49ers training-camp report: Reuben Foster’s shoulder ‘will never be good as new.’

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49ers linebacker Reuben Foster points during practice

SANTA CLARA

This is what stood out to me during the 49ers-Broncos joint practice Thursday morning.

Disclaimer: Yesterday I focused on the 49ers offense, so today I focused on their defense. It was impossible to focus on both at the same time because they were playing on different fields.

THE ALARMING

1. LB Reuben Foster. The 49ers held Foster out of 11-on-11 team drills because he sprained the AC joint in his surgically-repaired right shoulder yesterday during practice. A team spokesman said Foster’s shoulder sprain is “mild” and “different from (his) previous injury.” But that doesn’t mean the two injuries aren’t related. The team spokesman wouldn’t know. So I emailed a doctor who works for the California Athletic Commission – Gary Furness – to find out his expert opinion about Foster’s shoulder injuries. “Most likely they are related,” Furness wrote. “Tearing a rotator cuff is going to do some damage to the other shoulder tissues, so they will be weaker. Also, the actual repair can do some damage to the AC ligaments. In other words, that shoulder will never be good as new.” Sounds like Foster’s torn rotator cuff inevitably will lead to other shoulder injuries throughout his career. Hopefully for the Niners, Foster’s future shoulder injuries will be minor, as his current one appears to be. According to Kyle Shanahan, Foster probably will play Saturday against the Broncos. Promising news, but also a risky move. I would give Foster at least 10 days off to protect him from further injuring his shoulder.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. LB Reuben Foster. Foster was a “limited participant” in practice. That means he went through drills with the other linebackers and played with the defense during 7-on-7s. During 11-on-11s, he watched from the sideline, which sounds innocuous. But during an 11-on-11 drills in the red zone, the 49ers defense fought the Broncos offense twice and, during the second fight, Foster ran from the sideline and blasted a player on the Broncos. Foster led with his injured shoulder and hit the Broncos player as hard as he could. I don’t fault Foster for entering the fight – it’s in his nature to hit people. That’s why the 49ers drafted him. He’s vicious. I fault the 49ers for having on the field in the first place. They should have kept him inside and protected him from himself. Luckily, Foster didn’t seem to hurt his shoulder any further.

2. DC Robert Saleh. Saleh lost control of his defense during the two fights this morning. Both times, the 49ers defense seemed to start the fight. Saleh allows – encourages? – his players to hit extremely hard, and to straddle and sometimes cross the line of what’s acceptable in practice. During the second fight, Saleh urged his players in a soft voice to stop fighting and gather around him. “Defense, over here,” he said probably 10 times. The defense ignored him and kept fighting.

3. NaVorro Bowman. The Niners defense lost another starting linebacker to a shoulder injury. Halfway through practice, Bowman ducked his head before he tackled a Broncos player, and immediately grabbed his right shoulder before jogging off the field. He was in a lot of pain. After practice, he said the injury was a stinger. He didn’t seem concerned about it.

4. Ray Ray Armstrong. Armstrong replaced Bowman in the starting lineup. And with Armstrong on the field, the run defense became significantly worse. He frequently filled the wrong gap and allowed long runs between the tackles. He also committed a holding penalty in man-to-man coverage.

5. Rashard Robinson. Robinson has the skinniest legs I’ve ever seen. To call them “bird legs” would be unfair to birds. His legs are twigs. And when he gives up a catch – as he did a few times today – he tends to grab one of his legs as if it hurts. As if he would have broken up the pass but an injured leg slowed him down. Today, he was grabbing his ankle. And every time trainer was about the run on the field to check him out, Robinson bravely gave a thumbs up and stayed on the field. After about the third time he did this, 49ers guest assistant coach and former legendary defensive tackle Warren Sapp shouted over to Robinson, “Why’re you so fragile?” This made the defense laugh. Even Robinson had to laugh.

6. Keith Reaser. Teams typically don’t game plan against each other for joint practices, because they aren’t trying to beat each other – they’re trying to evaluate their own players. But today, the Broncos definitely game planned to attack Keith Reaser. They wanted their quarterbacks to do well after they struggled on Wednesday, so all morning they went after the Niners’ weakest cornerback. If Reaser has to play at all during the regular season, the Niners will be in trouble.

THE GOOD

1. NT Earl Mitchell. Earl Mitchell is the best nose tackle the Niners have had since I started covering the team in 2011. Not only is he strong and stout like Isaac Sopoaga and Glenn Dorsey, Mitchell also can run and chase down plays that aren’t directly in front of him. Today, he had a couple of tackles for loss, and another tackle for no gain. The Niners run defense will be good when he’s on the field.

2. DE Pita Taumoepenu. Taumoepenu didn’t do much earlier during training camp and OTAs, but today, he was one of the 49ers’ best edge rushers. He beat Broncos right tackle Donald Stephenson to record a sack, and on the next play he beat Stephenson again. This time, Stephenson grabbed Taumoepenu by the helmet and almost ripped it off. If Taumoepenu continues to play well, the Niners may consider trading a defensive end, such as Aaron Lynch. The Niners could trade Lynch to the Broncos, the Seahawks or the Bears. I’m sure Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would like to coach Lynch again. Those two worked together in 2014.

3. OLB Eli Harold. Harold was the new addition to the 49ers starting defense today. He played the “Sam,” or strong-side linebacker, in place of Ahmad Brooks. I assumed Harold’s presence in the starting lineup meant Brooks had the day off, but I was wrong. Brooks didn’t have the day off – he played Sam for the second-team defense all morning. I don’t know why the 49ers made this switch today. Maybe the switch meant nothing. Or maybe they were punishing Brooks for something. Or maybe they like Harold and want to see how he performs with the first-team defense. Harold has played better this offseason than he ever has played since the 49ers drafted him 2015. That’s because he finally fits the Niners defensive scheme. He didn’t fit the old 3-4 defense. Trent Baalke made Harold gain 30 pounds to play 3-4 outside linebacker. Now Harold has lot 15 pounds, and he’s explosive like he was in college. He’s someone to watch Saturday during the 49ers’ preseason game against the Broncos.

This article has 426 Comments

  1. Robinsons legs and Fosters shoulder sound like 2 very concerning things.
    Robinson and him also seem like they are so aggressive it could at times cost us some big plays.
    I wanted Foster and think like Lott he can be a physical tone settler that can pump up the defense……but I worry like Reid with his concussions, after a while he may lose his natural instinct subconsciously because of too many nagging injuries.

  2. Grant, would you say that Mitchell looks to be the superior NT even compared to prime Ian Williams? … Loved the periscope vid after paractice, keep up the great work.

    1. I don’t recall Ian Williams being as mobile. In the game against the Chiefs the Niners ran some crazy stunt a few times where they stunted the defensive line to one side and then had Mitchell loop around the outside away from the stunt.

  3. Matt Miller’s observation while watching last Friday’s game:

    Matt Miller‏@nfldraftscout Aug 11
    Ahmad Brooks standing around instead of squeezing down on the run. 49ers need a better SLB

    1. I think Brooks is used to being an OLB in a 2 gap scheme. A scheme where the Left Defensive End often has the B AND C gaps. Brooks was more often free to play outside contain and force.

      Now as the SAM he’s going to be responsible for the C Gap as a spill and containment player. I think regularly filling a gap is different than what he’s used to doing.

  4. I’ll repeat my question about Harold and Brooks from the last post:

    Could Harold’s promotion be due to a slight change in the scheme? Did they use more of a stacked or Over alignment? I can see Brooks being a liability as a move linebacker in space as opposed to being on the line of scrimmage. Brooks in the Under front and Harold in the Stacked or Over Fronts?

    The idea that Tartt could play middle linebacker is stupid. There’s no way he’s stout enough to take on Guards, Centers and Fullbacks in the A, B and even C gaps. Remember even the WILL and SAMs have to take on offensive linemen; they’re not just flowing to the outside. Tartt is hanger type player. In some schemes he could be the extra linebacker safety (Rover) that plays the Primary Force Man role on the edge (much like an in the box strong safety).

    btw. Grant, nice to see you not looking like you just graduated high school (your pressdem pic still looks like a yearbook pic). You’re starting to look like Mark Sanchez….just be careful if you see Kilgore…don’t bump into him from behind. That shirt was a distraction and if the wind is messing with your hair, throw on a hat or get some heavy duty product.

    ps. overall nice review

    1. His shirt looked like it had little birdies or airplanes all over it. Agree it was a distraction;>)

    2. I don’t understand why many knowledgable people and beat writers talk about players as LDE or RDEs, when it seems to me that the player’s real role depends on the strong side or weak side and not the right side or left side. Is it because the strong side usually corresponds to the left side of the defense? If so, is that because virtually all QBs are right handed?

      1. The idea of the “blind side” is that a right handed QB will have his backed turned when looking down the field and will only see some one coming with peripheral vision or if his head is turned in that direction. It’s often why the strong side is traditionally to the QB’s right side. With the TE on that side the Wide Out can be a Flanker and have an easier release to run a variety of route concepts in concert with the TE (and RB in the WCO). Simple QB progressions usually start with the strong side with the Flanker as the primary route and the Split End (the X receiver) running some sort of counter route (man beater) or often a vertical route since the QB gets to him last in his progression anyway. Now again that’s a simple paint by numbers QB progression sequence. Obviously QBs make many more reads and adjustments that change who the primary first look read is. But the point is that old school, traditional passing was designed to be right to left for right handed QBs.

        With the strong side you usually have the TE lined up in line with the Right Tackle. Again “traditionally” offenses ran to the strong side of the line…where the extra blocker is. Because of that the stronger and stouter Defensive End was on the Right Side (not always, the offense can always flop the play) to counter the Strong Side of the offensive formation. Another term is the “Closed Side” which is a really old football term; meaning that the line is closed off with the Tight End (which is why the Flanker can line up off of the line of scrimmage for an easier release). The Split End WR is on the Weak Side and closes out the other side of the formation.

        1. ……..Because of that the stronger and stouter Defensive End was on the Right Side (offenses’ Right…Defense’s Left)

          1. In olden days football was more of a run-game sport. So with the increased emphasis on passing, do schemes put the TE more on the left side of the OL than they used to (for right-handed QBs) in order to help protect their blind side more? Or is the placement of the TE still predominantly set by the run game? Just so I’m clear, is the QB progression sequence for a right-handed QB right to left because it leads to getting the ball out quicker on passes (i.e. he’s already positioned with both body and eyes in that direction)?

            1. Remember that when the QB drops back to pass he’s physically set to look to the right side. So having the TE on that side gains you two things in the passing game (probably more but these are what come to mind).

              1. The TE is an additional receiver on the side of the formation that the QB is already looking at.
              2. It frees up the WR on that side to be the Flanker (Z). The TE closes off the formation (he’s the 7th guy starting with the split end) on the line of scrimmage. So the Flanker can line up off of the line of scrimmage and get a freer release. It’s why often times the Flanker has the much more varied routes to run compared to the Split End.

              So yes, I suppose in way it is set up so the QB can more quickly get rid of the ball because he’s looking in that direction initially.

              The placement of the TE in the run game is usually to the play side. Left or right is often times dependent on the play and the specific match up; meaning the play uses more horizontal field so it may depend on which set of hash marks where the ball is set. I recall in my high school days (my god I’m turning to Al Bundy) that the strong side of the line were the bigger and stronger guys. The weak side of the line was changed to the “quick” side. Why? Because the weakside guys (including me) didn’t like the the strong side guys calling us weak. So the coach called it the Quick side because that was the side that most often pulled the Guard and Tackle on Sweeps, Traps and the ole bread and butter Power play (we were the more athletic linemen). Weak Side Runs were called to keep the defense honest (so that they didn’t simply key on where the TE was to stuff the run) but mostly those plays were change ups or to take advantage of schematic or personnel advantage. If we wanted to run to the Left we simply flopped the play. What I’m saying is that instead of calling Right 27 Power (a run to the left side in the 7 hole) we would call LEFT 26 Power. So now the Quick side offensive linemen lined up on the right side the Strong o-linemen and the TE to the left.

              Today, in the NFL you often have 2TEs or a TE and a slot receiver. It’s going to depend on who lines up on the line of scrimmage and closes off the line (the true “End” that caps off the formation). It’s going to depend on who you want the Flanker to be (the one that gets the freer release).

              1. I think you meant that Right 27 is a run to the “right” side in the 7 hole. Really appreciate your willingness to provide detailed answers. Thanks!

              2. No, 27 Power was to the left. Odd numbered holes are on the Left side of the line. But the specifics I don’t remember (25+ years ago). The 7 hole is outside of the TE (if the TE is on the left side). Maybe we ran it out of an Ace formation (two TEs tight to the formation….though I’m pretty sure we ran mostly out of a standard pro set…21…maybe the extra gap was created by the fullback or pulling linemen). I wasn’t the best student of football back then.

              3. Yeah, odd numbers left of Center, even numbers right of Center.
                In my dinosaur days, the 7 was outside the tackle and inside the TE if he was set left.
                So, a 21 37 pass/37 A Flat: was a fake to the fullback off left tackle and a half roll left and quickfire pass with the halfback as the presumed first option; but if the Free Safety sells out on the Halfback, X to the post is open.

        2. Thanks for the detailed response. That’s pretty much what I thought (regarding the blind side).

  5. Well, it looks like my questions were answered. The coaches were not prepared, did not talk about avoiding fights enough, and there was a lack of leadership and lack of accountability.

      1. Yeah, before there’s any over reaction to my remark, mindless fighting has unintended consequences, I get it.

    1. It’s not all bad.
      Previously when the niners had joint practices it was noted that the other team was the aggressor. They were bullied and pushed around and the offense could barely move the ball. One interesting note was that, of the top 10 defenses… 5 of them were also in the top 10 in most penalized teams.
      Basically, aggressive penalties can be lived with… its the false starts, off sides and other such mental error penalties that cant be.

  6. I was all set to dismiss Grant’s comments about Rueben Foster’s shoulder as just crazy speculation from a totally uninformed writer. Then I read further and see that he consulted over the internet with a doctor in Santa Rosa and it’s that guy’s opinion, so of course now I’m really worried. I’m just disappointed that internet doc didn’t give us an update on Jimmy Ward’s hamstring since he apparently has magical skills to diagnose patients without, you know, examining them or their medical files.

    1. I sure wish we could peek in his medical file, but that just is not forthcoming.
      .
      So I will rely on a sports medicine doctor with years of experience. He did not need to give an in depth analysis, but explained general concepts.

      1. Grant published (and promoted the headline) that Foster’s recent injury is “likely” related to his original one. That’s sensationalism, backed up by the medical opinion of someone wholly unfamiliar the patient and the actual injury that he is diagnosing.

        Had this been presented with appropriate disclaimers noting that this doctor is offering a guess based on these things more generally rather than a diagnosis of a specific player’s actual injury, that’d be one thing, but this was offered as a conclusion, was originally tweeted out and then later posted here, and was done so for shock value. The statement wasn’t “according to a doctor who has not examined Foster’s medical record, injuries of this nature are often related to….”

        The biggest criticism of Cohn that I have seen is his penchant for hot takes apparently designed to generate clicks. This example furthers that narrative.

