With the week over, it is time to check in with the rest of the NFC West. What has been going on with the San Francisco 49ers? We know they have moved on to the NFC Championship Game.
But what else? Here are the stories for Arizona Cardinals fans to know.
49ers DC Robert Saleh staying put
Saleh was a candidate to be named the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. However, Cleveland decided to hire Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, meaning Saleh gets to stick around in San Francisco at least one more season, despite the fact that Saleh’s defense completely overwhelmed Stefanski’s offense on Saturday.
Richard Sherman gets hit with ‘random’ drug test after big performance
Sherman had a big game against the Vikings, including picking off a pass. He is almost 32 years old and is coming back from a torn Achilles. What was he greeted with after the game? Notice he is up for a PED and HGH test.
These are supposed to be randomly generated, but it seems to happen way too often that a player has a surprising performance and is tested right after that.
Kwon Alexander returns
Alexander, the 49ers’ big offseason acquisition in free agency, got hurt in Week 9 when the 49ers beat the Cardinals. He came back for the playoffs, getting activated from injured reserve earlier than original projections.
Bryant Young a finalist for Hall; Patrick Willis snubbed
The 15 finalists for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class were announced. Former 49ers standout defensive lineman Bryant Young was named one for the first time.
Linebacker Patrick Willis, eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time this year, did not make the cut.
49ers rookie honored
Part of the Niners’ big season was the play from their rookie class. Three rookies — DE Nick Bosa, WR Deebo Samuel and LB Dre Greenlaw — were named to Pro Football Focus’ all-rookie team.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 255
Ep. 254
