Shanahan told reporters that it “doesn’t look good.” The 27-year-old tight end suffered the injury near the end of the first half, and it sounds like San Francisco will be without the backup tight end for some time. Luke Ferrell will likely see more snaps with Tonges unavailable.
Purdy also added 29 yards on his five attempts. The veteran signal-caller did throw a terrible interception, but outside of that pick he played exceptionally well; even if most of his completions were for short yardage. All three passing scores came to different players, with his best throw being a perfectly placed touchdown to Deebo Samuel between two Rams’ defenders to cement the blowout. Purdy will look to keep it going in Week 2, and gets a friendly matchup against the Dolphins.
Stafford didn’t get much time to enjoy Australia, and likely won’t leave this contest with fond memories. He completed just 4-of-11 passes in the first half and didn’t do much better in the final 30 minutes, and outside of a 41-yard connection with Puka Nacua, he just couldn’t get the ball downfield. He was also stuffed on a fourth-and-goal run at the goal line to cement the poor day. Credit the 49ers’ defense, but it’s fair to call this a disappointing season debut for the reigning MVP. Expect a rebound in Week 2 against the Giants in a Monday Night Football contest.
The man they call CMC was not a big part of the first-half attack, but saw plenty more touches over the final two quarters to turn what was looking like an ugly fantasy debut into a decent — although far from spectacular — outing for the 30-year-old veteran. It’s worth noting that Kaelon Black received 14 carries in the contest for 68 yards, and it’s likely that Black is going to be involved going forward in at least a somewhat similar capacity. McCaffrey should still get plenty of touches going forward, and should have a good day against the Dolphins in Week 2.
Williams’ day was salvaged with a short-yardage score. He finished with one more rushing attempt than Blake Corum, but Corum did look spryer with 54 yards on those attempts. The Rams’ offense just didn’t have it in the Australian showdown, and Williams should see a better box score in Week 2 against the Giants; even if Corum remains a fantasy adversary.
It was Black’s NFL debut, and all things considered, it was a pretty good one. The former Indiana star had four more carries than Christian McCaffrey, and was much more involved in the rushing attack in the first half; although CMC was obviously a factor in the passing attack and Black had just one catch for five yards. It wasn’t the most impressive statline you’ll see from a debut, but there were definitely flashes that suggest success for the 24-year-old. Black and the 49ers will get a chance to face the Dolphins in Week 2.
Corum was unable to find the end zone while Kyren Williams did, but Corum was the more efficient tailback between the 20s with Williams only tallying 41 yards. He was also a non-factor in the passing game, but the Rams were basically a non factor in the passing game with Matthew Stafford struggling to figure out the 49ers’ defense. Corum could see more touches in Week 2 against the Giants, but there’s no guarantee.
Tonges limped off the field after suffering his knee injury near the end of the first half. Assuming he doesn’t return, Luke Ferrell will get the snaps behind George Kittle and feature in two tight end sets.
Tonges finished without a target before exiting near the end of the second quarter. The 27-year-old will have a chance to return in Week 2 against the Giants, but his status for that game — and the weeks after — should be updated by early next week.
Allen has one catch for 13 yards, and likely is done for the day. The 25-year-old backup will need to clear protocol to play in Week 2 against the Giants.
Stribling hurt the ankle earlier in the contest, and while he was able to return shortly after, the rookie wideout was unable to continue and exited on the vehicle. It’s likely he won’t return to Friday’s game, but there should be an update on his status soon.
Stribling was carted off during Friday’s contest, and finished without a catch in his NFL debut. He’ll get a little longer to potentially return for Week 2 against the Dolphins, but obviously his status for that contest is very much in doubt.
Silverstein believes the deal’s total value likely isn’t as important to the Packers as the structure. Kraft is still likely to reset the tight end market, but since he is returning from a season-ending ACL tear and has “yet to show he’s picked up where he left off last year, it may take some time for the deal to come together.” In the meantime, as long as he takes the field, Kraft can be treated as a TE1.
The report comes from the Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, who adds that “there is no timetable” for Darnold’s recovery, which will be based on “how he feels and how he recovers.” Pelissero referred to QB Drew Lock as “the likely starter” for the Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Cardinals.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz puts Brown’s return timeline between 3 and 6 weeks. Both reports make Brown a candidate to be placed on short-term injured reserve. The rest of the Patriots’ wide receiver corps failed to step up in Week 1. Newcomer WR Romeo Doubs will undoubtedly be given a chance to earn his hefty contract in Week 2.
James has officially lost the backup job to rookie RB Kaelon Black, who should be safely stashed on fantasy benches before kickoff. The 49ers also declared QB Kurtis Rourke, CB Ephesians Prysock, WR Jordan Watkins, LB Tatum Bethune and OT Enrique Cruz inactive for Week 1 against the Rams.
The Rams acquired Atwell via trade in August. Although he already knows the system, coach Sean McVay evidently feels that Atwell is unnecessary for this one. Incumbent QB Stetson Bennett has officially defeated Simpson for the QB2 job. Simpson is inactive, but has been labeled the emergency third quarterback.
Sweat barely practiced this summer, supposedly dealing with a knee injury, while the Cardinals brass assured reporters that there was nothing to see here. The player was reportedly displeased with the team, but as of Week 1 practices, he remains a Cardinal. He is on track to face the Chargers this weekend.
Spann-Ford initially signed on with the Cowboys as a 2024 undrafted free agent. He has caught 18 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown since then. The front office is evidently pleased with his development. He is not worth rostering in 12-team leagues. The deal is worth $18 million with $12.075 million guaranteed.