What to Know
- The 49ers fall to 2-3 after a crushing 24-23 loss to the Cardinals, who improve to 2-3.
- Brandon Aiyuk had his best game of the season, catching eight passes on 11 targets for 147 yards.
- Jordan Mason quietly racked up another solid game, carrying the ball 14 times for 89 yards. But midway through the fourth quarter, the third-year pro fumbled with the 49ers driving in the red zone, and the Cardinals responded with the winning score.
- George Kittle was questionable to play because of a rib injury, but the ailment didn't appear to bother him at all, as the 49ers tight end caught eight passes for 64 yards and one touchdown.
- Brock Purdy recorded a solid game, completing 19 of 35 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
- Nick Bosa had the 49ers' only takeaway when he intercepted a second-quarter Kyler Murray pass and returned it 30 yards. Leonard Floyd had San Francisco's only sack of Murray in the game.
- The 49ers' special-teams unit came through in the second quarter when Jordan Elliott blocked a Chad Ryland field-goal attempt and Deommodore Lenoir scooped up the loose ball and ran it back for a 61-yard touchdown.
Read below for all the game highlights, news, analysis and postgame press conferences from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara:
Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan break down the 49ers’ second-half collapse in their 24-23 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
They analyze how Christian McCaffrey’s injury absence has led to San Francisco’s red-zone issues and how concerning the 49ers’ 2-3 start to the season has been.
Whitner explains why Mason isn't to blame for costly Purdy pick
By Jordan Elliott

Brock Purdy's late interception was the final blow in the 49ers' 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
While the untrained eye might have pointed the finger at Jordan Mason for allowing a free rusher at Purdy, NBC Sports Bay Area analyst Donte Whitner explained why the running back isn't to blame for San Francisco's critical protection lapse.
"In Jordan Mason's defense, right there they [Arizona] overloaded the blitz with five guys. They [49ers] had three offensive linemen and a back, and they [Cardinals] brought five guys, and they did a really good job of disguising it," Whitner said on "49ers Postgame Live" after Sunday's loss. "So I wouldn't put that on Jordan Mason, because he is supposed to get the inner-most defender, and it still was an outside safety coming, and the tackle picked up the outside guy.
"I would say that's on Brock Purdy, and that's on Kyle Shanahan. He has to see that, he has to get rid of the football, or he has to avoid him and make him miss, but I don't think that it's on Jordan Mason."
Purdy tops four 49ers passing charts after 30th NFL career game
By Angelina Martin

The 49ers didn't get the results they wanted in their 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, but quarterback Brock Purdy continued to make franchise history.
Purdy completed 19 of 35 pass attempts for 244 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in the defeat, giving him a 62.1 passer rating -- but placing him atop several 49ers passing charts through his first 30 NFL career games.
Here are all four of the lists where Purdy now reigns supreme, per the 49ers' game notes, and another two where he lands in the top five:
Purdy’s 50 passing TDs through his first 30 career games are the most by any QB through their first 30 games in franchise history.
Irritated 49ers have no time for pity party with quick turnaround
By Taylor Wirth

SANTA CLARA -- For better or for worse, the 49ers have no time to dwell on another heartbreaking defeat.
San Francisco's 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium was the second defeat in two weeks that the 49ers squandered after leading by double digits in the fourth quarter.
And with a "Thursday Night Football" clash against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field just four days away, the 49ers have to turn the page quickly to prepare for another NFC West divisional battle.
"Yeah that's all we talked about in there," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame. "We'd love to sit here and get pissed, we'd love to be able to do something about what just happened, but you can't. You can't do anything about these games once they end. I tell the guys the next time we'll be able to do something is Thursday and it's better to only have to wait until Thursday than have to wait until next Sunday."

49ers seek Moody replacement after kicker injured vs. Cardinals
By Taylor Wirth

SANTA CLARA -- An NFL placekicker usually isn't a team's most important player, especially on a team laden with star players like the 49ers.
But in San Francisco's crushing 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, second-year kicker Jake Moody's injury loomed large after the one-point defeat.
On the kickoff after the 49ers' defense blocked a Cardinals field-goal attempt and ran it in for a touchdown to extend their lead to 19-10 with 4:59 remaining in the second quarter, Arizona return man DeeJay Dallas returned Moody's ensuing kick to the Arizona 38-yard where the 49ers kicker met him and attempted to tackle him before rolling over on his right ankle.
After he was examined on the field by the 49ers' medical staff, Moody hobbled toward San Francisco's sideline where he sat for a couple of minutes before he was taken off the field in a cart. He initially was questionable to return before the 49ers officially ruled him out later in the game.
Maiocco's 49ers Report Card: Team grades in meltdown vs. Cardinals
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

