Another week has gone by and it is time to check in with the rest of the NFC West. What has been going on with the San Francisco 49ers that Arizona Cardinals fans should know about?
Here are some stories from the last week.
Hamstring injury for Nick Bosa could hinder progress in rookie season
Cardinals fans likely are aware of how 49ers rookie defensive end is out with a hamstring injury. Fans who did not want the Cardinals to select him first overall feel vindicated right now. He has been shut down until at least training camp and some wonder if his rookie season will be affected because of the lack of live reps and the fact he has not played in nearly a year.
LB Kwon Alexander impacting defense even before his return from ACL tear
The 49ers signed Alexander to a huge free agent contract but he has not been able to practice yet because he is coming off a torn ACL. However, despite no time on the practice field, his impact is already being felt in the linebacker room.
“He’s been great for us because he brings a different type of energy,” Ryans said according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. “He brings swagger that I think we were kind of missing. He brings that edge that we needed. And he’s been great in our meeting rooms.”
Former Niners LB NaVorro Bowman announces retirement
Fans should recall the 49ers playing the Cardinals twice a year with the best of Bowman in the middle of the defense. After not playing in 2018, Bowman has now retired from the NFL. The Niners were unable to sign him to a one-day contract so he could retire a 49er because the roster was already full, but he last played as a member of the 49ers in 2017.
Joe Staley gets two-year contract extension
Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones has faced Staley twice a year for each of the last three seasons. The Niners signed him to a two-year contract extension, meaning Jones should face him twice a season for the next three years. Staley had one year left on his deal. Now both Jones and Staley are scheduled to become free agents at the same time.
Mitch Wishnowski could cause problems for opposing punt returners
The Niners are thrilled with their drafted punter. Aside from his ability to pin the ball deep in opponent territory, he could cause problems for opposing returners and actually help cause turnovers.
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