        1. Well, considering the past Niner doctors told Kaep to ice his shoulder, but the surgeon at the Steadman institute found a significant tear, pardon me if I have a jaded view of the Niner doctors, and think they may not have Foster’s best interests in mind. Like Grant said, it would be wise to let him heal for at least 10 days.
          .
          Sounds like they want to play him, but is he is further injured, it might doom the season. Sure, Foster wants to play, but it is in his best interests and health, to shut him down so he is fully healthy for the opener, when it really counts. If he plays in a meaningless preseason game, and gets injured further, I will rip the Niners doctors all season.

          1. Oh I would never argue that team doctors have earned a whole lot of trust based on their past performances. My issue is with the click-baity, titilating headline and conclusions offered up by the author. The medical opinion of a family practice doctor who has never examined Foster or Foster’s medical records, and whose only “qualification” is his occasional work as a ringside physician in a totally different sport, is about as meaningful as Grant’s own medical opinion. Offering it up as some kind of “evidence” and treating this like it is a legitimate source of information is crappy journalism.

            I’m not excited to see Foster play before he is 100%, but I’m certainly not going to take as gospel the view of a Santa Rosa based family practice doctor who has never once looked at Foster’s shoulder or his medical records. This kind of stuff is better suited to the sports division of TMZ.

          2. Seb”The Legend”nynah, you are making a decent point. However, I know you have been advocating that the 49ers take a cautious approach to Reuben’s shoulder since well before training camp.

            I just don’t know what has changed as a result of this injury? We don’t know what the 49ers doctor’s are telling them, right? Maybe they are telling them that this injury is a result of the hit, or whatever event that caused this injury, and that Reuben likely would have suffered the sprain regardless of whether or not he’s recently come back from a rotator cuff repair? Maybe, in fact, nothing has changed in regards to his recovery, and that he’s not risking further injury as a direct result of this most recent mild separation? If that’s the case, why hold him out now, if you were planning on playing him Saturday before Wednesday’s injury occurred?

            I’m inclined to to have faith in ShannyLynch until they prove otherwise. Aren’t you? Don’t you think Shanny and Lynch are in fact considering the risks? It’s a preseason game. Why would you assume that they would risk the long term health of their first-round pick in order to play a meaningless preseason game, and why is it fair to assume they don’t have Reuben’s best interest at heart?

            1. 49, shucks jes’ call me seb. You do not want me to get an inflated self worth complex. ;p
              .
              Glad you acknowledge that I have been consistent. Saving Foster for the real games may be a prudent course of action.
              .
              Foster is the one who wants to play. He needs to be handled properly, and that means with his best interests at heart. Resting him will let him be fresh for the opening of the season. I am excited about Foster, admire his nose for the ball, and he hits like a ton of bricks. I will always remember him helicoptering Watson in that title game.
              .
              I have seen enough of Foster to think he can play in the NFL. Risking an injury is counter productive, especially when resting him will allow him to heal more, so he can be close to 100%.. Then I hope he can get a pick against the Panthers.
              .
              I remember your Connor Cook missives, and think you are verbose, too. Hope to continue our conversation, I do respect that you can defend your point of view, and have not gone troll on me. Thank you.
              .
              Yes, being a legend has its drawbacks. Now they will expect a doubling of posts. ;p

              1. Seb. why do you keep bringing up Connor Cook when I never bring up Kevin Hogan or Vernon Adams? You have legendary status on this blog now, do you really want to be associated with Hogan or Adams?

              2. 49, you should be happy that I mention Connor Cook. I remember those page long posts, and he ended up on a good team and actually got to start a playoff game. Too bad the results were not good, but I thought he did well for his first game.
                .
                Yes, Adams did fade away, but I mentioned Hogan when some were speculating on cutting Barkley. The Browns have Osweiler, Kizer and Mallett, so they may cut Hogan. Niners should pick him up after the cuts, and stash him on the PS.

              1. I’m just sayin they obviously didn’t hold him in high esteem.
                Now I’m not sayin they misdiagnosed him, he brought that on himself seeking medical attention outside the organization.
                You don’t bite the hand that feeds you Seblegend!

              2. No, it just showed them up as quacks.
                .
                However, Prime, I was referring to you when I mentioned the lack of class. Treating a player like a piece of meat is just your style.
                .
                Glad Lynch showed some class by his walking back of his ‘Divisive’ comment.
                .
                Prime, you have no class, and never will.

        2. I have no problem with Grant presenting the opinions of a qualified doctor when it relates to a medical question. And this was presented as only one doctor’s opinion, so I think it’s fair.

          However, this doctor would likely be the first to tell us that it’s impossible to know for certain whether there is a direct relationship between this most current minor injury, and his rotator cuff surgery. A mild shoulder separation of this type is very common among NFL players, and especially common for linebackers. This doctor would likely also be in agreement with the notion that not all rotator cuff injuries are created equal, and each individual responds to rotator cuff surgery differently, depending on many factors. Rotator cuff surgery has become less invasive over the last half a decade or so. And recovery progression is based on individual patient presentation, which is assessed throughout the treatment process and recovery process. That said, there is a basic protocol for this kind of repair.

          Phase 1 (weeks 1-4) Immediate post surgery phase
          Phase 2 (weeks 4-10) Protection phase
          Phase 3 (weeks 10-14) Intermediate phase
          Phase 4 (weeks 16-22) Advanced strengthening
          Phase 5 (weeks 22-26) Return to activity – the final stage

          According to sources, Reuben Foster underwent surgery on Monday, Feb. 13th. Based on multiple qualified medical opinions, Foster’s recovery timetable was set at a minimum of 4 months, putting Foster back into the fold before the opening of training camp in late July. In fact, the beginning phase of training camp marked the 5 1/2 month mark for Foster’s recovery.

          According to world renowned orthopedic surgeon & doctor of sports medicine, Dr. James Andrews, these are the 3 most important keys to Rotator Cuff repair & rehabilitation:

          Restore full passive ROM quickly.
          Restore dynamic humeral head control.
          Maximize external rotation strength.

          When it comes to NFL linebackers, it’s safe to say having two strong and stable shoulders is necessary to get the job done. During the 2002 season, ILB/MLB Ray Lewis, highly regarded as one of the most dominant linebackers in the history of the NFL, tore his rotator cuff and underwent surgery to repair it. He came back the very next season to win defensive player of the year, and was named First Team All-Pro 4 times post rotator cuff surgery. He was also named to the 2000’s NFL All-Decade Team, and went to the Pro Bowl 7 times (2003,2004, 2006-11) post recovery.

          And let’s remember that, while playing for the Bucs, Seattle’s Michael Bennett reportedly played the majority of the 2012 season with a torn rotator cuff.

          The 49ers new that there was always a chance that Foster’s shoulder could become a chronic issue, and that there was also an outside chance that he might require a second procedure and miss his rookie season. But, according to the Dr.’s the 49ers have consulted and have confided in, Foster’s shoulder is actually healing properly, and this most recent injury in itself, is not an indication that it isn’t healing properly, nor is it an indication that he’s going to continue to have problems with this shoulder throughout his career. According to sources, nothing has changed in relation to the 49ers original diagnoses, and there is a very good chance that Reuben’s shoulder won’t cause him any major issues as a result of his rotator cuff injury moving forward.

          So let’s all take a deep breath and relax. Reuben is undoubtedly a warrior, and he looks to be everything you look for in a great ILB/MLB. And let’s remember that injuries are part of the game. The NFL is an incredibly physical & violent sport, and every player that steps onto the field realizes they could be one hit away from a career ending injury. So, let’s celebrate the fact that Reuben is on the field, and all arrows are still pointing up for this young superstar-in-the-making! I don’t think ShanaLynch would hesitate for one second, to draft Reuben in the top 10 of first round if the 49ers could turn the clock back and had do it all over again. The “Big Cat” Reuben Foster, is an absolute BEAST!

          1. Agree with all this except the first two sentences. This doctor’s qualifications to comment on Foster’s shoulder are suspect, to say the least. Moreover, this wasn’t presented merely as one guy’s opinion. The message was far more definitive:

            “In other words, that shoulder will never be good as new.” Sounds like Foster’s torn rotator cuff inevitably will lead to other shoulder injuries throughout his career.”

            Words like “never” and “inevitably” suggest a certainty that does not exist and is not warranted. Not from a family practice doctor who dabbles on occasion as a ringside doctor at boxing matches, and not from a sports writer. This is sensationalism.

            1. That’s a fair point Leo.

              That’s one reason I brought up Ray Lewis. Not only are they similar players, who play similar positions, but Lewis underwent rotator cuff (a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the humerus) surgery in 2002, and went on to dominate the league for the next 10 years following his injury and subsequent surgery to repair the socket. And from what I understand, this procedure is considerably less invasive today than it was 15 years ago.

              Multiple studies suggest that professional athletes are, much more often than not these days, able to return from this type of procedure without developing long term, chronic problems as a result. So, while it’s impossible to predict how any one individual will recover, the numbers are on Reuben Foster and the 49er’s side on this one. And I for one, would much rather roll the dice on a torn rotator cuff than I would with, say for instance, even a clean tear to the anterior cruciate ligament. And we’ve seen plenty of players come back from that injury without any long term problems as a results.

              There are plenty of exceptions to the rule, but the odds are on the side of optimism for Reuben Foster’s shoulder.

          2. Someone has been on web md. Thanks Dr no degree.
            In a world where i juries are kept secret and fans want any information possible, why is everyone so hard on this professional opinion.
            The physiology of a joint is fundamentally the same on the human body.
            This doctor does not need to examine Foster to give an explanation on physiology. He is giving a general explanation of the surgery and post surgical physiology.
            I appreciate any speculation. I enjoy reading anything i can about the 49ers.
            Bravo to Grant for actually investigating this further. No other blog has inveatigated this.

            1. I’m not doubting the overall assessment of the doctor that Grant consulted with. In fact, I pointed out that I thought it was fair for Grant to present the doctor’s opinion. However, it’s only one opinion. What he gave Grant was obviously his own generalized opinion. Nothing wrong with that, but I do have a background in sports medicine, and I know enough to draw my own conclusion. I also have enough experience to know that doctor’s don’t always agree, and can have differing educated opinions. The 49ers have confidence in their qualified experts, and based on the facts as I know them, being that the 49ers doctors have actually reviewed Foster’s personal medical images and records, and have likely consulted personally with his surgeon, if I am going to listen to anyone, I’ll side with the 49ers doctors and my own educated opinion.

              Thanks for your input though Matt.

              1. And yes Matt, rotator cuff tears, repairs, and subsequent recoveries have been studied and investigated plenty. In fact, there have been case studies on this very subject. But, thanks again for your input.

          3. I don’t get why everyone is bashing a doctor’s opinion? Especially when he is stating the obvious. Anyone thats experienced a shoulder tear could tell you that.
            And secondly, doctor’s have years of training before they specialize and gain a great deal of knowledge about the human body as a whole. It’s hardly like asking a plumber.

            1. Shoup,
              The issue I have with this report is that in his over exuberant style of reporting, Grant is targeting certain players for a “I reported it first” type story.
              If Gore would have been cut a couple of years before he left the 49ers Grant would likely have reported that he was the first to broach the subject that Gore had “no more legs.”
              If Lynch gets traded Grant will probably say he did so because he came to TC over weight.
              Here’s a recent example of Grant targeting a player:
              “LINEBACKERS: B+. Rookie Reuben Foster broke up a pass in the end zone and didn’t injure his surgically-repaired shoulder.”

              This was Grant’ grades after the Chiefs vs 49er game last Friday. This type reporting smacks of over the top sensationalism and frankly, a prime case of a reporter targeting former and current players on the team.
              To be fair, I enjoy many of Grant’ reports. But when it comes to my favorite teams, I get a wide range of reports from different outlets before taking one as gospel.

              1. AES,
                I do get what you’re saying and know Grant is a fan of the sensational or at least sensationalizing the events he sees. However, I don’t think this is anything new from a blogger. In the case of Lynch I don’t mind the fact that he reported he looked to be overweight… in fact I do want to hear these things. I also agree it could be done with more tact but part of this is clickbait and guess what, it works.

              2. “In the case of Lynch I don’t mind the fact that he reported he looked to be overweight… in fact I do want to hear these things.”
                ~ Shoup

                I too, don’t mind Grant reporting that Lynch was overweight before coming to training camp. It was the negative outlier reporting by bringing up his past history, or the fact that his report seemed to stir others to respond in kind.
                Then Grant went after Lynch this past week by reporting that he “quit” an exercise which also opened the door for the naysayers to pile on. And btw, Lynch’ past history became the crux of their piling on rational.
                I certainly never want to see a player on my favorite team quit, but at the same time, if this happens, I would form my personal opinion based on what the team reports on the act rather than what a quick draw over exuberant reporter has to say.
                As of this morning, I’m still waiting on the FO report on the incident.

    2. He asked a very general question to a specialist who had never seen any scans or looked at Foster’s shoulder…..

      Also the 10 day rest comment…… That’s just a random time frame based on Grants limited medical knowledge, again without seeing any scans or having examined him

      1. Agreed. Why 10 days and not 30?
        It’s pretty arbitrary… While I agree that Foster’s shoulder will never be the same and the 9ers will need to be careful with it. I don’t think it’s so fragile that it will necessarily cut his career off. Plenty of players have continued their career after such an injury.

    3. I could have sworn Grant did this a year or three ago about another 49er with some injury…I wish I could remember who it was but it resulted in a lot of back and forth.

      But any doctor who gives out prognosis from an email, without seeing the evidence and just making wild assumptions, even if based on theoretical evidence, is at best foolish. This is nothing more than a slightly educated guess and therefor is worth as much as the paper its printed on.

      1. Exactly. It’s not like this was difficult to re-frame in an honest way. Grant could have said that although this particular doctor had no specific information regarding Foster’s actual injury, the doctor believes that things like this are often related to prior shoulder injuries and it isn’t uncommon for the shoulder to never return to 100%. That would have conveyed the same overall point (that it’s possible that Foster’s shoulder could be a long term issue) but done so in a more intellectually honest way.

        However, that level of nuance may not lend itself to a 120 character tweet and probably wouldn’t produce as many clicks as the headline that was chosen.

        1. Leo,
          A doctor who is not closely involved with a person’s injury should never make a statement “will never be good as new.”
          I can appreciate Grant’ diligence in garnering a doctors opinion, but it should been preceded with a disclaimer.

  7. Is Robinson going to be the weak link of the secondary?
    And where is Jimmie Ward aka the China doll?

    1. Our whole secondary is a weak link. It is amazing Bulky drafted, what, more corners in his time frame than any other GM and it could be none of them are play-makers…….
      That’s why I truly believe most if not all of the guys on this blog could have done better than he did at drafting players……………
      We’ll see improvements in fits and starts, but it’s going to take a few drafts to shore this team up. Its almost as if baulky was some kind of a double agent.

  8. I wish to propose a multi player trade.
    .
    Since the Broncos lost Billy Winn DT last week, the Niners should trade Dial, Lynch Bibbs and Reaser to the Broncos for Shaquill Barrett and Bradley Roby, along with getting back the Niner’s 2018 4th round draft pick. Maybe throw in a TE like Bell to sweeten the deal.