SANTA CLARA — Defensive end Nick Bosa said he has not lost confidence that the 49ers are capable of great things.
But it was another great collapse for the 49ers on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals on a day at Levi’s Stadium in which temperatures hovered around triple-digits on the field.
“We had the game won and gave it away,” linebacker Fred Warner said following the 49ers’ 24-23 loss to the Cardinals.
The 49ers blew a 13-point halftime lead while falling to 2-3 on the season. Their early season record includes 0-2 within the NFC West and 0-3 in the NFC.





Odds chart shows painful improbability of 49ers' losses to Cards, Rams
By Angelina Martin

Despite their Week 4 win over the New England Patriots, there is little solace to be found in the 49ers' recent play after disappointing losses to the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals on either side of that victory.
Just two weeks after squandering a double-digit lead over the Rams at SoFi Stadium, the 49ers did the same thing against another NFC West foe in their 24-23 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
It was the second time in three weeks San Francisco lost a game where it had an 85-percent chance of winning halfway through the fourth quarter, as Kyle Posey of Niners Nation pointed out.
The 49ers took a 23-10 lead over the Cardinals into halftime and then failed to score any points in the second half, allowing Arizona to storm back and take the lead thanks in part to a costly fourth-quarter Jordan Mason fumble in the red zone.
Shanahan admits 49ers ‘extremely frustrated' after loss to Cards
By Ali Thanawalla

The 49ers' last two losses -- Sept. 22 to the Los Angeles Rams and Sunday's 24-23 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals -- very likely should have been wins, but in both cases, San Francisco coughed up double-digit leads.
After the 49ers blew a 13-point lead at home to the Cardinals, coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the team's frustration level in the locker room.
"Extremely frustrated," Shanahan told reporters. "I think we had a 13-point [lead] and a [14-point lead] in the other. By no means should we be able to give that away. Always will come back to turnovers, in my opinion. There are other things you can do to overcome them. Talked about last night how we thought a key to this game would be turnovers and that's exactly what the first half was. Gave us a huge advantage and then it flipped in the second half and we need to do that stuff to win."
The 49ers now have blown two divisional games when leading by 10-plus points in the same season for the second time in the Super Bowl era, having also done it in 2020, per The Associated Press' Josh Dubow.





Tom Brady remembers 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's first career start all too well.
Purdy and San Francisco hosted the future Pro Football Hall of Fame selection and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season, and the 49ers cruised to a 35-7 victory at Levi’s Stadium.
Ahead of the 49ers’ matchup with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Brady detailed his recollection of Purdy’s big-time debut as a starter with FOX Sports co-host Kevin Burkhardt.
“Oh, man. Why do you got to bring that up?” Brady told Kevin Burkhardt. “I thought, ‘You know what, it’s his first start … Oh, God. We get to go in -- and [former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo] got hurt -- We got this guy Purdy. Oh, we got a shot today, [facing] Mr. Irrelevant.
Hear from Kyle Shanahan and players following #AZvsSF. https://t.co/JryCFPXUsJ
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Maiocco's Observations: 49ers collapse late again in loss to Cards
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

SANTA CLARA — Once again, the 49ers let a seemingly comfortable lead against an NFC West opponent wilt away.
The Arizona Cardinals came back from a 13-point deficit to capitalize on the 49ers’ mistakes for a 24-23 upset victory on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Just five games into the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers might be showing signs that their season could be spiraling downhill, too.

