This Tuesday the San Francisco 49ers continued preparing for their game on Thursday visiting the Seattle Seahawks. Being a short week, only today there was an opportunity for different members of the team to speak to the press before training. The 49ers have a number of injured players heading into their Week 6 divisional game. They’ve even already signed a new kicker due to injuries. Some members of San Francisco also provided their point of view on the Seahawks.
Wright Joins the Team
Kicker Jake Moody injured his right ankle in the game against the Arizona Cardinals. So the 49ers had to move very quickly in this short week to bring in a new kicker. In fact, today the team announced that they have signed kicker Matthew Wright to a one-year deal. Wright originally came to the NFL when the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired him in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. In the Steelers he had two stages (2020, 2022-2023). He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), Kansas City Chiefs (2022) and Carolina Panthers (2023). Even in 2023 he spent time with the 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.
Wright has appeared in 24 games during his career, scoring 40 of his 47 field goal attempts, giving him an 85.1% accuracy rate.
Moody Situation
Wright came to the team precisely because of Moody’s injury. This Tuesday Shanahan commented that they still don’t know how much time their kicker could miss.
“It’s a high ankle sprain, so usually with that I would normally say about a month, sometimes they can surprise you and recover quicker. Other times it might take longer, so we’re not exactly sure.” Shanahan explained. “IR (injured reserve) is an option (for Moody). Just with how quickly this happened, also having Hufanga in that situation. We have to make the decision about Moody, we already have several players on IR, so we have to evaluate all of that.”
Hufanga Injured
In that explanation about Moody, Shanahan mentioned safety Talanoa Hufanga because, according to the coach, he can also be placed on the injured reserve (IR) list. The 49ers coach gave more details about Hufanga’s wrist injury.
“He tore some ligaments in his wrist.” Shanahan said. “Yeah, he’ll be out for at least a month, probably longer.”
The coach added that IR may be an option for Hufanga, but they have not yet decided if they will place him on injured reserve.
More Playing Time For Mustapha
Hufanga’s unfortunate injury may mean more playing time for Wake Forest rookie safety Malik Mustapha. The young defender spoke about that possibility and how he feels about playing.
“Yes, of course, I think I’ve been more comfortable with the reps I’ve gotten in the last few weeks and the game is calming down a little more for me. Now the goal is how to take my game to the next level by being more consistent. Although “I’m a rookie, my teammates and my coaches have enough confidence in me and I have to have that same faith in myself to perform at a high level,” Mustapha said.
Team Sport
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy talked about what they have to do to improve, highlighting that they have to perform well in all facets.
“Yeah man, it’s a team sport. So for four quarters, you know, when the defense stops the opponent, we as an offense have to pick up and put points on the board. And vice versa, when we’re in rhythm, the defense produces and special teams to their own. That’s complementary football. That’s how you win in this league and if the defense is stopping the opponent and the offense is cold, it’s very obvious to everyone that it will be very difficult to get into a rhythm and get away from the opponent. You let the opponent stay in the game and that kind of thing. The last few years we have won very well, it has been with complementary football. The defense stops them and gets turnovers, the offense puts points on the board and moves away from the opponent. “We both believe in that and everyone here knows that’s the truth,” Purdy explained.
Seahawks talent
Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, for his part, gave his assessment of the Seahawks’ talent.
“I have a lot of respect for DK Metcalf. Tyler Lockett for almost 10 years and even Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I think they have a really talented group, starting with Geno Smith and the running back as well. I think, in general, you look at their group of skill players, they might be the most talented we’ve faced overall and you add their tight ends and all the receivers. Actually both running backs and Geno who can still do it. I think he still moves well enough. getting rid of the ball faster. I know they have a good arm and they have gotten a lot of explosive plays. We are talking about explosive plays, they have been explosive. I think they are among the best five in explosive plays,” Sorensen analyzed.
Participation in Practice
In addition to the injured Moody and Hufanga, this Tuesday Shanahan reported that linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles would not practice either due to his calf injury and defensive lineman Jordan Elliott due to a knee injury.
Afterward, Shanahan said the following players would be training on a limited basis:
Cornerback, Charvarius Ward (knee)
Wide receiver, Chris Conley (oblique)
Tight End, George Kittle (ribs)
Linebacker, Fred Warner (tobillo)
Safety, Ji’Ayir Brown (tobillo)
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