  9. Foster had more than a chip on his shoulder. I talked about it ad nauseum in the lead up to the draft with #80. We all knew about it, and that’s why he slid as far as he did. He should be ok.

    Grant, is Donald Stephenson the Broncos swing tackle or starter?

    Lynch for Fuller would be risky because he’s part of the All Baalke ACL Club. What if he doesn’t come back like he was?

    I still like moving Dial to Denver for Schofield OG.

    Maybe they’re testing Brooks to see how he responds given his temper tantrum in his previous demotion.

    1. Yeah, we spent weeks on the subject. Deja Vu all over again.
      :-)

      Foster is the maintenance man. He can do it all and requires maintenance.

  10. Grant I like your reporting on thing’s that are relevant to player development and player evaluation as far how you think a player Will perform on a given day.The problem is you make to many snap judgment’s. Today the Denver press was raving about Paxton lynch’s performance. Let it play out, you will be better reporter if you do.

    1. Thats what Grant does. One day Player X is the best and will be the starter come September, the next day he is trash and will be cut.

    1. Winston still makes too many dumb decisions. If he can clean that up, then the sky is the limit. He was on his back in the game tonight, surrounded by defenders and threw it into the end zone, without having a clue where his receivers were. It got picked, but the refs said he had been sacked (Bad Call). The play was not reviewable, so he caught a big break. Winston’s HC was livid, as he should have been.

      1. Agree. To me it’s surprising because he is obviously an intelligent QB. Surely when he watches a play like that on film, he must be able to make a mental note to never do that again. But something isn’t quite registering.

        IIRC, I believe Gruden said something to the effect that there is no room for that type of play at any level of football (and that includes peewee football).

        1. Winston or Carr? Winston has the lower floor, and that brain fart down on the goal line in the Red Zone is a perfect example, but he also has the higher ceiling. He’s 3 years younger than Carr, believe it or not, plus Tampa’s offensive line looks better, and they provided him with more weapons. I think Winston is primed to have a career year this season….

          1. Like Mariotta, this is the year where we determine are these guys elite or just your game manager type QB’s.
            The Titans play in a weak division and they should contend.
            The Bucs added a lot of help for Jamison and he has to show he truly was worth taking that high.

  11. I will believe Harold has improved when I see it for myself. Last year he was the pits.

  12. Alarming.
    1. Ferg says he can play. The injury could linger into the season or this injury could happen multiple times a year to anyone like Bow. Thanks for the details of the fight. Foster led with the shoulder in question. He wasn’t too worried about it. I read that he was sad when he was told he couldn’t play today. Maybe Foster is being reckless, but Foster is expected to play Saturday. This isn’t a serious injury. This is something he will probably have throughout his career. He will play through this injury.

    1. Bow will be fine, stingers are nothing.
      Its essentially a pinched nerve that causes a lot of pain for a few minutes. A long one will last for 10 so no games will be missed.

      1. I agree. I was referring to this.

        http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-Foster-limited-in-practice-with-shoulder-11865853.php

        “Shanahan noted Foster’s injury is common among linebackers. NaVorro Bowman left practice early Thursday with a similar issue and later said he’s “probably had a million of these.”

        Both injuries are commonplace, especially with LBs. And they are both minor. I understand the concern, but this isn’t another torn labrum for Foster. He and Bow are expected to play through their injuries.

        1. That’s good to know… it seems Fosters recent injury is even less of an issue to be concerned with.

  13. I’m wondering if there is something up with our Medical staff. I know looking at their credentials they are fantastic. But they signed off on Baalke ACL squad and now they continue to do that with this regime.

    Like how did they not see the Marcus Lattimore?

      1. Razor,
        Well, I for one, am hoping that Foster can “shoulder” the responsibility of honesty.

    1. Robinson seems to have the height Baalke was looking for (ala Sherman), but his light weight may be an issue in the NFL.
      Bulking up may help him better absorb the hitting, but the catch-22 could be that more weight might slow him down a step or two.
      One thing that Robinson has that someone like Witherspoon does not have is the ability to tackle, and yet that could end up being his greatest liability.
      O-Cords will put their biggest WR’s up against Robinson and it’s a good bet that they will out muscle him more times than not.
      Personally, I would like to see Robinson bulk up a little more even he might lose a step. I believe that his great football instincts will make up for the loss of a step or two, plus keep him on the field.

      1. It’s a good point about Robinson’s weight, but, if the team felt he really needed to bulk up, then I think they would have let him know what weight they wanted him at for TC. Similar to what they told other players. Of course, it’s possible that they did, and he just wasn’t able to bulk up fast enough. He’s had a few pressers, which I admit to not having followed. I assume he didn’t mention anything about the team asking him to come in at a certain weight?

      2. Biggest or fastest AES. I don’t think Robinson is capable of defending against either type.

        1. Mid,
          Well he better be able to defend, because as of now he is considered our best secondary player.
          I like Robinson’ football instincts and believe that he just needs to put on some muscle to help him absorb contact better.
          I’m hoping Witherspoon can become a great player for us as well.
          I still see ugly flashbacks of Russell Wilson killing us in the playoffs some years ago with his ad lib passing down field because we didn’t have great secondary players.
          Hopefully Robinson and Witherspoon can close the gap.

  14. I agree Grant. Why risk further injury in a meaningless game(s). Sit him for the rest of the preseason so he’s as close to 100% as possible. Nobody is ever quite the same after suffering a major injury.

  15. Not particularly breaking news when the doctor says Foster’s shoulder will never be as good as new.

    Same goes for ACLs or other cirurgically repaired parts for that matter.

    It does not mean it has a high probability of re-injury. It is higher than a non cirurgically repaired shoulder but may not be high.
    It varies from one person to other and sometimes the player may have a long career free of re-injuries.
    Just ask Frank Gore.

      1. Actually, Henne will supplant Bortles next week.
        .
        The WRs dropped those balls from Henne, because they were so surprised to see a well thrown ball.

        1. Bortles gets cut and the Jags will go with Henne and the 2nd year kid from Arkansas, Brandon Allen. Allen might wind up being their #1 by next year.

          1. Henne was on target, and like Gruden claims, he is well rested and has not been hit for over 2 years.
            .
            I liked Allen, but he was also going up against the scrubs.

    1. Henne is better than Kaepernick. Absolutely zero reason to sign a guy who will be a major distraction, either through his actions or because of the intensity of the media coverage, when all you really need to do is demote Bortles to #2 and promote Henne to #1.

      1. “Henne is better than Kaepernick.” Wow. Just wow.

        Not signing Kap because of the perception that it might cause a distraction is defensible (stupid, IMO, but defensible). Not signing Kap because you believe Chad Henne is a better QB? Now that’s objectively ridiculous.

        1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess. I think Kaepernick is a better QB than Brian Hoyer. I think Henne is a better QB than Kaepernick. CK is obviously a better athlete and his career stats are better than Henne’s. BUT it’s hard to compare the 2 because their situations are so different. Henne is a MUCH MUCH MUCH more natural passer than Kaepernick. Henne has played behind some of the worst O-lines in the NFL so he’s gotten hammered. He does not have the escapability of CK but Henne has much better pocket awareness and movement in the pocket than CK. Henne is a much better fit for the Jags offense than Colin Kaepernick. I wouldn’t sign CK if I were the Jags because I think they have better options already on the roster. Thats just how it is.

        2. CK’s best and maybe only option, at least right now, is the Jets. Geographically it fits with where he wants to be and there is no QB on that roster better than CK. Plus the OC is a former 49er coach during CK’s time with the team so he knows him well. Probably the biggest obstacle is the Jets owner is now an Ambassador so the political implications of CK’s protest might be too much for the owner to handle. IMHO, the only 2 teams in the NFL where Kaepernick is clearly better than any QB on the team are the 49ers and the Jets. We know the 49ers don’t want him and the Jets haven’t felt the heat from their fanbase yet. You might be able to argue CK is better than any QB on the Broncos roster but I’m actually a Paxton Lynch fan. I think the kid has real potential so the Broncos may not want to deal with adding another QB to that mix until they figure out what they really have with the guys competing for the spot.

          1. Houston, New York City media would eat him alive with all that’s going on with Trump there as well.
            It would be a circus that the Jets would be foolish to get into.
            They are better off tanking and getting the Wyoming QB.

            1. The media frenzy going on right now is disgraceful. Ck inserted himself into the political battle field so I think he would be prepared to handle the insanity that comes with media attention related to the craziness going on right now. IMHO, the reason the Jets wouldn’t sign CK has more to do with the owner needing to present a certain diplomatic presence in his role as Ambassador.

      2. Kaep should not go to a 3-13 team, because it would be like the Niners and their 2-14 squad. If surrounded with talent, he would do well. Kaep could lead a team to the playoffs, but it would help to have a playoff team’s talent.
        .
        I wonder if Elway may be desperate enough to pull the trigger on signing Kaep.
        .
        Yes, Lynch looked good last practice, but he may be a practice warrior. That first practice with pads on showed him up as pedestrian. Elway will give Lynch every chance in the world, but in the end, I think he really wants to win, and he did show interest last season. The Broncos were fresh off a SB win, did not sign Kaep, and did not make the playoffs last year.
        .
        Another team who may have interest is Buffalo, especially if Tyrod Taylor pulls a Gabbert and benches himself. It would be interesting to see Kaep match up against Brady. The Patriots have already been anointed winners of the East, so it might take desperate measures to dethrone them.

          1. Why are we talking about a has been? Can we bring up RG III leading a team to the playoffs?

            1. Exactly. Still talking about a guy who the league has said no thanks to.
              He’s done.

      3. Henne really isn’t better then Kaepernick.

        Henne has started 12 or more games in 3 seasons. For those 3 seasons he avg 13td a year but 16 int. He avg 60% completion and 6.5 ypa. In the 3 years that Kaepernick appeared in 12 or more games he averaged 17td to 7int with a 7.2avg and 59% completion.

        Kaepernick might not be a lot better then Henne but he isn’t worse.

    2. CFC,
      Would Jacksonville need to change their offense since Kap is not a pocket passer?
      As much as I would like to see CK play in the NFL, I don’t see his style of play as a fit anymore.
      His original element of surprise has been mapped out by every team and is no longer viable.

      1. Really just proposed the thought as he would be a one year bridge to them drafting a QB high next Spring. I don’t know if they would change the offense as much as just simplify it. You got to keep in mind, it’s not that he doesn’t know how to pass from the pocket, he’s just not very good at it.

        1. CFC,
          I get your point, but if Kap is merely a bridge QB for one year why take a chance on him?
          Yes, CK can make throws from the pocket but his technique is flawed in that he he holds the ball to long before releasing and never seems to plant his feet to throw because he is always ready to run when he feels a defender is close.
          If the NFL has no place for CK he may need to explore the CFL and hope he can develop his pocket presence there for a couple of years before making a comeback in the big league.

  16. Grant –
    If it were YOUR scrawny shoulder I would be alarmed. Foster is not you, he is a human wrecking ball. He has more muscle in one ear lobe than you have in your entire body. It’s pre-season, you play it safe with starters. You’re completely overreacting.
    As for the family doctor you emailed…I fully reject his opinion. I’m going with my wifes uncle (Dr Hamad’s opinion). He replied to a text I sent him earlier and he says Foster will be fine.

    1. Crab,

      I like your doctor better than Grant’s.

      seb,

      Yes Foster still got injured, but his cuff held up. The surgery took. Ferg was right. The anonymous sources were wrong.

    2. Crab15,
      Welcome back boss!
      I must admit that I’m a little concerned not so much with Foster’ shoulder but rather with the way he plays.
      His human-missile style of play could effect him much sooner than later. If it’s not a shoulder injury it could be a concussion with his relentless aggressive style.

      Chris Borland left after one season because his style of play led to one to many concussions.
      I wanted us to draft Foster because of his fearless play, now I’m concerned that his career wil be short lived because of it.

      1. Hello AES, I was in here draft night and a couple other times. I’m easing my way back (a little rusty).
        I’d rather get 5-6 missile/wrecking ball years out of Foster than 8-9 years of Freddie P. Soft.
        ….Go Niners & Go Blue :-)

        1. Crab 15,
          I hear you. Glad to have you back rusty or not.
          I remember Ronnie Lott (another human missile) wearing what looked like gladiator size shoulder pads back in the day. I wonder if something like that could help Foster. Anything (equipment) that can help keep Foster on the field (if he has lingering shoulder issue throughout his career) would fine with me.

  17. According to google, the “expert” physician sited above is in Family Practice… NOT an orthopaedic surgeon which means he doesn’t do rotator cuff repairs (look him up!). An acute low grade AC sprain (separated shoulder) has nothing to do with a previous rotator cuff surgery. “Tearing a rotator cuff is going to do some damage to the other shoulder tissues, so they will be weaker” is an absurd, generalized statement. Furthermore just like an intact biceps tendon allows you to do curls, Foster’s intact rotator cuff is allowing him to react just fine, as evidenced by his deft ability to snatch interceptions this spring. You can’t reach overhead/away from your body with an injured rotator cuff!. Leave the diagnosing and the treatment to the orthopedists who actually examine the shoulder and review the MRI films!!

    1. Of course, it would be easy to diagnose the problem if we had his medical chart, so speculation that it is just a slight sprain could be as true as a double tear.
      .
      Still, that same medical staff cleared Foster for full contact, and now he is injured. Them’s are facts, too.

      1. Error #80. i put this in the wrong place earlier.

        seb,

        Yes Foster still got injured, but his cuff held up. The surgery took. Ferg was right. The anonymous sources were wrong.

  18. Grant needed to email a doctor to find out Foster’s shoulder will never be good as new. Lol duh. That’s usually what happens when you have surgery. Not concerned about Robinson or the other CB spot yet. Dumb reading. Sorry I clicked.

  19. 80, you are right, I am only speculating, and just want to have an abundance of caution.
    .
    Hope he can recover fully and help win the opener.

    1. We’re both speculating. I liked your post because it was true (he still got injured) and it led to my speculation that the cuff surgery probably took. I look at this as a minor issue and a sign that his shoulder won’t shatter into a million pieces when he inevitably gets banged up as a NFL LB.

  20. What did I say earlier about narrative leading? Classic! Grant refused to take the what was the given to him so he cherry picked a medical “expert” who would ratify his narrative. Good job Grant, instant click bait.

  21. Another excellent in-depth report. A few points that stood out for me today were:

    – Trent Baalke’s obsession with trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.
    – Ray Ray Armstrong is certainly not a great fit at MIKE. He’s not a physical, instinctive guy who’s going to take on blockers, but he is a former Safety, and if you keep him clean and allow him to fly around the field or drop into coverage, he’s fast and athletic enough to excel as a Weak-Side Backer in this defense.
    – I agree with your take on A. Lynch. It’s a shame because he’s so physically gifted, but I can only imagine how unreliable he will be if/when he signs a big contract.
    – That is a funny story about R. Robinson. Maybe Sapp’s comment will have an impact on him moving forward because he’s got outstanding press coverage skills, speed, and an alpha dog mentality, and the term alpha dog isn’t synonymous with the term faker.
    – I like Foster’s mentality. This kid doesn’t just move around like a big cat, he’s mentally and physically tough like a lion. Let’s hope he can stay relatively healthy. Many players have recovered from this type of injury without it becoming a chronic, long term problem. I think he’s destined to become the 49ers next great MLB in the very near future!
    – I think the 49ers are going to be in a lot of games this year, we’ll see if they can finish games.
    – Colbert is rangy, athletic, and physical. He is quietly playing himself onto this roster.
    – The 49ers will pull off a nice trade possibly as soon as Saturday.
    – The 49ers will also cover the -2.5 points spread on Saturday. They win a low scoring defensive battle, something like 20-16, or perhaps 17-13.