Final from #AZvsSF. pic.twitter.com/z9iIlxjXPG
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Purdy throws interception on final drive, sealing Cardinals' win
By Tristi Rodriguez
The 49ers' hopes of salvaging the game against the Cardinals were short-lived.
After Jordan Mason fumbled the ball away at Arizona's 9-yard line, leading to the Cardinals' go-ahead field goal, the pressure was on Brock Purdy and San Francisco's offense, which hadn't scored in the entire second half.
Purdy and Co. took possession with 1:37 left in the game, but on the second play of the drive, the QB was hit while throwing a pass to George Kittle near midfield. Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White intercepted the errant throw, sealing the win.
CARDINALS!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/d7nfKh9Gpn
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Not an ideal outcome for the 49ers, who have just four days to prepare for Thursday night's road meeting with the Seattle Seahawks, another NFC West rival.
Cardinals lead 24-23 on field goal after 49ers' costly fumble
By Tristi Rodriguez
The 49ers might have just given the game away.
Jordan Mason was caught up between Cardinals defenders on a first-and-goal run from the 8-yard line, and Arizona linebacker Jesse Luketa forced a fumble that teammate Mack Wilson Sr. recovered at the 9 with 6:11 remaining in the game.
.@AZCardinals force a fumble and recover in the red zone!
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
📺: #AZvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/rgMam1L5Br
The turnover came after big 49ers plays, including a stiff-arm-filled 20-yard run by Mason, put them in position to score. Instead, they lost possession of the ball and control of the game.
The Cardinals responded with 14-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 35-yard Chad Ryland field goal that gave them a 24-23 lead with 1:37 left in regulation. Now, it's on Brock Purdy and the 49ers' offense to salvage the game.
Cardinals running back James Conner tormented the 49ers' defense, leading Arizona's 12-play, 73-yard scoring drive that Kyler Murray capped with a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Elijah Higgins with 11:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.
WENT UP AND GOT IT 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/xH7dEl8D99
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2024
49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty on the Cardinals' TD play, so Arizona went for a two-point conversion from the 1, and Connor successfully converted it to cut San Francisco's lead to 23-21.
Conner touched the ball on six of Arizona's 12 plays on the drive for 35 total yards.
Let's close this out.#AZvsSF x #FTTB pic.twitter.com/fP7JXLCXxO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Purdy INT leads to Cardinals field goal; 49ers still lead 23-13
By Tristi Rodriguez
The 49ers tried to keep the ball rolling in the second half, but a Brock Purdy pass intended for George Kittle was intercepted by Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson after defensive lineman Roy Lopez deflected it with 12 minutes left in the third quarter.
.@AZCardinals INT!
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
📺: #AZvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/drlNV7WFoM
The damage was minimal for San Francisco, though, as Arizona settled for a 42-yard Chad Ryland field goal to bring its deficit to 23-13.
Purdy was visibly upset on the sideline after the play, and he'll aim to be more careful with the football for the remainder of the game.
Watch as @PatrickWillis52 is presented with his Ring of Excellence that represents the elite status of being a member of the @ProFootballHOF.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
📺 #AZvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh https://t.co/VHA61F75EI
Action-packed first half.#AZvsSF pic.twitter.com/eHMm5wqHq3
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Aiyuk busts out of slump with monster first half vs. Cardinals
By Ali Thanawalla
Brandon Aiyuk's early season struggles are a thing of the past.
The 49ers wide receiver had a breakout first half against the Cardinals, catching six passes on seven targets for 115 yards.
It's the most yardage Aiyuk has had in any half during his five-year NFL career, surpassing his previous high of 99 in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 1, 2023.
Per The Associated Press' Josh Dubow, Aiyuk is the fourth player to have at least 100 receiving yards in a half under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, joining George Kittle (three times), Emmanuel Sanders (once) and Marquise Goodwin (once).
Aiyuk, who signed a massive four-year, $120 million contract extension just before the season started, entered Sunday's game with 167 total receiving yards in four contests.
Bosa interception sets up Wishnowsky field goal for 23-10 49ers lead
By Jordan Elliott
Jake Moody's ankle injury abruptly thrust punter Mitch Wishnowsky into the 49ers' kicker role.
Wishnowsky delivered under pressure, though, drilling a 26-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give San Francisco a 23-10 lead. It was the first made field-goal attempt of Wishnowsky's six-year NFL career.
