NFL Player News

The surgery was a simple scope to remove cartilage from Spikes’ knee. “It’s going good,” he said. “I’m just rehabbing, trying to get better, staying on top of it.” Spikes also disclosed that it was the first surgery of his football career. The beastly run defender will be 100 percent by training camp.

McCaffrey’s usage was a bit underwhelming in the first half of Thursday’s win. The 30-year-old running back played on 20 offensive snaps to Kaelon Black’s, while Black’s seven rush attempts more than doubled the three carries we saw from CMC, who also saw six first-half targets. McCaffrey’s second-half usage saw a slight uptick, but it’s possible some of what we saw as it pertains to last night’s split was related to this cramping issue. McCaffrey was undoubtedly the more efficient of the two Niners backs in last night’s win, but Black was solid in his debut, rushing 14 times for 65 yards. McCaffrey should be positioned for a big Week 2 game next week against the Dolphins.

Stribling was carted from the game late in the second quarter after briefly attempting to play through the ankle injury he suffered earlier in the game. While there was some concern that his injury was Achilles-related, Shanahan’s comments after the game suggest there’s little reason to be concerned about his Achilles at this time. Stribling played 21 snaps in the first half of Thursday’s game but was held without a catch. We’ll likely get more clarity on his status in the coming days, but hopefully the worst was avoided here.

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.

Higbee ended up leading the Rams’ tight ends in targets and receptions, as Davis Allen had just one catch before exiting with a head injury, and Terrance Ferguson didn’t catch his only opportunity. Ferguson still seems like the tight end to roster going forward, but one could argue Higbee has the higher floor because he’ll see more snaps because of his blocking ability. That’s not a ringing endorsement, if it’s not obvious. The Rams will try and get it going against the Giants in Week 2.

There was much talk about how great Adams looked in the precursor to the season, but it wasn’t on display in Week 1. The 33-year-old had a long gain of just 13 yards, and he and Matthew Stafford were unable to find much opening against the San Francisco secondary. Adams will get a chance to rebound in Week 2 in a Monday Night Football contest against the Giants.

Nacua did bring in a 41-yard connection in the first half, but outside of that, it was a disappointing first effort to the season for one of the best wideouts in the game. It’s tough to blame much — if any — of it on Nacua, as Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ passing attack was completely shut down by the 49ers’ defense. All things considered, it could have been worse. Nacua remains near the top of the wideout rankings for Week 2 against the Giants.

Robinson snagged one of three touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, with his being the longest connection on a 39-yard strike. The 31-year-old had just one other catch, and while he’s still capable of making a deep play or two, it’s hard to trust him as fantasy option. He’ll have a chance to prove the doubters wrong again in Week 2 against the Dolphins.

Brock Purdy tried to get Kittle involved early in the contest, but it was the one legitimate option that Purdy wasn’t able to find success will. It’s amazing that the 32-year-old was even able to play in this game considering he tore his Achilles in January, but it is also fair to say it was a fantasy dud. Expect better things going forward for Kittle, and the next chance comes in Week 2 against a not-so-great Dolphins’ defense.

In addition to those receptions, Samuel also added a rush for five yards and returned two kicks for 74 yards with a long of 45. The 30-year-old’s time with the Commanders was disappointing, but his return to San Francisco — at least in this first contest — was a successful one, even without much yardage. The 30-year-old’s targets were likely helped by De’Zhaun Stribling leaving with an ankle injury, but the connection between Samuel and Purdy looked solid enough in the Australia opener. Samuel will be back in action in Week 2 in a matchup against the Dolphins.

Evans made his debut with the 49ers and high-pointed a touchdown pass from Brock Purdy the way we’ve seen him do it for well over a decade with the Buccaneers. He did have a drop, but he was targeted early as the 49ers were pass-happy in the first half before needing less of an arial attack over the final two quarters. Evans is always going to be a red-zone threat with his 6-foot-5 size, and stands a decent chance of scoring again in Week 2 against the Dolphins.