  22. SportMed, are you a doctor?
    Grant never said he was an orthopedic surgeon he said the doc was on the California Athletic Commision. Only a dumb ass attacks some one personnaelly like that.

  23. Grant,
    (If you are awake yet) Thanks for the update on Taumoepenu I think he is going to be a stud. How about Witherspoon? How did he look yesterday? I think he will develop into a quality cover corner, he may never be a great tackler but if he can learn to wrap and hold on for help and that may be enough.

  24. Grant,
    The medical specialist you used to diagnose Foster’s A-C joint sprain without actually seeing Foster is a Family Practice physician who specializes in adolescent pediatrics, infectious diseases and sports medicine.
    His affiliation with the CA State Athletic Commission is as a Ringside Physician for boxing matches.
    I’m not saying he isn’t credible, but an opinion on Foster’s shoulder would be more credible if it came from an orthopedic surgeon. Preferably an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders.

    1. “I’m not saying he isn’t credible, but an opinion on Foster’s shoulder would be more credible if it came from an orthopedic surgeon. Preferably an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders.”

      Or, you know, a doctor who had actually examined Foster and was familiar with his particular situation….

      1. Leo,
        It would break confidentiality for a Doctor who has actually seen Foster to comment on his diagnosis to anyone without Fosters permission.

        1. OldCoach, yes, I agree. And the proper journalistic response to that reality is not to offer a sensationalized and totally uninformed opinion of a family practice doctor specializing in infectious diseases in children, whose only experience with sports injuries is working as a ringside physician for boxing matches from time to time.

          That’s the issue. The fact that you can’t get an informed opinion from someone who actually knows the situation doesn’t mean you just start offering up pure guesswork by an uninformed source as medical fact.

          1. Leo: I agree with some of what you say and in particular in an earlier post you phrased how Grant should have written this particular topic. However, I think Grant’s doctor was speaking in generalities. Sort of like if a patient has pancreatic cancer, the odds of them living past five years is very low. That statement is based on statistical analysis. In this case, his experience has probably led him to believe that these types of shoulder injuries are related. But you’re right in that even the doctor should have phrased his response in the form of “I haven’t examined the individual but in my experience…….”.

            I guess the other reason why most of us are not making a big deal out of this is that we know Grant and his tendencies. Having said that, he has improved in being less sensationalistic [which I believe that we bloggers have contributed to via regular beat downs when he is overly sensationalistic :)]

            1. Can’t disagree with any of that. I think part of why I made this comment is that I thought Grant had gotten marginally better at toning down the obviously click-baity headlines and outrageous hot takes–but then this one comes across the wires after yesterday’s tweet on the same topic. He should be better than this, but instead of differentiating himself through more thoughtful analysis and better reporting, he seems to be reverting to using shock value as the differentiator.

    2. No orthopedic surgeon would venture a diagnosis without consulting his chart. This is all just speculation, and I think Furness is perfectly qualified to give us information of a general nature.
      .
      Maybe you have put on blinders, but the fact of the matter is that he had surgery, he had complications, and now his surgically repaired shoulder is causing him pain.
      .
      Now they are saying that he will play, but that entails risk for further injury.

      1. You’ve missed the point. Yes, “this is all just speculation”, but it was presented in terms that did not convey that it was speculation. The mere title of this article is evidence of that. As for the qualifications of the doctor, I’ll have to disagree there as well. There are probably 500 doctors between Santa Clara and Santa Rosa who are better qualified than a family practice doctor to offer theoretical explanations about the severity of a shoulder injury, the likelihood that it was related to a prior shoulder surgery, and that the player’s shoulder would “never be as good as new.”

        1. I did not miss the point at all, Yes there are many qualified orthopedic surgeons, but they would never ever make a diagnosis without examining the player, and consulting his medical chart, so it would just be speculation, and many surgeons are too professional to throw out wild guesses.
          .
          Dr Furness is a family practice doctor, but he also is a sports medicine doctor, so he is familiar with many sports related injuries. He only talked in broad general terms, and saying that it will never be as good as new, is a safe and uncontroversial thing to say.
          .
          For you to speculate that the surgically repaired shoulder that had complications, has absolutely nothing to do with his new shoulder pain, defies reality.

          1. Yes, you did miss the point. Entirely. Grant offered a sensationalized conclusion:

            “In other words, that shoulder will never be good as new. Sounds like Foster’s torn rotator cuff inevitably will lead to other shoulder injuries throughout his career. ”

            The point is that a journalist should refrain from this kind of hyperbolic editorializing that in no way represents a fact. “Never” as good as new? Really. “Inevitably”? Is that right?

            I am not saying that Foster’s should is fine, or that it WON’T be as good as new. That would be the inverse of what Grant is doing and what I am criticizing him for. The entire point is that neither Grant, nor I, nor you, nor this doctor know the condition of Foster’s shoulder–and while it’s fine to speculate, you should call it that and not present it as fact by using terms like “never” and “inevitably”. Unless, that is, you are trying to stir the pot and gain clicks and eyeballs.

            I further cannot understand the logic you use regarding this doctor’s qualification. You’ve essentially said that of course a family practice doctor should be consulted to give an opinion on the condition of a shoulder of a patient he has never seen–because no orthopedic doctor worth his/her salt would ever make a diagnosis without examining the player or examining his medical chart. Why should the standard be lower for a family practice doctor than an orthopedist? If the most qualified class of doctor will not offer an opinion on the condition of person who is not their patient, how is the answer to go out and get a quote from a less qualified doctor in a different practice area?

            1. Grant consulted a doctor who has given good general knowledge about sports injuries before. He is a sports medicine doctor.
              .
              Of course, no competent doctor will make a diagnosis without a full medical evaluation and reading the medical chart, but he was just asked in general terms about shoulder joint injuries. I learned something new.
              .
              Obviously, you are denigrating his qualifications, and would rather Grant consults with Dr William Andrews or Dr. Steadman, but their consultation fees are astronomical compared to some free general thoughts on shoulder injuries. He obviously did not examine Foster, and did not make a specific diagnosis.

              1. Are you purposely trying to avoid my point? Consulting a doctor “who has given good general knowledge about sports injuries” does not mean characterizing that general knowledge as specifically applying to Reuben Foster. This is my point. Grant took a general statement about shoulder injuries and made it specific to Foster by claiming that he will NEVER be the same again and that Foster will INEVITABLY hurt his shoulder again.

                THESE. ARE. NOT. FACTS. These are opinions about a specific player and his specific injury, offered up as if they were facts.

                I am not denigrating this doctor. I am reasonably stating that a man whose primary practice according to his professional profile on the website of the hospital who employs him calls himself a family practice doctor and who describes his medical philosophy as:

                Philosophy of Care As a family medicine doctor, I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages. It is very rewarding to care for everyone in the family, from parents to their children to their grandparents.

                If you consider this to be a quality source of information for remotely diagnosing and discussing a particular NFL player’s shoulder injury, I guess I simply disagree and posit that there are far greater sources than a family medicine doctor.

              2. I am just glad Grant consulted a doctor who has a breadth of knowledge; even sports injuries pertaining to the shoulder.
                .
                He is eminently more qualified than all of this blog, and especially the peanut gallery.
                .
                He dealt in generalities, and only expressed his opinion, which had a range of possibilities.
                .
                To say that a shoulder that had surgery and complications, and now more pain, will never ever be injured again, is specious. The shoulder was weakened, and there is a good chance that he will re-injure it, especially if he leads with that shoulder, which he does all the time. In fact he led with it during a fight, another good way to injure it further.
                .
                He was speaking from experience, and just stated that the weakened shoulder will INEVITABLY be hurt again,, because he knows Foster is going to play football, and hitting on a weakened shoulder will not make it better.
                .
                I will reiterate, you want Dr Steadman, but he charges a lot for a consultation. We got the same general information for free.

    3. You guys jumping on Grants choice of physician is comical. Grant reached out to a noted medical professional for a comment to see if an AC Joint sprain could be related to a labrum surgery. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the doctor providing a comment. In fact, it’s commendable that Grant tried to get the comment of a medical professional instead of inserting his own opinion. You just don’t like what the Dr said so you attack the messenger. It’s like you guys are freshman Lincoln Douglas debaters. It’s seriously juvenile. My son had a major shoulder surgery performed by a prominent surgeon in Houston who has operated on several major league baseball pitchers and several football players. On our first visit to the doctor, he told my son that he had dislocated a perfectly healthy shoulder so even after surgery he should be aware the surgically repaired shoulder would never be the same. Without the surgery, my son had a 90% chance of another dislocation. After the surgery, he has about a 10% chance of dislocation. The doctor said he may also anticipate additional complications with the shoulder because the AC JOINT will never be as stable as it was prior to the injury.

      My opinion is the AC Joint sprain is undoubtedly related to Foster’s surgery. Is that a big deal? No, it’s not. It will become a big deal if Foster experiences more significant injuries that cause him to miss more time.

      1. I really appreciate Grant doing his due diligence. He provides a lot of the ingredients that you can use to formulate your own recipe.

      2. Houston, I will consider you an expert on the subject because you have personal knowledge and experience.
        .
        However, I will not ask you to make any diagnosis, without a medical chart. ;p

  25. Patriots could be interested in Aaron Lynch as their top pick DE Derek Rivers could be lost for the season.

    1. Prime,
      Belichick has been known to take on players who have spotty work ethic, he believes that the Patriot culture will rub off. What do you think the 9ers could get back for him?

      1. Coach,

        Considering pass rushers are very hard to find, a return would have to address a key need possibly along the offensive line?

        What do you think?

    2. No, the Niners should not be handing the Pats another ring. which that possibly could do. I am already mad that the Saints gave them Cooks.
      .
      Instead, they should be weakening them by poaching a player from the 53 cut list.

      1. How can one poach a cut player??? They don’t want them, they can’t keep them, the best you’re going to get is a practice squad guy and if that guy was good enough to make the 53 man roster, he’d be on it. Signing a practice squad guy isn’t smart thinking since you have to put him on your active roster, so a guy who isn’t good enough to be on another teams active roster now replaces the spot of someone on yours. There are 53 guys on this team who are worthy of being on the 53 man roster, no need to get a developmental guy from other teams.

        This makes no sense.

        Then again its Seb.

        1. Em, maybe you did not know this, but the Pats won the last SB. Maybe you think it is ludicrous to obtain a player from a SB team, but I disagree.
          .
          There will be a day after preseason when the league mandates the teams cut down to 53. The Pats will expose many players to be possibly picked up, then they can sign them up to their PS. I want the Niners to trade away players so they have room to acquire more players. I want the Niners to sign one of those cut players. Heck, maybe after a couple games, they can poach another player off their PS, which will weaken them further. I am just saying that those marginal Pats players may be more talented than players from a 2-14 team.
          .
          I want the Niners to grab a player who was just cut from the Patriots, Seahawks, and a cut O lineman from the Cowboys. I want those players because they come from playoff teams, and could possibly be big upgrades. They might help the Niners win more games. I want them to grab a Seahawk not only to weaken them, but gain intel.

      2. How exactly would handing a player with a spotty work ethic be to a team who just won the Super Bowl be giving that team another ring Seb? They have Tom Brady; that’s enough to give them a 90% chance of winning another ring for crying out loud!

        1. The rich keep getting richer. They obtained Cooks, who has 4.3 speed. Giving them the Niner’s leading pass rusher may help their defense, and BB is a master at motivating players and resurrecting player’s careers.
          .
          Lynch would be walking on egg shells in his desire to fit in, because he would just consider he died, and gone to heaven. He, like many other players, would jump through hoops to get a ring. Pats would be a dream come true for him, since they are favored to repeat.

            1. No team should aid the Patriots in any way. BB will take a player from the scrap heap and turn him into solid gold.
              .
              Many teams are furious at the Saints to give Tom Brady a potent weapon to throw to when they traded Cooks to the Pats.
              .
              Heck, Pats traded away players and still won the SB.
              .
              My biggest proof that BB is a master and everyone else pales in comparison, he traded DEVEY to the Niners. Then won a SB.
              .
              Look at the present odds for winning the SB. 7-2. That is 3.5 to one. Dallas, the next team, is 12-1.
              .
              Niners are 200-1.

  26. Seb, once again, proving his football acumen and the bar is low.

    Actually these fights are logical and show that all of the coaches did their homework. These practice fights occurred from the scrimmages that took place last year…..The 49ers film their scrimmage and bet your bottom dollar that Lynch and Shanny watched, horrified at the CowChip Kelly 49ers getting their A$$ES kicked all over the gridiron by the Denver Broncos and vowed…..It won’t happen next year…..

    I remember those sceimmages and read all new accounts, horrified myself, when the 49ers got their confidence kicked out of them leading into the regular season, that ultimately led to their death spiral of a season.

    Grant does raise good points about Pita Taumeopenu (Go Utes !! 3 of you gonna make it to the 49ers) and Foster…. Foster s/b suited up like an aging vet with 2 more good years left–since that’s what that shoulder equates to. It’s degenerative now.
    Save him for the film room, practices w/o pads, and game day……Come on Shanny, use that intelligence and borrow a page from the master here….He didn’t win all those SB’s witout his stars !!!! Go Niners !!!

    1. Tom, Sebnnoying has never played football, he has zero idea when it comes to this stuff.

  27. And since Seb broached the subject, It’s fair play to comment on it.

    And if Seb wants to respond, then your argument is with Bill Walsh, SuperBowl winner, via , Joe Montana:

    “Everyone thinks it is the stance he took; one of the things you don’t look for is distractions in the locker room. You can go back to Bill Walsh and as soon as there were guys that weren’t fitting in what he was looking for, it didn’t matter how good you were. You weren’t on the team for very long. You have to have people who want the same thing, fighting for the same thing and willing to put in the time…

      1. Prime,

        If Walsh heard that, and you have the rest of the team banging in practice with the QB “not concered about his mechanics,” wearing headphones, how long would he last on a Walsh coached team ?

        League fines Kaepernick for wearing non-Bose headphones
        Posted by Mike Florio on October 9, 2014, 3:57 PM EDT

        1. Yeah Tom, Kaepernick is a dead issue in SF, let him be another’s teams problem.
          I personally think he will never play again in the NFL.

          1. Prime,

            I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Canada. I think he “could take the league by story.”