Alright mate! Mitch Wishnowsky's first career FG 🙌
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
📺 #AZvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/gsk60LBQMU
San Francisco's eight-play, 33-yard scoring drive was set up by Nick Bosa's interception and 30-yard return -- just the second pick of the star pass rusher's six-year NFL career.
That’s a pick-a-rooni 🐻
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/gdYQxgjnNa
Moody sustains ankle injury, ruled out of game vs. Cards
By Angelina Martin and Jennifer Lee Chan
The hits keep coming for the 49ers.
Jake Moody was injured during the kickoff with 4:59 left to go in the second quarter after Deommodore Lenoir's return of a blocked field goal for a touchdown gave San Francisco a 20-10 lead.
While Moody walked off the field of his own accord, the kicker was carted to the 49ers' locker room, and the team later announced he has been ruled out of the game with an ankle injury.
#49ers K Jake Moody on the cart headed to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/kogWQWTHMy
— Jennifer Lee Chan - threads @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) October 6, 2024
San Francisco already ruled Talanoa Hufanga out of the game with a wrist injury earlier in the second quarter, and now Moody will miss the rest of the contest, too.
Just when it appeared the Cardinals were in position to tie the score, the 49ers' special-teams unit stepped up in a major way.
San Francisco blocked Arizona kicker Chad Ryland's 45-yard field-goal attempt, and Deommodore Lenoir celebrated his 25th birthday by scooping up the loose ball and returning it 61 yards for a touchdown that extended the 49ers' lead to 20-10 with 4:59 remaining in the second quarter.
The birthday boy makes a house call 🎉
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/j7mbHitwhe
Jordan Elliott blocked the kick, rising up at the line of scrimmage to get his left hand on the football, and Lenoir picked it for the 49ers' first blocked field goal return for a TD since Sept. 27, 2009, against the Vikings (Ray McDonald on the block; Nate Clements on the return), per The Associated Press' Josh Dubow.
Special teams make special plays 🙌
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/8TtHSbLGiP
Hufanga exits with wrist injury, ruled out for rest of game
By Angelina Martin and Jennifer Lee Chan
Talanoa Hufanga left the game with a wrist injury in the second quarter and officially has been ruled out.
The 49ers safety went to the sideline during a Cardinals drive that led to a game-tying field goal, with rookie Malik Mustapha breaking up a would-be TD pass while filling in for him.
Hufanga has his right glove off and trainers/medical staff were looking at it for some time.
— Jennifer Lee Chan - threads @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) October 6, 2024
San Francisco later announced Hufanga, who returned last week from an ACL tear sustained in 2023, was questionable to return, and he headed to the locker room. He was ruled out shortly afterward.
Jauan Jennings was injured earlier in the game with an apparent hand issue, but he returned in the first quarter. The 49ers can't afford to lose any more players as they seek an NFC West win over the Cardinals.
Despite big plays from Jordan Mason and Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers settled for a field goal and a 13-10 lead over the Cardinals with 6:59 remaining in the second quarter.
The 49ers opened the 11-play, 68-yard drive with a 34-yard run from Mason.
Mason turns on the wheels 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
📺: #AZvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/5tEqXD8qtD
Purdy later connected with Aiyuk for 17 yards to Arizona's 20, but San Francisco again stalled in the red zone, and Jake Moody knocked in a 20-yard field goal for the lead.
Mustapha breaks up Cards TD; field goal ties score at 10
By Angelina Martin and Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals answered the 49ers with a game-tying field goal to begin the second quarter, with Chad Ryland sending a 30-yarder through the uprights to make the score 10-10 with 12:43 remaining in the first half.
Just two plays before Ryland's kick, 49ers rookie safety Malik Mustapha broke up a would-be 12-yard touchdown pass from Murray to tight end Trey McBride.
Malik Mustapha, in the game for Talanoa Hufanga, breaks up a pass for Trey McBride in the end zone. Cardinals have to settle for a field goal.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2024
With the ball back in their hands, Brock Purdy and Co. will look to re-take the lead against their NFC West rivals.
1st quarter is in the books. #AZvsSF x #FTTB pic.twitter.com/3Fsl64m9WE
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Brock Purdy led a 13-play, 76-yard drive to give the 49ers their first touchdown of the game and a 10-7 lead over the Cardinals with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter.
Purdy connected with George Kittle on a 4-yard TD pass, sending the Levi's Stadium crowdinto a frenzy.
Kittle over the middle 😤
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/7C1IObIexr
The 49ers hope to keep their offensive momentum alive for the rest of the quarter and the game.
NFL Week 5 winners, losers: 49ers fizzle out again vs. Cardinals
By Logan Reardon and Sanjesh Singh

