49ers get some reinforcements before pivotal game vs. NFC West rival Rams
On the day that Santa Clara County health officials essentially banned the 49ers from hosting games or practices for at least the next three weeks, the franchise did get some good on the COVID-19 front.
Left tackle Trent Williams was activated Saturday from the NFL’S COVID-19 reserve list and can play in today’s game at the Los Angeles Rams.
Who else is available? Well, the 49ers likely will be without a couple starters for COVID-19 concerns (wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive tackle D. J. Jones), but comebacks are in store for running back Raheem Mostert, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and cornerback Richard Sherman.
If the 49ers score the upset and renew their playoff hopes, here is an early projection on who’s available to play (*starter), who’s not and what to watch at each position group:
Quarterback
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Nick Mullens, C. J. Beathard
WHO’S NOT: Jimmy Garoppolo (IR)
What to watch: Mullens is turnover prone, especially when attacked from the edge, but the Rams have
the capability to penetrate the pocket from anywhere. Mullens has lost his last three starts, and if he continues to underthrow targets and fail to protect the ball, coach Kyle Shanahan probably won’t hesitate to give Beathard a try.
Running back
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Jerick Mckinnon, Austin Walter
WHO’S NOT: Tevin Coleman ( knee), JaMycal Hasty (IR)
WHAT TO WATCH: Mostert’s return from a four-game absence due to injury could provide a huge boost; he and Wilson both are expected to come off injured reserve. Coleman was ruled out Friday as he works through a season-long knee injury. The fifth-ranked Rams run defense is daunting but the 49ers conquered it last meeting by racing to the boundaries, often with short tosses (officially passes) to Deebo Samuel, which the Rams will be better prepared to defend.
Wide receiver
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Deebo Samuel, *Kendrick Bourne, Richie James Jr., Trent Taylor, River Cracraft
WHO’S NOT: Brandon Aiyuk (COVID-19 list)
WHAT TO WATCH: Look for the 49ers to rely on short passes, especially over the middle, where the Rams are missing linebacker Micah Kiser. If Samuel’s hamstring cooperates after a month of rehab, his presence is huge. Aiyuk’s second stint on COVID-19 reserve this month is a bummer and it puts more pressure on Bourne, James and Taylor to help find open places in one of the NFL’S best coverage teams. Maybe it’s time to unveil Kevin White ( practice squad) for specialized routes, but, more likely, the 49ers call up Jordan Matthews, who signed onto the practice squad Friday.
Tight end
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner
WHO’S NOT: George Kittle (IR), Daniel Helm (COVID-19)
WHAT TO WATCH: Well, this is Dwelley’s time to show why he, with 10 catches, merits the 49ers’ Pro Bowl nomination over an injured Kittle, with 37 receptions.
Offensive line
WHO’S AVAILABLE: * Trent Williams, *Laken Tomlinson, *Daniel Brunskill, *Colton Mckivitz, *Mike Mcglinchey, Justin Skule, Tony Bergstrom
WHO’S NOT: Tom Compton (concussion), Ben Garland (calf), Weston Richburg (PUP)
WHAT TO WATCH: Williams was activated Saturday off COVID-19 reserve and the 49ers hope that clears him to play the full load rather than his sub, Skule. Although Brunskill and the line neutralized Aaron Donald in October, Donald (nine sacks, 17 quarterback hits) is in position to do some damage. Among those he will face is rookie Mckivitz, thrust into action lineup after Compton’s concussion in Thursday’s half- speed practice. Donald’s presence overshadows the rest of the Rams’ defensive front that is playing exceptionally well, especially Leonard Floyd (seven sacks).
Defensive line
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Arik Armstead, *Kerry Hyder Jr., *Javon Kinlaw, *Kevin Givens, Kentavius Street, Dion Jordan, Alex Barrett, Darrion Daniels, Williams Henry Jr.
WHO’S NOT: D. J. Jones (COVID-19), Jordan Willis (COVID-19), Dee Ford ( back), Ronald Blair (PUP), Nick Bosa (IR), Solomon Thomas (IR), Ziggy Ansah (IR)
WHAT TO WATCH: Rather than have Rams QB Jared Goff use a quick trigger for a 51-pass barrage as he did Monday night against Tampa Bay, the Rams might want him to take more time and attack downfield. Otherwise, Goff still will take his timely shots after chipping away at underneath routes. With the 49ers’ interior in flux, the Rams may attack more than usual on the ground with Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and surging rookie Cam Akers. Armstead and Kinlaw came off COVID-19 reserve this week so their lack of practice could hinder (or help tired bodies).
Linebackers
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Fred Warner, *Dre Greenlaw (questionable; illness), *Marcell Harris, Azeez Al- Shaair (illness), Joe Walker
WHO’S NOT: Demetrius FlanniganFowles (hamstring), Mark Nzeocha (IR).
WHAT TO WATCH: Health precautions kept Greenlaw and Al-shaair out of practice since Wednesday but they have yet to hit COVID-19 reserve and should play. Harris’ conversion from safety to dime linebacker was unveiled last game, and he’s practiced with the linebackers this week, so he could cover for a short-handed corps.
Cornerbacks
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Richard Sherman, *Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley, Jamar Taylor, Dontae Johnson, Ken Webster, Ahkello Witherspoon
WHO’S NOT: K’waun Williams (ankle) WHAT TO WATCH: Sherman takes aim at his first game since the season opener, and Verrett likely is at the other corner. Taylor has fared well as the slot cornerback in place of an injured Williams, but Moseley also could see a lot of action in the Rams’ multiple-receiver sets. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods will be looking to avenge subpar outings against the 49ers, who got an end zone interception from Verrett last meeting. Tight end Tyler Higbee (elbow) could be out.
Safeties
WHO’S AVAILABLE: *Jimmie Ward, *Tarvarius Moore, Chris Edwards
WHO’S NOT: Jaquiski Tartt (IR)
The Ward-moore tandem is encouraging, and, if one gets hurt, Harris likely would revert to safety if he’s not needed at linebacker. Edwards signed Tuesday after playing the past three years in Canada.