SANTA CLARA – The 49ers have run out of AFC East visitors to dominate at Levi’s Stadium on this season’s schedule, but we still have social media questions to answer for this Week 5 mailbag:
With the emergence of Jauan Jennings at WR3, what role if any will Pearsall have in the offense? Also, will Pearsall replace Jacob Cowing on punt returns? (@SisnerozJacob)
First on Jennings: A “WR3” label seems outdated. He leads the 49ers in receptions (21), yards (364), touchdowns (three) and average (17.3 yards). Jennings is hot and Brock Purdy must keep targeting him, while also giving Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle targets.
As for integrating first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday they’re still discussing when to open his three-week evaluation window. They can do so now after he’s missed four weeks following his death-defying gunshot wound to the chest in a San Francisco robbery. He looks healthy and physically ready. I’d expect Pearsall to get eased into the receiver rotation, although injuries to Jacob Cowing (shoulder) and Chris Conley (oblique) could expedite things. If Cowing can’t return punts, they indeed might like to give Pearsall a chance, all due respect to Kyle Juszczyk’s sure-handed versatility in Sunday’s win over New England.
Which rookies have impressed you most? (@michael_budd)
Excluding Pearsall as a walking miracle, there might be more rookies than ever to consider on any 49ers championship-contending roster, at least dating to the 1981 champs. It’s much-needed quantity over Pro Bowl quality right now.
Right guard Dominick Puni has been a bona fide, Day 1 starter with highs and lows. Safety Malik Mustapha made his first start Sunday in place of Talanoa Hufanga, and aside from whiffing on a third-down tackle and failing to make a late interception, Mustapha’s contact courage drew raves, including on Fred Warner’s pick-six.
Cornerback Renardo Green is cutting into Isaac Yiadom’s playing time — a positive to keep both fresh. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing got his first four offensive snaps Sunday but still no touches, and now a shoulder injury that impacts his punt-return availability. Defensive tackle Evan Anderson debuted well Sunday, as did safety Jaylon Mahoney. Another to watch: Tatum Bethune. Not so great was Isaac Guerendo, fumbling on the second half’s kickoff return and getting stopped for no gain on his lone carry.
What’s the latest update on Dre Greenlaw? Also, Sam O. and Robert Beal flashed on Sunday, so do you think they are going to be relied on through the season or is a trade or free agent coming? (@AmericanBurner)
Greenlaw hyped up the linebackers in Sunday’s warmups. He is eligible to come off Injured Reserve as soon as this week, but the working theory is he won’t get back in the lineup until after the Week 9 bye, so check back in November or after a couple of weeks of practice.
Sam Okuayinonu’s breakout game Sunday (forced fumble, tackle for loss, QB hit) carried over from a strong showing in practice. Beal and Yetur Gross-Matos have had minimal impact as backups to Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd. However, that bunch is healthy, unlike other positions, so it’s not a pressing need, yet.
Do you think the 49ers make a trade before the deadline? (@JWalizerJr)
Yes. When don’t they?! They have enough draft equity and backup quarterbacks to swing a deal. The defensive line is perpetually on the shopping list (see: 2023 trades for Chase Young and Randy Gregory, 2021 for Charles Omenihu). If Christian McCaffrey’s Achilles issues don’t improve, the 49ers should seek veteran insurance behind Jordan Mason. Upgrading the offensive line is perpetually an outcry among fans but not so simple, regarding the market’s supply and the line’s cohesion aspect.
Do the 49ers have a culture problem? It seems a lot of time and energy is focused on “the bag” instead of the ball. Guys continually are rewarded for holding out and hurting team by missing camp, come in unprepared, have bad seasons while everyone in camp constantly hears about it. (@bushwoodgc)
That is more of a business-model debate. “Culture” is such a lazy word to depict the state of an organization. The 49ers have built themselves into a title contender with enough established stars and veterans to demand accountability and a high standard across the board.
If you’re implying that Brandon Aiyuk is loafing it, look at the snap counts rather than the reception totals. His 77% of the offensive snaps are more than any other wide receiver, so he’s prepared enough to stay on the field. Don’t expect many more games where he has only one more catch than Warner.
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Will the 49ers beat Arizona? Better. (@sf49erbob)
Yes. Falling to 0-2 in NFC West action would be a calamity. Come Sunday, will they host the Arizona Cardinals team that beat the Rams by 31 points in Week 2, or the Cardinals who lost by 28 to the Commanders last Sunday? Well, the 49ers scored at least 35 points in winning each matchup since 2022. Prediction: 49ers 30, Cardinals 21