The first football Sunday of October has arrived.
With four teams on their bye week and the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings playing in London, the early slate was the lightest it has been all season so far. There were just six games at 1 p.m. ET, but there was plenty of action.
The four games in the late window wasn't short of content, either, providing unexpected results, including a collapse in the Bay Area.
Here are the winners and losers from the Sunday action in Week 5:
Purdy-to-Aiyuk pass leads to 49ers field goal that makes it 7-3
By Angelina Martin
The 49ers' offense couldn't finish in the red zone on its second possession of the game, with Jake Moody connecting on a 28-yard field goal with 10:25 left in the first quarter.
Moody's kick brought the 49ers within 7-3 of the Cardinals, and they moved into field-goal range on Brock Purdy's 53-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk -- a play that featured some key blocks from the rest of the offense.
Brandon AiYAC 💨
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/bfkzPUDehu
Despite Aiyuk's downfield scamper to the Cardinals' 17, the 49ers couldn't find the end zone after an 11-yard pass from Purdy to Samuel took them to the 6, and they instead settled for the field goal.
It didn't take long for the Cardinals to seize momentum, as they forced a 49ers three-and-out on San Francisco's first possession and then rapidly put points on the board.
Kyler Murray ran for a 50-yard touchdown on just the Cardinals' second play from scrimmage, stunning the home crowd as Arizona's quarterback raced into the end zone untouched.
HOW'S THAT FOR A START!?!?!
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2024
K1 TO THE HOUSE pic.twitter.com/87mlMKTRoP
The Cardinals' two-play, 72-yard drive took just 47 seconds off the clock, leaving the 49ers with an early 7-0 deficit with 13:12 remaining in the first quarter.
Jennings injured on 49ers' first drive but returns later in game
By Angelina Martin and Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider
The first quarter didn't start on a good note for the 49ers, as wide receiver Jauan Jennings was injured on the game's second offensive play.
While quarterback Brock Purdy scrambled for a 2-yard gain on second-and-10, Jennings appeared to grab his hand in pain at the end of the play as he separated himself from a Cardinals defender. After the 49ers' medical staff tended to Jennings on the field, he walked to the sideline and entered the blue medical tent.
Jauan Jennings exits with an apparent hand injury. On third down, Trent Taylor (up from the practice squad) enters as the 49ers' No. 3 redeiver.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2024
Despite Trent Taylor entering the game for him on third down, Jennings, the 49ers' top receiver through four games, came back later in the first quarter.
How 49ers' starting defense lined up vs. Cardinals
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider
49ers starting defense
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2024
DE- 97 Nick Bosa
DT- 99 Maliek Collins
DT- 92 Jordan Ellliott
DE- 56 Leonard Floyd
LB- 59 De’Vondre Campbell
LB- 54 Fred Warner
LB- 53 Dee Winters
CB- 2 Deommodore Lenoir
CB- 7 Charvarius Ward
S- 27 Ji’Ayir Brown
S- 29 Talanoa Hufanga
How 49ers' starting offense lined up vs. Cardinals
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider
49ers starting offense
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2024
QB- 13 Brock Purdy
RB- 24 Jordan Mason
FB- 44 Kyle Juszczyk
WR- 1 Deebo Samuel
WR- 11 Brandon Aiyuk
TE- 85 George Kittle
LT- 71 Trent Williams
LG- 65 Aaron Banks
C- 64 Jake Brendel
RG- 77 Dominick Puni
RT- 68 Colton McKivitz
Meteorologist Maiocco provides pregame field, weather update
By Ali Thanawalla
The 49ers and Cardinals will play in extreme heat Sunday, with the temperature at kickoff expected to be 95 degrees.
NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco was on the field before the game, and shared tips for fans who will be in attendance at Levi's Stadium.
The weekly #49ers weather report with some recommendations. pic.twitter.com/QlVj2BvsNM
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2024
Brock Purdy's first career NFL start came nearly two years ago against Tom Brady, and on Sunday, the quarterbacks rekindled their friendship with a midfield meeting before the 49ers-Cardinals game.
Just a couple of QBs talking shop. pic.twitter.com/5B4TFlcPCe
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 6, 2024
Brady, who retired after the 2022 NFL season, was linked to the 49ers before the 2023 NFL season as Purdy recovered from right elbow surgery. Brady stayed retired, though, and is the FOX Sports analyst for Sunday's game broadcast.
49ers players sign tons of pregame autographs, and sometimes they give fans their gloves or a towel.
But 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel gifted a different type of memento to a young member of the Faithful on Sunday.
Before heading back to the locker room. Samuel gave his headphones to a lucky fan, who was overcome with emotion by the gesture.
This fan’s reaction to receiving Deebo’s headphones 🥹 pic.twitter.com/z08dxqLf6b
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
Tom Brady, a Bay Area native and seven-time Super Bowl champion, is FOX Sports' analyst for the 49ers-Cardinals game, and before kickoff, he took some time to talk with San Francisco stars Fred Warner and Talanoa Hufanga on the Levi's Stadium field.
TB12 choppin’ it up with Warner and Hufanga 🤝 pic.twitter.com/9nPDrX6XuG
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
Fred Warner and George Kittle are active for #49ers. Here are inactives:
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 6, 2024
WR Chris Conley (oblique)
WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf)
G Ben Bartch
CB Darrell Luter
QB Joshua Dobbs (emergency 3rd QB)
Inactives #AZvsSF:
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2024
The 49ers are in the building and geared up to take on the Cardinals in Week 5.
Almost that time 😈 pic.twitter.com/uf2qgoMbPz
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 6, 2024
Tight end George Kittle, who is expected to play despite being listed as questionable with a ribs injury, was one of the first 49ers players to arrive Sunday.
Williams gives fellow cancer survivors special gift at 49ers event
By Jennifer Lee Chan