  28. Saleh sounds like a nice guy. Too bad his players ignore him.
    .
    Fights in practice are counter productive, and the Niners avoided a catastrophe when Foster led with his hurt shoulder, but sounds like he did not do any further damage to it.
    .
    Players who fight, have lost control, and lack discipline. Those 2 things have been a weakness for the last few years, so I hope the coaches can coach them up about being focused, imperturbable and not prey to their emotions.
    .
    The coaches should tell the players that the other team will goad and needle Niner players in an attempt to rattle them and get them off their game. Their goal would be to try and upset the Niners so much, they lose control and retaliate, which may cost them the game. Niner players should play energized, but in control.
    .
    I hope Robinson, cuts down on his chatter, because it just motivates the other players to shut him up. Then he will get Sapped.
    .
    I hope the Niners can change the culture, and play so smart and efficiently, it will upset their opponents. Yes, and maybe goad their opponents into making those unforced errors.

    1. Seb you’ve never played the game, probably never been in an altercation.
      Best to sit this one out instead of trying to be smart.

            1. You are a legend to Grant because of 2 words:
              Click bait.

              Without Sebrazor posting over 50% of the comments this blog would be dead.

            2. Quite honestly I do not care if Grant had said that to me Seb for two reasons.

              1) The statement would still apply if Grant had said that about me.
              2) My ego does not need to be stroked like a cat.

              1. Mid, good riposte.
                .
                I just thought it was metaphorically a good swift kick in the teeth to my detractors.
                .
                (Dont fool yourself)

              2. Sorry Seb, but that is what is looked like. If that wasn’t the case, then I apologize. But seriously, don’t post that Grant or anyone else on here called you Legend or whatever; it comes across as nothing but an ego trip.

              3. Mid let him have his glory.He apparently needs the stroking from strangers on a blog.

              4. Mid, maybe you should watch those periscope after practice podcasts by Grant. He singled out Razoreater, Brodie to Washington, Scooter, CFC (even though he cant stand him) Old Coach, and yours truly.
                .
                He even laughed and said I was a legend, so he was probably trolling me.

              5. You should be so proud Seb. Without all those people Grants blog is dead.
                You all post so much, you keep his blog alive.
                I guess when you don’t have a real job, you can post 15-20 times a day.

  29. Not sure if this is good, but sounds like Mrs. York took Jed’s Toy Away:

    “I’m going to drop a little bombshell on you right here,” Plummer said. “I’ve heard that this hire was not the hire of Jed York. I heard that it came from a much higher source than Jed York and you might think to yourself, ‘Woah, what’s higher than Jed York?’ How about Jed York’s mother (Denise DeBartolo York)?

    “I’m just telling you that’s what I’ve heard and sources have said she has been embarrassed. Now, remember, this is a woman who grew up with her father (Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.) owning the Pittsburgh Penguins and I think she loved hockey and she was involved in – I think they might have even won the Stanley Cup when they were there in terms of ownership. But seeing that and seeing her brother (Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.) win championship after championship after championship, winning is in her blood.”
    http://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/108102-gary-plummer-49ers-new-regime-hires-came-above/

    1. J York and K Shanahan as kids. Very interesting comments by Gary Plummer. So, Kyle–at age 15–was soaking up football acumen while being a ball boy Jed was about the same age back then, and one could imagine him around the team also–but not as frequently (I assume). What was Jed soaking up? Pokemon stuff?

      1. Jed was amassing imaginary assests of BoardWalk and ParkPlace, all the Railroads, etc, playing the game of Monopoly.

        But Jed never learned the adage: Man does not live by bread alone, so grew up w/o sharing with others or any concept of community involvement—-it was always about Jed, so the 49ers to him are strictly a ledger sheet–one side profits, the other, losses. Wins and losses involve community enjoyment, something as alien to Jed, as a good book for Christmas.

        1. So was Eddie. He was a snot-nosed, rich-kid who’d accomplished absolutely nothing in his life prior to getting the 49ers. The only difference between Eddie and Jed was Jed’s had worse coach/GM luck and the idiotic media narrative that goes with it.

          Eddie was lucky that the Rams reneged on the contract with Walsh back in ’78. Eddie was Lucky Walsh’s wife, Geri, didn’t want to live in Chicago (who’d given him an offer in ’78). Eddie was lucky Walsh thought the NY Giants organization was too top-heavy. Anyone of those teams could have had Walsh in ’78.

          And without Walsh, we wouldn’t have 5 Rings. Because guys like Walsh are rare talents. Belichick is one. Landry was one. Lombardi was one. You’re lucky to see one coach your team.

          Heck, you’re lucky if you get a coach who is a difference maker never mind a rare talent. But before Walsh (who turned him down the first time in ’77) took the job Eddie:

          Fired Monte Clark (play-off caliber coach)
          Hired & Fired Meyer, O’Conner and McCulley

          Anway, thanks to all the organization chaos, fan hatred, and some other things, Eddie Sr. eventually sent Carmen Policy out to keep the reins on Eddie. Which was a good thing because Eddie fired Walsh at least five times before Walsh finally retired.

          So, I’ve seen this clown-school whinging before. It’s no different today with Jed than it was with 49ers from ’77 through mid-’81. And only the genius of Walsh changed his ownership fortunes.

          1. Every team has had good and bad luck on and off the field.

            Walsh ultimately retired. So when Ed ‘fired’ Walsh, he either had a change of heart, change of brain, or he deferred to football people (Policy). He ‘fired’ Walsh because he wanted to win every game. Conversely, Jed is a penny pincher who doesn’t give two $hit$ about the on field product.

            I don’t understand why you think a football owner should have superior football knowledge. All the owner has to do is be willing to spend money and let the real football people make the decisions. That’s exactly what Ed did.

            Nice job omitting the fact that Ed would take potential FAs to Hawaii on his jet. And the family atmosphere he created. And how he took care of his injured players out of his own wallet instead of looking at his players as cattle and charging them for bottled water.

            1. Both u guys are right. While he really cared and loved his players, he really, actually thought they should win every game. This, from a rich, spoiled guy with no perspective whatsoever.

              A real Jekyll and Hyde owner-and yet, we were ultimately lucky to have him.

          2. Yes, but you forgot to mention Eddie grew up, and became a Hall of Famer.
            .
            Eddie was railroaded by a crooked politician, and lost the team he loved, which has been promptly run into the ground. Only the JH years gave us a glimmer of hope. JH helped build that stadium, then they stabbed him in the back and kicked him to the curb. Luckily, he bounced back to land at his alma mater.
            .
            Jed should be a leader. If his fear of tweets is preventing him from trying to do everything in his power to improve the team, maybe he should admit defeat and hold himself accountable.

            1. Now we hear from Gary Plummer that the Lynch hire was not Jed’s call. That makes sense because Jed and Paraag were stumbling, bumbling around, being humiliated in his GM search, and had no time to think things through.
              .
              Now we know why Kaep was given a fair opportunity. It certainly was not because of Jed. He was enthralled with Baalke, who wanted to cut Kaep on the team bus. Jed’s mother held Jed to his word, when he made promises to renegotiate the contract, and probably insisted that they would allow Kaep to leave if he wanted to, instead of holding onto him, benching him like what happened to RGIII, and leave him twisting in the wind.
              .
              I hope she holds Jed’s feet to the fire, and make him keep his word. When Jed said he would do everything in his power to help the Niners win, she should remind him of that.
              .
              Saying that Hoyer and CJB are superior to Kaep is a cruel joke, tinged with emotions, with political and racial overtones.
              .
              Charlottesville exposed the ugly underside, and maybe we need some folks to stand up and be courageous. Being afraid of a mean tweet is not a profile in courage.

    2. This is actually old, rehashed news.

      And, yes, she was running the Penguins when they won the Stanley Cup. In fact, unless things have changed, she’s the only woman to have her name engraved on the cup.

  30. A week ago we were encouraged by Lynch getting 2 sacks and playing very well overall in the game against the Chiefs. Now after Grant mentioned him quitting in the second part of a drill the talk has turned to getting rid of him again. I don’t subscribe to that thinking and here’s why: we don’t have anyone as good as he is to replace him. If you trade or release Lynch which has also been suggested, you have to have a viable replacement and the Niners don’t.

    Currently they are starting Armstead who has 2 and 2.5 sacks in his two years with the team and has a history of shoulder problems. When they go to Nickel, Dumervil comes in but he had only 3 sacks last season and is clearly on the downside of his career. Pita T. is a 6th round draft pick who lacks experience and before this week hadn’t been talked about at all. That is what we are left with if Lynch is traded. Keep in mind that before last season, Lynch had put up 6 and 6.5 sack seasons and had only missed 2 games total. Last season started out bad with the suspension and then the weight gain and injury, but this guy has a lot of talent and for the first two years was one of the best pass rushers on the team. If I’m Shanny and Lynch, there is no way I’m getting rid of him unless he gives me a clear reason to do so. Stopping midway through a drill on the hill is not reason to do so imo.

    Edge rusher is one of the weakest and thinnest positions on this team, so getting rid of arguably the best option at that spot doesn’t make much sense to me.

    1. Forget the talent and production for a minute, even though he hasn’t demonstrated enough of it to warrant a pass on being over weight and injury prone.
      If the 49ers are redeveloping their culture, and it revolves around being a certain way, no veteran player will be kept. If they feel Lynch is a poor reflection on the type of culture they are building, he will be traded or cut. And if they have a draft pick like Pita waiting in the wings, that will make their decision easier.

      I don’t like getting rid of pass rushers as they are in high demand, but this guy has done nothing to prove they he isn’t replaceable.

      1. Don’t underestimate locker room culture–Joe Montana cited it in my above post.
        These guys are playing with house money now, and wasting no time on malcontents…..If a 49er isn’t buying in 100% they’re gone. It’s as simple as that.

        These guys essentially have a free year here, and are wasting zero time installing their culture. Lynch/Shanahan have taken a machete to last yrs. 49er roster. Currently 60 of their 90 players are Lynch/Shanny picked players.

      2. He’s not overweight – showed up in good shape for TC – or injury prone – missed 2 games in two seasons to start his career – Prime.

        Culture is important but you are assuming Lynch is a problem when he hasn’t been, at least to this point. So far in fact, he’s done everything asked of him, from showing up for all the voluntary offseason work, to getting his weight down to where the Coaching staff wanted it to be. Just last week his Coaches were speaking in glowing terms about how well he’s played in TC. Now after one observation from Grant, the rhetoric begins about how bad this guys character is with some going so far as to bring up what the conditioning coach at USF said a few years ago. How about we look at what is actually transpiring now instead of falling back on these stereotypical views from the past?

        As far as him being replaceable, I just listed the depth chart. Clearly they don’t have an established option better than he is right now. We can hope Armstead takes the next step, Dumervil finds the fountain of youth and Pita grows up fast, but right now the guy who has proven he can do the job with production on the field is Lynch.

        1. ” Just last week his Coaches were speaking in glowing terms about how well he’s played in TC. Now after one observation from Grant, the rhetoric begins about how bad this guys character is with some going so far as to bring up what the conditioning coach at USF said a few years ago.”
          ~ rocket

          Sometime between June and August, Grant’ reports and opinions have become gospel to some of our fine posters.
          Just like some posters have vented regarding Lynch’ past history, let’s be fair in also looking at Grant’ past history when reporting on certain players.

          1. Oh, please. His lack of character has been discussed since he was drafted.

            1. Character bad enough one his coaches ripped the 49ers from drafting him.
            2. Character was bad enough that every draft site that had descriptions pointed out he had character issues.
            3. Suspended for PEDSs/Drugs (not sure which).
            4. Has, in multiple years, come in fat and out-of-shape.

            This is Lynch. This is the guy we see. Time and time again:

            WEAKNESSES Classic underachiever. Questionable effort, motor and desire. Leaves production on the field. Does not play with passion and lacks urgency. Goes through the motions. Is not a strong or creative rusher and does not create plays. Lacks concentration and focus. Will require maintenance. Weight has fluctuated a lot. Managed just 18 bench-press reps at the combine. Did not show well at his pro day — managed a 29-inch vertical and recorded poor times in the three-cone drill (7.46 seconds) and short shuttle (4.61 seconds).

            He does just enough to get by. Makes just enough plays people think he’s going to put it all together. But, really, he’s just not motivated to go beyond ‘meh.’

            1. You pretty much repeated what Prime said and I already dealt with that. I’m not going to repeat myself.

        2. Actually he came in fat, pushing 300lbs. That’s not what they asked for. And he’s a professional. He knows what he’s supposed to do and he didn’t do it. He shouldn’t need to be babysat. Yet he needs to be babysat.

          1. Yeah, he came in fat, but I would be interested in what other players came in out of shape.
            My point is that Grant has a history of taking shots at players that make an easy target.
            Lynch is an easy target because of his past. But he has worked himself into playing shape and could possibly prove Grant and his band the Naysayers wrong.

              1. It’s actually common with rookies. They think they’re in shape. Or they think training camp is the place to get into shape.

                I’d be concerned if he comes in out-of-shape next year.

              2. “Not sure, but I think Goodwin showed up in Jerry Rice shape.”
                ~ Razor

                True, Goodwin showed up in Rice shape. But I’ll withhold my enthusiasm on Goodwin until he can post anything close to Rice numbers in real-game time play – not practice.

            1. And we need to look at his history. Something which some of you continually ignore. Quit on Notre Dame. Was lazy and not motivated at USF. Has been the same here.

              So enough with the excuses. He’s a ‘meh’ pass-rusher who hasn’t been able to outperform the old and worn-out Ahmed Brooks.

            2. “It’s actually common with rookies. They think they’re in shape. Or they think training camp is the place to get into shape.”
              ~ Moses

              I would think that rookies would have a greater sense of urgency to come to TC in shape than established vets.
              While I don’t feel that any player (vet or rookie) should show up out of shape, I certainly don’t adhere to the notion that a rookie should think that training camp is a place to get in shape. This line of thinking leaves the door open to suggest that not staying in shape until TC can be tolerated.
              If Lynch can be put on blast for this, so should anyone on the team who reports out of shape- rookies included.

            1. It is routine for coaches to ask several players to lose weight prior to camp. Lynch himself stated that several players were challenged to lose weight. Posters have lost sight of that fact and focuse solely on him. Grant has made sure of that!
              Additionally, some players struggle with weight, this is also not unusual. Does not speak of their character but of metabolism and they need particular care with their regimen to be sure, but remember that most of us would not stand up to this level of scrutiny day-in-and-day-out.

              Yes I know they sign a contract but that does not mean that every aspect of one’s life is to be regulated and owned by someone else. Think about that and then remember how young these guys are and cut them a bit of slack every once in awhile, especially when things are being reported about them which may or may not be factual!

    2. Good reasoning. The only way he should be gotten rid of, is if another team is desperately in need of another pass rusher due to their injuries, and the Niners can get good value for him. At least a third round pick.

    3. Thank you for logic and pointing out what our best pass rushing asset is. Grant is just looking to get a narrative going and many of us can’t help but fall for his little plot over and over again.

      If anyone has a better pass rusher than Lynch and Brooks pleas let them play.

      1. Like Montana said, “if a guy isn’t buying in, he’s gone, even if he’s good.”

        Part of buying in is conditioning. If Lynch is quitting in practice drills–not showing the brass that he wants it, he’s gone. If he was a 10 sack ProBowler, thy might think twice, but Lynch isn’t yet. He’s at the show me what you got stage with this group.

