49ers News: Turns out this year wasn’t our year

3 takeaways from 49ers’ second half loss to Lions

“He, like many 49ers rookie receivers, is not the primary read in the 49ers offense. He was overlooked in the progression behind Deebo Samuel, a player who can’t beat man coverage.

But he got his look Monday night. For the first time this season Pearsall was targeted more than six times and he delivered. On 10 targets, Pearsall caught 141 yards and a touchdown, including a one-handed two-drag reception. The only two incompletions were an overturn and an undercut. He and George Kittle — who passed the 1,000-yard mark on the season for the fourth time in his career — were ever-present threats.”

What Kyle Shanahan, others said after the 49ers’ 40-34 loss to the Lions

“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke to reporters after Monday’s 40-34 Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Here’s what they said.”

49ers believe Brock Purdy is dealing with nerve issues in right elbow

“We did some testing with the UCL stuff and I’m good in that regard,” Purdy said. “But we’ll just have to take pictures of it tomorrow and see it all.”

Before Purdy spoke to the media and discussed his night, Shanahan said doctors told him they think the injury is “some nerve stuff.” Shanahan said he “wouldn’t think” the injury is something to worry about long-term, but that further testing would be needed to confirm that optimistic outlook.

Thompson: For 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw, football’s pains and injuries are no match for his determination (paywall)

The question of health lingers over this offseason. Greenlaw played just three games in “2021, totaled 36 games including playoffs the next two seasons, and will finish with two games played this season. He is due for a new contract this offseason, but his return ends prematurely, leaving at least some uncertainty about the 49ers re-signing him and how much money he will command.

But in Greenlaw’s grand scheme, it’s a featherweight issue. Resolvable by his same reliable motivations.

He is 27 years old now. He has made millions of dollars. But the wound from a traumatic childhood still drives him. The haunts of foster care, the struggles of a dysfunctional family, the grip of poverty—Greenlaw has battled these obstacles for most of his life.

Every day he defeats them. With his positive spirit. With its transparent honesty. With his relentless pursuit of uniting his people and warding off loneliness.

“I wanted to play football and I wanted to do it so I could bring my family together,” Greenlaw said. “I used to cry in foster care every night. I prayed for it every night. And that’s what I play for every night.”

49ers awards: George Kittle, Dominick Puni and other standouts in terrible year (paywall)

“This award has never gone to a rookie since it was established in 1981. However, Puni deserves consideration. Not only has he been one of the 49ers’ most consistent linemen, he’s been among the best interior linemen in the league. His 83.3 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fourth among guards who have started more than five games this season. That Puni has started all 15 games so far – for a team usually reluctant to start rookies – speaks to his maturity.”

Jed York confirms Shanahan and Lynch will be back with 49ers in 2025 (paywall)

“Over the next few minutes, York generally elaborated that while no one in the organization is happy with the results this season and not all decisions worked out, he’s not throwing everything out as a knee-jerk reaction.

He noted that the injuries to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Javon Hargrave and several others were devastating and that the team just couldn’t turn things around after some early losses. But York said Shanahan and Lynch have remained steady throughout this process and continue to be the best leaders for the team going into 2025.

York said the 49ers still have a quality roster and believe they are ready to be back in contention next season.”

The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 opponents were finalized after clinching last place

“Additionally, the schedule includes games against the bottom teams from the NFC North (Bears), NFC East (Giants) and AFC North (Browns), along with games against all teams in the NFC South and AFC South.”

Maiocco’s observations: Purdy, Pearsall shine in 49ers’ loss to Lions

“Left guard Nick Zakelj made his first NFL start and newly signed left tackle Charlie Heck made his first start with the 49ers.

The 49ers’ offense started strong with Brock Purdy distributing the ball to Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle.”