayfield to the 49ers would be 🍿

Reunite with CMC 😬
Teammates with Nick Bosa 😬

— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) December 5, 2022

Christian McCaffrey seeing Baker Mayfield walk into the 49ers facility pic.twitter.com/TOipbXNHGO

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 5, 2022

https://twitter.com/btoporek/status/1599793066277310465

Christian McCaffrey when the 49ers sign Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/rOtXACugR1

— FanDuel Casino 🎰 (@FanDuelCasino) December 5, 2022

Christian McCaffrey seeing Baker Mayfield walk into the 49ers facility pic.twitter.com/TOipbXNHGO

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 5, 2022

Christian McCaffrey watching Baker Mayfield walk into the @49ers facility. pic.twitter.com/ynLoZeRuHB

— Pro Sports Feed (@ProSportsGoats) December 5, 2022

At this point I've given up trying to predict what kind of performance you'll get from Baker Mayfield, but I'd absolutely tune in to see what Kyle Shanahan could make of him.

— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) December 5, 2022

The most obvious answer here is #Niners are interested in Baker Mayfield. Who was much better in Cleveland than his detractors want to admit. This is going to be fascinating.

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 5, 2022

Mayfield, 27, was poor in Carolina, throwing for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions in six starts (seven overall appearances), completing just 57.8 percent of his passes while taking 19 sacks. He was ultimately benched for P.J. Walker.

He doesn't offer the ideal resume, in other words, though the 49ers are running out of options. It's a potential marriage that makes sense, in other words, despite the red flags.