      2. Eli Harold may surprise a lot of folks, He was highly rated, but dropped in the draft due to a toe problem. Eli says this is the first season when he can push off on that toe and not feel pain.
        .
        Eli Harold took the first team snaps, so he may be the eventual starter.

      3. EC,

        There is a lot of group think and piling on that tends to take over the board sometimes. I think that is the case with Lynch and to a lesser extent Hyde and McDonald. I still have no idea why anyone would want to get rid of these players both due to the fact they are the best options at their position and the fact you would be giving away talent and getting little in return. Sometimes I think it’s wanting change for the sake of change instead of solid reasoning.

        1. In the end, I trust the GM and HC to make the right decision. They are the ones close to the situation. They know if Lynch is being a problem or not with respect to the culture they are trying to instill.

        2. Rocket,

          Totally with you on all three. I’m dismayed how quickly people are swayed by a headline or two. We need to look at their past and projected production as well as the production of those around them before we can cast them to dust bin of history. Additionally we have a sports writer with some knowledge but with limited insight making sweeping pronouncements as if it is gospel and everyone gets behind it all too easily. Wonder when Gore will have no more legs and Hyde is no good, Brooks gone, McDonald done, Bowman retired, Foster not healed. Granted, you throw enough spaghetti at a wall something will stick!!

  31. 53-man roster projection heading into 49ers preseason game vs. Broncos

    The 49ers have a preseason game under their belt, and that means it is time for a new 53-man roster projection.

    Go Kendrick Bourne, Matt Breida——2 UFA’s I predicted would make the 49er 53 man roster:

    https://www.ninersnation.com/2017/8/18/16142638/53-man-roster-projection-49ers-vs-broncos

    WR (6): Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Jeremy Kerley, Aldrick Robinson, Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne

  32. Players are walking on dangerous ground with the grim reaper (John Lynch).
    Below he still saying we need to cut more of Baalke’s players—-Folks more players are gone, in his own words:

    “But what we do see is guys competing on a consistent basis. But that word ‘consistent’ – we’ve got to get to where we’re consistently bringing that energy and that takes mental toughness and it just takes a standard saying, ‘We’re not going to ever drop our standard.’ And it takes, frankly, another year of just gathering the type of players we think it’s going to take but (I’m) really proud of our guys for the way they’ve competed. Now, we get to go do it on Saturday.

    http://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/108108-john-lynch-shares-his-thoughts-49ers-offseason-progress/

  33. I loved where Dr. Seb sez he could diagnose Foster’s medical condition if only he could see his ‘chart’. Of course you could. Hilarious.
    You know, because of all of his bio-medical training, expertise, and experience.
    It seems there is no subject that he isn’t an expert in.

    1. BT, obsessing much?
      .
      I said we could make more informed assessments if we could look at the medical charts. Even you might be able to do that.
      .
      Of course, reading is fundamental….

      1. Okay Sebbie… You’d been quite tolerable of late, but you’re off the rails again. You can make perfect sense of med charts, MRIs, etc.? Sure….. Oh for a binkie you could hold on to…

        1. Maybe you have not consulted medical charts, but it is not hieroglyphics. If you can get past the illegible handwriting, the physician will write down his diagnosis, and recommended course of action.
          .
          Of course, for you, reading is a challenge.
          .
          The stench of Baalke lingers….

          1. Mr. Mc.Seb-

            Here at the law firm of Fiddle/Faddle and Felonious, when we hire someone to prune the trees in the front of our office, that does NOT mean you wield that noisy chain-saw like some kind of Machete! Notwithstanding the fact that sparks were coming out of it and you nearly burned the place down, you scared hell out of our prospective clients! They thought you were a Mafia Collector here to collect on the numbers racket!
            As such, u are hereby notified to cease and desist from your know-it-ally attitudes and be content with knowing a little bit about a lot of things and not to much about any one thing.
            You will be hearing from us in the future.

      2. No, Dr Seb, at 10 last night you said we (which includes you) can diagnose. You can’t. More babble, but it’s cool. It’s what you do. Babble-on

        1. BT, if you could read, the diagnosis should be written down. No, I am not a qualified orthopedic surgeon, but my reading comprehension skills are adequate.

              1. Oh well played sir, well played….Baalke’s misdeeds will live on and on, grist for your “I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I” responses.
                Yes, Trent’s misdeeds live on…..on this blog, that is….

              2. Yep, and illegible write ups? Fool! Docs do scripts and all write ups on computer keyboards. Legibility has no relevance any more; like you. How is it possible you are so out of step with reality this often?

              3. Gosh, when I was visiting a hospital, my sister, who was a former emergency room nurse had to translate the illegible writing that the doc and nurse wrote. Sure, it was in a rural hospital, and it may not have been totally modern, but he still got the best of care.
                .
                Of course, it was hieroglyphics to me, but she pointed out the important numbers, and explained the treatments. Thank goodness we had some one who was a medical advocate so we could make informed decisions.
                .
                It was the end of a long fight, and I wished he could have been in the Stanford Medical Center, but that was what we went through. This was 15 years ago when we went through that ordeal.
                .
                Dont believe me or not. I related my story about the Vietnam War hero neighbor who died in a rice paddy because he led his soldiers and took that first bullet, but you are the kind of person who disbelieved me on that, even though his name is on that wall.

            1. Hah! Is Dr.Seb stuck in a movie from 1947 where the patient’s “chart” is on a clipboard hanging on the end of the hospital bed? Too funny!

          1. So, to review:
            — Medical charts are not similar to hieroglyphics
            — Qualified Orthopedic surgeons write illegibly
            — Seb qualified to decode surgeon’s diagnosis, as he was pre-med, majoring in ortho medicine
            — recommended course of action….well, the team med & training staff will end up deciding that, thank god.
            — and, as ever…his reading comprehension skills (as opposed to “reality comprehension”) remain at the level of: “adequate”

              1. Seb a LEGEND takes the good with the bad.
                You are big time now. You gotta play the part.

            1. You forget the ample qualifications he has in NFL front offices and PR tjf. Additionally the man is a gifted historian and a diplomat of great renown, at least to his own understanding. A little surgical procedure and chart reading shouldn’t be to daunting!

  34. I am glad Lynch made his clarification, and it sounds like he has given a well reasoned response to the pushback. He regrets using that word because it furthers the narrative some use to denigrate Kaep’s motives.
    .
    I will say that now, I think Lynch is not allowing his emotions cloud his judgement. I still believe Lynch is a very smart man, and can think things through. I do not know how the QB situation will play out, but I sure am glad that he has an open mind, has not burned bridges, and has kept doors open.

    1. He lives in the Bay Area. What else is he going to say? He knows where his bread is buttered.

    2. Hahahaha!!!!!!!

      Sebs, your priceless! Guys are razzing u for being a self proclaimed expert, and u get back at them by re-hashing more of your Kap mantra..
      If u just gave me a P.O.Box number, you’d be rich! Another source of cash for the Sebs-family-think about it!

  35. Actually, his home where his family lives is in Southern California. He just has temp housing up here.

          1. But Sebbie read the instruction manual. Seb has excellent reading skills. Just read and do!

              1. Cassie Baalke,

                But, But, Seb says reading is fundamental….To bad the chainsaw manual is for the above average

  36. Just found, Finding The Winning Edge on PDF! I can live with that instead of $300 for the physical copy.

        1. Page 8.
          .
          ‘So often, a quarterback is judged by whether he led his team to a Super Bowl victory. That single criteria does not take into account the fact that the game of Football is such a large dynamic, involving numerous different people and factors.’ – Bill Walsh.

        2. Thanks. In case anybody is interested, I downlowded it using the link at the top right and not the button on the side (3 Easy Steps). Clicking on the button caused Malwarebytes to flag the site. But using the link at the top right, downloaded the pdf. I then scanned the downloaded .pdf with Norton, McAfee and Malwarebytes. No issues found.

          1. The following from page 9, reminds me that history repeats itself even in football:

            The 49ers had been virtually dismembered in the late 70s by mismanagement and horrendous personnel decisions. The apathy in the Bay Area for the 49ers was at an  all­time high, as evidenced by the fact that we had the lowest season ticket base in the NFL.
            The 49ers had been through a tumultuous period with confluences of head coaches and general managers who constantly were at odds with one another. As a result,  the organization had no single leadership and no meaningful direction. 

  37. Matt Maiocco‏Verified account @MaioccoNBCS · 22m22 minutes ago

     More

    Two #49ers draft picks who did not show much early in camp but showed much improvement this week: Ahkello Witherspoon and Pita Taumoepenu.

    Go Utes Edge Rusher–Pita Taumoepenu !!!

  38. We miss you Jack Elway…..Still remember your team was on the one yard line vs. the # 1 team in the USA, going for the win on 4th down, the San Jose State RB dove over the pile for an apparent TD, but a defender’s helmet punched the ball loose…!!

    Great teams, thx for holding practice at SJSU, Jonb

    Patrick Smyth‏Verified account
    @psmyth12

    Broncos GM @johnelway watches walk-thru at San Jose St., where his father’s name is displayed in its Ring of Honor from his time as HC.

  39. Looks like Zuttah re-signed with the Ravens.
    .
    Niners traded back 12 spots, but am glad they drafted DJ Jones, my lone correct pick in my final mock before the draft.
    .
    Zuttah was expendable to the Ravens, but then their center went down due to injury. They did not want him, now they do. I wish him well.

    1. Seb,

      Why go through the trouble of all that typing ? If you delete paragraph # 1 and # 3 it leaves us all with what you really meant to type: Your self-proclaimed drafting prowess…..Right, we get it, that your The Man, no one better, A, #1 at self-proclaiming….Keep it up !

      1. 1. adjective [ADJ n]

        Self-proclaimed is used to show that someone has given themselves a particular title or status rather than being given it by other people.

        …a self-proclaimed expert.

        He is president of his own self-proclaimed republic.

  40. I had rotator cuff surgery at the age of 44 – and the time I could get {BP} 365 up for 8 to 11 reps with a 415 max. After the surgery I laid off for about 7 months……and at the age of 52, I can still get 315 up 5 to 6 times. My shoulder feels great….no aches and pains/stiffness.

    1. Hmmm, sounds like it is not as good as new. Thanks for confirming the doctor’s opinion.

      1. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,

        Reading is fundamental. He did not confirm the MD, Seb.
        Only stated that at 44 he had rotator cuff surgery–lifted 365 lbs 8-11 x. and that now he’s 52 and still gets up 315 lbs 5-6X……As you age one losses muscle mass, Seb, like that shrinking brain reader of comprehension of your’s.

  41. Hoyer, Shanahan earn praise from Broncos All-Pro DBs
    By Matt Maiocco August 18, 2017 8:38 AM

    The reviews of 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brian Hoyer from within the organization have all been positive this offseason.
    But, on Thursday, Shanahan and Hoyer received unsolicited praise from two Denver Broncos All-Pro defensive backs who went up against the 49ers’ offense during two days of practices.

    Going against Kyle Shanahan, he’s a great offensive mind and a great offensive coach,” Broncos defensive back Chris Harris said. “So it was a great week. You never know, we might see a team that has this type of offense. But on the schedule — I looked at the schedule — we don’t and I’m kind of glad we don’t.”

    He makes you use all of your adjustments. He makes things gray, so you don’t know if you need to check or if you’re going to check. He moves you left and right. They’re great with their bootlegs. All in all, it’s a pretty great offense.

    “He looks good. He runs the offense well,” Talib said. “Shanahan has a hell of an offense. Hoyer is doing a great job running it. They get the ball out fast. They move you left and right. It takes a polished quarterback to run an offense. He’s doing a great job.”

    http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/49ers-training-camp-report-reuben-fosters-shoulder-will-never-good-new/

  42. Mother of Charlottesville victim says she won’t speak with Trump

    By Eugene Scott, CNN

    Updated 11:12 AM ET, Fri August 18, 2017

  43. 49ers DB Jimmie Ward (hamstring, active/PUP) is “close to 100 percent.”
    Ward has yet to practice, but is progressing on schedule. He could be activated off the PUP ahead of the third preseason game. Ward is locked in as the 49ers’ starting free safety.

    Source: 49ers.com

    1. Ward, Kilgore, Hyde, to name a few, all have one thing in common besides Baalke. They all come with an expiration date.

  44. Dr. Juan’s diagnosis is he’s most likely hurt bad, but then again, maybe not. Of course that’s after a round of golf and a couple of “Hoppy little trees” at Cooperage in SR. ;>)

  45. I am wondering if the Coaches might consider putting Ward at CB, and let Lorenzo Jerome or Colbert be the FS.
    .
    CB position seems to be the weakest part of the defense. Then Robinson can take on the number 2 WR. Hill ran by him.

        1. I think what is happening to kap is reflection of the state of this nation. As is whats happened in Charlottesville. People need to reflect.

          Maybe instead of putting Kap down people should start appreciating him for standing up for a cause. I know he is not a great quarterback but you might be seeing the emergence of a great man, only time will tell.

          1. You might be right about Kap, but personally I like the way Elvis Presley handled the situation in his day. When asked by reporters what he thought about politics he replied: “I’m just an entertainer” and left it at that. Believing you are good at something unrelated to your specialty doesn’t always pan out. Kap is not the first or last to believe he has some special other skills just because he is a famous (or infamous) entertainer.

          2. I think the NFL, with their blackballing of Kaep, is just like the Hollywood blacklisting. Some will deny it because there are no formal documents, but it is just making Kaep into a martyr.
            .
            History will not be kind to the NFL, and the continued declines in viewership will proceed because people will see the NFL as vindictive, backwards and intolerant of dissent.
            .
            The continued protests by Bennett and Lynch, along with the admirable gesture by Long, just shows the issue will not go away. They may persecute Kaep, but it just makes his case stronger.
            .
            Now Kaep has become so relevant, they have put his uniform in the Smithsonian. The NFL is tone deaf.
            .
            The NFL has even more of a black eye when they blackball a player for silently and NON_VIOLENTLY advocating for social justice. Then they allow players to play that beat their preg gf in the stomach, commit acts of DV, child beating, dog killing, rape, assault and drunk driving. What a bunch of sanctimonious hypocrites. No wonder viewership is down.
            .
            I hope Denise will save Jed from himself, and instruct Lynch to sign Kaep. Lynch specifically has left that door open. The league will breathe a big sigh of relief, and the controversy will increase ratings. Denise should put her foot down, and hold Jed to his word. Choosing a suit over a player is a good way to lose. Paraag has been here 17 years, and he has presided over some of the worst Niner football I have ever seen. I give JH 100% of the credit for building that stadium, because he made the Niners relevant again. Otherwise, it never would have been even started. Winning made it palatable for the voters.
            ,
            Getting rid of the leaker and holding Jed to his word, are 2 things that should be easy to do. It is the little things that make all the difference.
            .
            If Denise can do those things, she will be showing her love to her son. Jed will look good by acting with class, and with Kaep, the Niners might even win some games. To think Hoyer will automatically change this team into a winner is such a stretch for a 2-14 team, with a new GM, HC, coaching staff and 25 free agents. Hoyer did well with the Texans because they had a top ranked Defense, but this division has the Seahawks, Cards and Rams, who all rank in the top 10 defenses in the league. It will be a daunting challenge to win a game in their division, especially since the other teams have all improved.
            .
            Haecki, thanks for the opportunity to talk about Kaep, but I will disagree with you. I think Kaep is a great QB, and can lead a team to championships. Posters are saying that Kaep is so bad, he is not better than scrubs, retired QBs, Arena league and CFL QBs, butt fumblers and even one legged QBs. I disagree, and they are just exposing their lack of football knowledge and prejudices for expressing that view.

  46. Page 13.
    .
    ‘For men and women who are extremely good at what they do, nothing is more discouraging than discovering that the thing they do so well Isn’t what’s needed to get the job done…….The true test of leadership is the adaptability and flexibility a manager brings to this type of situation. The challenge comes in having to leave your comfort zone- an area where you’ve been operating effectively, perhaps for years.’ -Bill Walsh.
    .
    This is why I wondered if KS can be flexible.

  47. One team insider told NBC Sports Bay Area that Beathard has put in a lot of extra work, including spending countless hours utilizing virtual reality to practice reading defenses and going through progressions. Beathard watched 1,000 plays on virtual reality last week alone.

    “Hoyer is doing a great job running it,” Denver cornerback Aqib Talib said. “They get the ball out fast. They move you left and right. It takes a polished quarterback to run an offense. He’s doing a great job.”

    http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/top-takeaways-developments-49ers-training-camp#slide-1

      1. Thanks for the link.. UC ..
        I’ve had high hopes for him since
        draft day … and chuckle every time I think of him
        coming to the org … (after having The Joe’s number at Iowa ..
        and choosing The Joe’s ND number with the Niners ) …
        I thought he might have been very sure of himself ….

        Nice to see him taking his job seriously … and I think
        he could be something special …

        (But … if he turns out to be Ryan Leaf 2.0 ..
        I’ll deny I said that) :-}

      2. I will reserve judgement until Saturday night. Gotta see him in game time action, against stiffer opposition. He may be praised to be able to take a beating, but the NFL beatdown is on a whole ‘nuther level.
        .
        Barkley is still a viable option, if only he could reduce the picks. I think he is aggressive, but that entails risks. I have seen many passes downfield that hit the receiver in stride, but he needs to consistently do that.
        .
        Like Grant said, Barkley may be cut, and CJB can be the backup, so the Niners will have room to keep 6 WRs. However, I hope Lynch gets creative and trades Barkley to a team like the Bears, Jets, Jags, Ravens or maybe Miami, and gets something for him, instead of waiting to cut him and getting nothing.

      3. In fact, while Mitch Trubisky was Shanahan’s top rated quarterback in this past draft, Beathard was reportedly the only signal caller who he wanted.

        Kind of throws a bucket of cold water on some people. :)

        1. Not me. The Niners needed to solve their defensive woes, or it did not matter if they had drafted Joe Montana, they would still lose.
          .
          That is why they spent their first 3 picks on defense, which was the smart thing to do.
          .
          Trubisky is better than Glennon, but that is not saying much. MT will not pull a Dak Prescott because his O line is weak. Jordan Howard just got injured, so they just lost their running game, and there are no more RBs like Zeke Elliot on the team.
          .
          They plan on throwing MT to the wolves, like the Niners did with Alex. Good luck with that.

    1. We wouldn’t get much of an upgrade in our CB situation to do the trade from what we currently have, I don’t think. So I’m not sure we would benefit. Denver would as Dial is a proven player.

  48. CJB may study 1000 plays, but if he spent 6 minutes per play, that would mean he spent 100 hours watching film. That would give him 68 hours to do the rest of the things he needed to do like eat and sleep during that week.
    .
    Like Greg Cosell, he may watch until his eyes bleed, but it is how one processes what he is watching which is what is most important. CJB needs to absorb those lessons, but if it does not translate onto the field, it is just another exercise in futility.

  49. How will this game unfold? There are big QB questions on both sides, so if either team can get a pass rush, the other side will struggle.
    .
    Hope CJB can do well, but I also expect Barkley to do well against their scrubs. If Von Miller gets to Hoyer, it will not be pretty.
    .
    Hope they play Foster sparingly. In fact, I hope they are smart and shut him down. He cant get hurt if he does not play, and maybe his shoulder needs more rest to heal fully.
    .
    Niners must play more in control, focused, disciplined and smart. They should work on incurring less flags. A couple more turnovers would be nice, and a couple more long strikes down field would be great.

    1. Too late Sebby, I already posted my brilliant 10-point winning plan last game, you can’t simply follow my coat tails!!!

      They obviously read it and followed it to a “t”.

      I’ll post it here again for you to remember.

      10 point plan to winning this season:

      1. KS should use the run to control the clock! This will keep other offenses off the field and also Tire the opposing defenses. A double bonus!

      2. The team should do ball control but pass for big gains once the other team cheats up to the line of scrimmage!

      3. KS should channel Walsh and script the first series at least. Make Walsh proud and take a page from his book, KS will look like a genius and allow Hoyer to settle into the flow of the game while giving coaches the advantage of seeing the other team’s tendencies.

      4. Vary the play calling! It’s a fact that running the same play over and over is counter productive.

      5. Avoid unnecessary penalties!

      6. Make sure the defense is well prepared and ready for that week’s game! Last year the failed Cleveland D.C. Looked lost. Saleh needs to avoid this!

      7. Rotate the front seven so they don’t tire and can pressure the opposing QB adequately.

      8. Stop the run!

      9. Get DBs to use the sideline as an extra defender! This will make defending the pass easier.

      10. Relax and have fun!

      This is a plan that will guarantee wins – every time!!!!

              1. I KNEW Grant was smart, but now he impresses me even more. He can process information quickly, so I have no doubt he could do that.

              2. Cassie, according to you, but I really do not respect your opinion, since you a a shill for Baalke.
                .
                I certainly did not ask Grant to say that, but even Grant appreciates my writing.

      1. Should the 9er QB look one way and throw the other? Please, tell me this is important!

        1. Looking off the safeties is a classic move that every savvy QB should master.
          .
          I advocated that tactic before the NFCC Game in 2014. It still is relevant 3 years later.

            1. Every town has one…

              Heard that one before….

              You sound like a broken record…

              A fool is wise in his own mind….

              1. Physician heal thyself!

                Sebbie you have real gift of self delusion!

                Double up on the meds!

              2. East, maybe you need another quote.
                .
                ‘ Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.’ AL.

        2. The Forward Pass was introduced in 1906.
          It wasn’t until Dr.Seb advocated it in 2014 that anyone ever considered looking off the safeties as a pass play develops.
          How the Hell did we get along without him before that?

          1. Still, QBs seem to forget that tactic. Guess I need to advocate that tactic more often, since it might help them win games. Someday, they may get a clue.

  50. Either a trade for OG’s or massive acquistions list of camp cuts by other teams is being prepared by the 49ers.
    These FA’s names have been highlighted by the 49ers who are ready to roll with the largest overhaul since Bill Walsh held neighborhood tryouts for his 49ers rebuilding squad in 1979.
    The guard position is in shambles and will be targeted 1st if Hoyer is to survive.

  51. Agreed Seb, build a team defensively first, and that defense build starts up front, which they did by drafting Solomon Thomas. They addressed all three levels with their first three picks. Very perspicacious. They could insert not only Joe, but his entire 1989 offense and they would still lose games 45-42 if they stood pat on their wretched defense of the last few years. In my view (I know, not yours and that’s ok) they upgraded the QB position with the signing of Hoyer and the drafting of Beathard, but that remains to be seen. I think Hoyer is going to shock fans with his performance, when it counts. We know what we witnessed the last few years and a great majority of observers would agree with the team’s conclusion that our previous QB would not fit into Kyle’s offense, and expecting Kyle to dramatically change his offense to fit someone with such a huge question mark is rather puerile. (I own a thesaurus also ;) ) . That’s not being lazy, that’s being shrewd.

    On a side note I have two free tickets to the game tonight if anyone is interested. I have a previous engagement and can’t use them. Sec. 209 Row 1. Let me know.

    1. Thanks for the offer, but I swore I would never visit that mausoleum.
      .
      Juan, I, too want Hoyer to succeed, because that would mean that the Niners are winning. However, we might see the playoff Hoyer emerge.
      .
      On your other point, I will respectfully disagree. I think KS is competent enough to take ANY QB, and make him better. Just look at Hoyer, Cousins, Ryan and Shaub. KS should study how Wilson and Boykin played these last couple preseason games. Those mobile QBs were accurate, and their elusiveness allowed them to avoid the pass rushers and bought time to let the receivers get open.
      .
      GO NINERS !!!!!!

  52. Bless Marie DeBartolo’s heart if what Gary Plummer said is true and I have no reason to doubt her. She participated in that Pitt Penguin NHL Cup victory with her father and those SuperBowl victories with Eddie D…..But they did something Jed did not……
    I-N-C-L-U-D-E T-H-E F-A-N-S.

    Those DeBartolo’s knew it ‘takes a village.’ Without it, you devolve into Jed, whose world view of 49er Empire is a ledger sheet where wins and fans are irrelevant. Only profit and loss matter
    Fortunately, 49er Empire caught on, and walked out the last 5 games of last season leaving a pile of rotting frankfurters in their wake.
    Consequently, Marie DeBartolo took Jed’s toy away, and according to Plummer, was the shrewd, behind the scene, mover and shaker, who signed Shanahan and Lynch–not Jed.

    This could be good or bad……It has all the trappings of a Hollywood movie where the weird, incompetent son and relatives, await the matriarchs passing away (by hook or by crook) so they can have the whole enchilada……Bless you, Marie, for rebuilding 49er Nation, and may the force be with you !!!

    “I’m going to drop a little bombshell on you right here,” Plummer said. “I’ve heard that this hire was not the hire of Jed York. I heard that it came from a much higher source than Jed York and you might think to yourself, ‘Woah, what’s higher than Jed York?’ How about Jed York’s mother (Denise DeBartolo York)?

    “I’m just telling you that’s what I’ve heard and sources have said she has been embarrassed. Now, remember, this is a woman who grew up with her father (Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.) owning the Pittsburgh Penguins and I think she loved hockey and she was involved in – I think they might have even won the Stanley Cup when they were there in terms of ownership. But seeing that and seeing her brother (Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.) win championship after championship after championship, winning is in her blood.”
    http://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/108102-gary-plummer-49ers-new-regime-hires-came-above/

    1. And, football gods help us, if the above is true. Because it makes what Seb’s been saying true all along, and only adds another stroke to his already massive ego.

      That would mean Wormtongue (Paraage Marathe), Jed, Guido, and the rest of Jed’s gang, were waiting to scrape the cash into their cash troughs this season, while stating: “Who gives a fooch about wins and losses, we got cash.”

      Marie’s intervention saved this scenario. However, Seb’s scenario is still in play with the likes of these evil entities, lurking behind the scenes, using all their might to wreck team Shanahan/Lynch so they can gain 100% ownership.

      Almost like watching a scene from I Claudius, where the greedy senators, all investors in capsizing wheat ships sailing with a hull full of grain from Cleopatra’s Nile river back to Rome. Only 10 of 20, 200 foot long ships made it back to Rome. Starving citizens were outraged. Riots started.

      But I Claudius (new emperor) caught on to the game, ie, if only 10 of twenty survive, you can jack up the grain prices and make a killing (like Jed jacking up ticket prices after a 2-14 season).

      1. And there was this.

        http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2016/12/chip_kellys_job_hanging_in_the.html

        “CEO Jed York could be swept up in a tornado-like housecleaning engineered by York’s parents, co-owner Denise DeBartolo York and John York.”

        I don’t think Jed’s job was ever in question, but if we the fans hadn’t flew banners and threw fits, we would still have Baalke and perhaps Kelly.

        It’s funny. My first comment on this blog was a reply to one of your anti York posts. I said something to the effect of fly another banner but direct it at Denise, she’s the only one that can oust Jed. You, I, the banner guy, and seb were on point.

  53. Being a die hard ‘Stick fan, I have to agree with you on that one Seb. I miss Candlestick. I miss everything about that place, even the shabby men’s rooms and what I called the “troughs of urine”, not to be too gross LOL! The place had so much personality, character, and incredible history. Levi is cold and corporate to me. I’ve never had a great feeling there as far as it being a “Home field advantage” stadium. Hopefully the new regime will change that. Winning does change things, no question about it. I too boycotted the place for the first few years after my own season ticket decision not to renew, and was treated dismissively by the front office after being a loyal ticket holder at the ‘Stick for roughly 40 years. I gave in eventually and visited, but I don’t go down there much.

    1. Juan, they tore up Bill Walsh Field. That was sacrilege, and turned my stomach.
      .
      They never should have torn down the Stick, but they did not want the Raiders to move there.

    2. Sources say Kap was wearing headphones, was not the 1st to enter and last to leave 49ers facility.

      There’s a new sheriff in town thankfully, who does put in the OT:

      Rookie QB makes bid for backup

      Quarterback C.J. Beathard is making a strong challenge for the backup job, as he and veteran Matt Barkley have taken equal practice snaps behind Brian Hoyer.

      One team insider told NBC Sports Bay Area that Beathard has put in a lot of extra work, including spending countless hours utilizing virtual reality to practice reading defenses and going through progressions. Beathard watched 1,000 plays on virtual reality last week alone.
      http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/top-takeaways-developments-49ers-training-camp#slide-2

  54. Kyle,

    Time to let this tough, Jim Harbaugh, All Conference player, a chance with the 1st unit at guard. If successful, we could trade Dial for a solid DB.

    “On the offensive side of the ball, offensive lineman Erik Magnuson has moved around to some different positions, but graded out as the 49ers best offensive lineman according to PFF. Maybe he gets a bump up, but he’s a versatile option who could get more playing time this week.”

    https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/8/19/16167874/broncos-49ers-bubble-players-to-watch

  55. Sorry Prime,

    Had to post this as we gear up on this blog to form a team, heading into Reg. Season.
    (Side Note: Shanny, only use Foster in walk-thru’s for the remainder of the season.
    His shoulder’s that of an aging vet, who you’d extend the same courtesy).

    “On the defensive line, Thomas was a force to be reckoned with. His performance earned him Pro Football Focus’ game ball and was one of the top defensive lineman in week one:”
    Pro Football Focus
    ‎@PFF
    Soloman Thomas showed why the 49ers drafted him with the third overall pick with an impressive preseason debut
    Not to be out-dueled by his defensive counterpart, Foster too was an impact player on the field. The rookie out of Alabama showed that not only can he play with the starters, but that he deserves to be out there with them.
    4:47 AM – Aug 18, 2017

    https://ninernoise.com/2017/08/19/broncos-vs-49ers-previewing-week-2-san-francisco/

    1. TomD’s 10 Pt. plan to success: Preseason gm # 2:

      1. Bump Erick Magnuson over to guard from center to see what ya got…..If he performs, trade Quentin Dial for Denver’s DB, Lorenzo Doss.

      2. Put 3rd string QB Barkley in high percentage pass patterns to upgrade his trade ability, then sign a vet QB from others camp cuts.

      3. Play to the whistle (via Seb)

      4. No false starts. (Via Seb)

      5. Start RB Breida, spell him wth Joe Williams. Rest Hyde.

      6. Start WR’s Kendrick Bourne and Victor Bolden.

      7. Pita Tauemoepena starts with 2nd unit preparing him for a 1st string start next week. This allows trade bait for Aaron Lynch if successful.

      8. Start OL, Darryl Williams jr with 2nd unit.

      9. Would be nice to see what you have in the UTES 6’4″ 4-4/40 yd dash, Patrick Williams. Play him sometime with the 1st unit.

      10. Cut down on penalties…………Go Niners !!!
      10a. Get tucked in and a drink a TANG SMOOTHIE for breakfast (NASA approved)——–(also via, Seb)

  56. All sounds good except for 10a Tom. Bloody Mary has already been had at brunch. Pliny for the game. ))

  57. You too Tom, and all. Enjoy the game. Looking forward to reading everyone’s recap! Always entertaining! Juan out!!

  58. OLB

    Pita Taumoepenu

    Utah Pac-12

    NFL ANALYSIS:
    Quick-twitch athlete with light, bouncing feet. Able to stick his foot in the ground and redirect quickly to mirror change of direction from running backs and quarterbacks. Always looks to crash down inside and catch ball-carrier before he hits the hole.

    Plays with terrific urgency and a motor that is always humming. Relentless in his pursuit with a good closing burst to the ball no matter where he is on the field. Good explosiveness out of his stance and into his rush. If he times-up snap, can race up the field and beat a tackle around the edge. Uses a well-timed inside counter when he senses his opponent has set far enough up the field. Second-effort sack man. Has attributes to potentially shine on special teams.

  59. Since we were talking about Jed, there is one more thing he should do.
    .
    Jed should invite JH and his wife to the FL. He should also include Kawakami and Killion.
    .
    Everything should be paid for ahead of time, and there should be no bill presented.
    Heck, Jed could bring his wife, along, too. Then she, JH’s wife and Killion can talk about kids and schooling while the men talk football. Killion could get a juicy story, and Kawakami will write some tripe, but at least there will be another FL tale to tell.
    .
    As a nice gesture to help bury the hatchet, Jed should invite 2 highly rated recruits from Northern California. An offensive and defensive player, and seat JH between them. Have them carve up a massive prime rib at the table.
    .
    Jed could spend a pretty penny, but it would be worth every nickle to show some class and atone for past misdeeds. Jed wants to repair his relationship with JH, He just needs to apologize, tell him he has grown up and will conduct himself in an exemplary manner from now on. I bet JH would be mature enough to accept that, and realize that carrying a grudge can wear one out. I bet JH’s wife would LOVE an opportunity to fly out and experience a dining experience few can indulge in.
    .
    Of course, I will be accused of being sexist by Cassie for suggesting they NOT talk about football, but I am just expecting what comes naturally, and real world experience. Who knows, maybe they will veer into politics.However, I would frown upon that. Since it is a peace conference, they should keep it light and fun.
    .
    Then, Jed should invite everyone to come back to the Niner museum, and unveil JH’s statue in some prominent place. That would show class.

    1. Sebbie …. You forgot about Tomsula and Kelly. Invite them too! That would show Seb class!

      Oh, and what about those who are vegetarian/vegan…need a menu for them too. Come on Seb, get on the stick!

      And who says women can’t handle a football conversation? You are a real gem Seb.

      1. Cassie Baalke,

        Guess this is the proper place to place Seb’s views on women’s rights, now that he said they can not sit a the table when discussing football

        Women’s rights, via Seb:

        Q: why cant ane frank drive
        A: because shes a woman
        Want to hear a funny joke?
        Women’s Rights

        Why can’t women drive?
        Because there’s no road between the kitchen and the bedroom

      2. Cassie, I knew you would be clueless. JH’s wife is immersed in the football life. Sometimes it would be nice to escape that world. Do not know about Jed’s wife, but I am sure she is sick of he husband being vilified all the time. She would also welcome a chance to get away from football talk. Killion would love to get a human interest story.
        .
        Maybe invite John Lynch’s wife, and include John Lynch. Sounds like she would appreciate a break from running a household without he husband, so Jed should arrange for all the Kids to be well cared for, and additionally give JL’s wife a day at a spa in the Napa Valley.
        .
        Kawakami writes tripe, and he saw the writing on the wall when he left the Merc. I have not read him in months, and do not feel uninformed. I wish him good luck in his new venture. He will need it.

        1. More “Legendary” wisdom:

          “Jed could spend a pretty penny, but it would be worth every nickle to show some class and atone for past misdeeds.”
          — Yes, as we all know the “buck” doesn’t stop around Jed, in fact Mr. Legend would like Trent drawn & “quartered”

          “Everything should be paid for ahead of time, and there should be no bill presented.”
          — sounds like our congress.

          “As a nice gesture to help bury the hatchet, Jed should invite 2 highly rated recruits from Northern California. An offensive and defensive player, and seat JH between them. Have them carve up a massive prime rib at the table.”
          — grasp on reality has left the building.

          “Of course, I will be accused of being sexist by Cassie for suggesting they NOT talk about football, but I am just expecting what comes naturally, and real world experience. Who knows, maybe they will veer into politics.However, I would frown upon that. ”
          — as above

          “Maybe invite John Lynch’s wife, and include John Lynch. Sounds like she would appreciate a break from running a household without he husband, so Jed should arrange for all the Kids to be well cared for, and additionally give JL’s wife a day at a spa in the Napa Valley.”
          — Jed as Napa Valley tour guide/concierge, just stupendous. Really, you’ve quite the “legendary” imagination.

        2. Sebbie… A self-proclaimed renaissance man–brimming with football genius and pious calls for refined behavior–yet exhibiting astonishing 50s sensibility when it comes to women and their place. Own it Seb, now please move on.

          Tell us more about DBs grabbing WR legs and carrying said WRs out of bounds.

    2. Sebnnoying you think it was cool of JH to kick the owner out of the locker room and in front of the entire team say this room is just for men?

      1. After Jed, Baalke and Paraag repeatedly stabbed JH in the back. JH responded in a logical and fitting manner. He did that because he was told he was not wanted, so he did not care.
        .
        Jed needs to grow up. Firing Baalke was a good first step. Parting ways with Paraag would be another. They can still be friends, but my opinion is that the Niners will never return to the Glory Years until he is gone.

    3. Then she, JH’s wife and Killion can talk about kids and schooling while the men talk football.

      Seriously Seb? Your Legendary Status deserves better.

      1. 49, just trying to keep it real. Going to the FL is an escape from football. They would like to enjoy a fantastic meal with interesting topical conversations.
        .
        I automatically assumed the men would talk football, because that is the only thing they are all connected with. Maybe they could talk about Kaep, his protest and the blackballing.

        1. But ……. could you have stereotyped this any more blatantly? Seems like an odd statement coming from you. You seem a little more open minded than this.

          1. I did not say that to disparage them, I guess you assume that all they want to do is talk about is football 24/7. No, that is a guy thing.
            .
            The French Laundry is kinda a swanky place, and one can go to any sports bar and talk football, but I am just going off of my wife’s behavior, and she thinks football is boring. Guess I assume women would want to take in the ambiance and talk about more eclectic topics.

            1. Yup. Seb the dinosaur when it comes to what he believes interests women, what’s important/not important to women, etc. Seb the knuckle dragger…

              1. Yes, Cassie the knuckle dragger. She thinks women would want to go to the FL and only talk football.
                .
                Personally, I think women are more sophisticated than that.

  60. Seb,

    Kawakami does NOT write tripe. He’s been on to this ‘Jed Runs the 49ers for profit, could care less about wins or fans’ story from the beginning.

    You have even parroted Kawakami with your correct views of 49er front office dysfunction……However, Kawakami courageously, pit bull-like, stood his ground, to the point where he was persona-non-grata at 4949 Centennial.

    Want proof. Under Jed, Ted Robinson was told to ignore Kawakami, and when Grant’s father, Lowell , wrote how he and Jed were the only ones in the 49er cafeteria, he said high to Ted, and Ted ignored him

    Seb, you owe me and Tim the sincerest apology for making things so embarrassing for Jed that his mother was forced to take over the team, as you called me everything in the book for my two year name calling rampage against Jed and the 49er FO !

    “Hi, Ted,” I said.

    He began to say hello — remember, we had been friendly. Then he stopped himself in mid-hello and screwed up his mouth to stop “hello” from escaping his lips. He hurried away. I felt sorry for the guy.
    “Hi, Ted,” I said.

    He began to say hello — remember, we had been friendly. Then he stopped himself in mid-hello and screwed up his mouth to stop “hello” from escaping his lips. He hurried away. I felt sorry for the guy.

    And that wasn’t the last time.

    http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/5868137-181/why-ted-robinson-ruins-49ers?artslide=0

    1. No, he’s made it up from the beginning. If it was only about money, Erickson would’ve finished out his contract. Nolan would’ve finished out his contract. Singletary, too. Harbaugh would have never been hired. Tomsula and Kelly wouldn’t have been sent packing after one year.

      See, to maximize profits, YOU HAVE TO WIN. And that’s where the idiot Kawakami gets it wrong.

      1. Moses or Jed whoever you are,

        http://deadspin.com/are-the-49ers-cheap-1682507645

        “The theory was first raised by Steve Berman, writing at Bay Area Sports Guy, who noted that the team has gone from the well-compensated Harbaugh, who had the most expensive assistants in the NFL, to Tomsula, who is one of the league’s lowest-paid coaches and likely has a staff to match.”

        Like father, like son.

        “The Yorks went from Steve Mariucci (Eddie’s hire) to Dennis Erickson (cheap — a college guy who wanted one more shot at the pros) to Mike Nolan (cheap — a coordinator who also served as the team’s GM until that idea proved disastrous) to Mike Singletary (cheap — no tangible experience besides looking and talking like a badass after a badass playing career) to Harbaugh (not cheap) to Tomsula (bottom-five-in-the-NFL cheap).”

        The only exception to the York’s cheap rule was JH. They spent on JH to con the fans into buying PSLs for their new cash cow stadium.

        1. More.

          “They don’t believe in paying coaches right now. The word around the league in talking to people who are both coaches and who represent coaches, San Francisco is not the place to go to make money.”

          “It should not be axiomatic that expensive or even established coaches make for better coaches. But there is reason to fret, especially because the Niners’ only coaching-spending binge coincides with its only recent success, and because they just moved into an expensive new stadium that no one seems to like but has secure revenue streams, meaning there’s less reason to put a top-flight product out on the field.”

  61. * “What was that?” Grant said.

    “You got me.”

    “Looked like he had lockjaw,” Grant said.

    Then this happened. We were in Seattle for a 49ers-Seahawks game. Before the game, I walked to the eating area — a buffet table. Robinson was there. He saw me and turned his back on me. I sure thought he did. I took it as condemnation of my work. He couldn’t have been sore at me personally. I wrote nothing bad about him. Never hurled epithets at him in public.

    I went over to him. Asked why he turned his back on me. Said we had been friendly. Said I was disappointed in him. He said he hadn’t seen me. Considering I was the only one there, considering I was about three feet away, I was skeptical of his explanation. I walked away. Over and out. For good.
    http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/5868137-181/why-ted-robinson-ruins-49ers?artslide=0

  62. “I remember coming home and him (Mike Shanahan) being on the couch on a random Monday or Tuesday,” said Shanahan, who was in fourth grade at the time. “That was weird. I’d never seen my dad on the couch at 3 in the afternoon during the football season.

    “I ran up to my room and ripped Raiders posters off the wall.

    “I’m not (a micro-manager) at all.”
    It appears not. In his first months on the job, Shanahan has brought a confidence and authenticity to the job.

    “I’m not going to tell anyone what to do or not to do,” Shanahan said Thursday, when asked about potential anthem protests. “I see stuff on TV also, things that are going on in this country and this world. And I think anybody that sees that stuff and doesn’t get the feeling that they would like to do something about it, I think something’s wrong with you…

    http://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Kyle-Shanahan-appears-in-control-without-11882694.php

  63. Seb, Kyle Shanahan adjective # 6: INFLEXIBLE

    The Kap fired by Kyle Shanahan for inaccuracy; being a one-read, read option QB (because that’s the only requirement in an run option offense), is the gift that keeps on giving for posters.
    The latest hate spewed name calling Seb refers to Kyle Shanahan is posted and dated below:

    sebnynah says:
    August 18, 2017 at 7:04 pm
    Page 13.

    This is why I wondered if KS can be flexible.

  64. Identifying potential DE trade targets for Patriots around the NFL

    Ian Rapoport‏Verified account
    @RapSheet

    Patriots 3rd rd pick DE Derek Rivers tore his ACL & sprained his LCL, per the initial MRI. 2nd opinion coming to confirm surgery is needed.
    8:33 AM – 18 Aug 2017

    Eli Harold (49ers) – The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Harold entered the NFL as a 2015 third-round pick out of Virginia and falls into the tweener category of defensive end/linebacker. How he fits in San Francisco has been an evolving story, given the franchise’s frequent coaching changes. The 49ers, like the Chargers, are adopting a Seahawks-type 4-3 scheme under new coordinator Robert Saleh and Harold is currently listed as a backup. The 49ers could use a boost at cornerback, where the Patriots have some depth.
    http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4804869/identifying-potential-de-trade-targets-for-patriots-around-the-nfl

  65. Here is my list of the top 9 things I’ll be watching closely on Saturday night:

    1) Will we see the Jusz a little more involved in this offense tonight? If not, I think it’s fair to assume the 49ers are going to feature a steady diet of the Jusz on opening day VS the Panthers.
    2) Swing Tackle: Where does the Swing Tackle battle stand heading into the 2nd preseason game. Has Darrell Williams Jr. done enough to warrant a chance to face the Broncos 2nd string defense, or is it still a two man battle between Theus and Gilliam?
    3) Who’s the first halfback off the bench between J. Williams and M. Breida. This competition has definitely lived up to the pre-camp hype.
    4) TE. We finally get a chance to see George Kittle in game action. And, are the 49ers still “hiding” Hikutini, with the hopes of placing him on the PS?
    5) CJB. He could cement himself as the 49ers #2 QB with a strong performance tonight. How will M. Barkley respond?
    6) CB. It’s our first chance to see Robinson & Johnson on the filed together. Will Robinson bounce back from his shaky start last week, and who’s going to be the first off the bench between Witherspoon & Reaser?
    7) WR. I think we all have a pretty clear idea of who the top 5 WR’s are on this team. But after that,the competition seems pretty wide open.
    8) Ray Ray Armstrong. From what I have heard, ShanaLynch are high on Armstrong, and with Foster & Bowman nursing sore shoulders, I expect to see a lot of Ray Ray tonight. He’s going to be a key player and have a significant role on defense this year. We know Ray Ray can cover, but how well does he hold up against the run tonight?
    9) The inter of the OL. This position group may be the biggest question mark on the team. The starters played poorly last week. Will we see a marked improvement in the first QTR tonight? Fingers crossed!

    1. In addition to your list I’ll be watchinhg Eli, Brooks, and Pita. How will Dontae Johnson look in our scheme?

      1. I’m curious how Robbie Gould continues to kick…perhaps some concern creeping in.

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