SANTA CLARA - Five years after going through his own cancer scare, Trent Williams decided it was time to get involved in the 49ers' annual Crucial Catch event.
The All-Pro left tackle told NBC Sports Bay Area why it finally was time to share the special moment with the survivors chosen to attend the event, which took place before San Francisco's Week 4 win over the New England Patriots, and even walk the red carpet as a survivor himself.
“I think time heals pretty much all,” Williams said. “Now, being that it was about five years, I don’t have any reservations about being open with my story. It was hard at first because you want to put something like that behind you and get back to normal life as soon as possible, but it’s hard to when you have to keep reliving the situation out through words.”
In 2019, Williams was diagnosed with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, a rare form of scalp cancer. What made the diagnosis even more traumatic is that the left tackle had noticed the irregularity in 2013, but did not immediately seek treatment due to a misdiagnosis
Report: Warner, Kittle expected to play in Week 5 clash vs. Cardinals
By Tristi Rodriguez

The 49ers, already without several stars due to injury, received a glimmer of hope regarding the status of two captains for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Star linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and tight end George Kittle (rib), both listed as questionable for the Week 5 slate, are expected to play in the NFC West clash at Levi's Stadium, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night, citing a source.
Warner and Kittle were limited participants in practice all week.
Warner left San Francisco's Week 4 win against the New England Patriots before halftime and never returned due to ankle issues, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the team remained optimistic their All-Pro linebacker would be good to go to continue his dominant start to the 2024 season.
49ers place Gross-Matos on IR, activate Davis to face Cardinals
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

The 49ers on Saturday placed defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve, making him ineligible for at least the next four games.
San Francisco activated defensive lineman Kalia Davis from the injured reserve list and elevated another defensive lineman, T.Y. McGill, from the practice squad to compensate for the loss of Gross-Matos.
The 49ers also elevated veteran wide receiver Trent Taylor from the practice squad. Taylor would take over on punt returns if Jacob Cowing is unable to play Sunday. Cowing is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is out for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a calf injury, and wide receiver Chris Conley is doubtful due to an oblique injury.
Kittle, Warner listed as questionable for 49ers vs. Cardinals game
By Jordan Elliott

Tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner have a chance to suit up for the 49ers' NFC West clash with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
San Francisco listed both Kittle and Warner as questionable after they had limited practice participation during the week.
Rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing, defensive tackle Kalia Davis and cornerback Isaac Yiadom also received questionable designations for Sunday's game.
If Cowing can't go, veteran wide receiver Trent Taylor could be called up from the 49ers' practice squad to handle punt-return duties Sunday.
49ers to wear '94 throwbacks vs. Cardinals to combat Santa Clara heat
By Jordan Elliott

The 49ers will have more than one opponent Sunday at Levi's Stadium, as their clash with the Arizona Cardinals also will include a fierce battle with a record-setting heat wave in the South Bay.
With forecasts predicting near-triple-digit temperatures near kickoff, the 49ers are pulling out all the stops to help keep their players as cool as possible under the hot afternoon sun.
Coach Kyle Shanahan revealed to reporters Friday that the 49ers requested to wear their all-white throwback uniforms but were denied by the NFL because of league-wide protocol that all teams must follow.
"... Got the memo earlier in the week that it was going to be hot like this, so we asked on Monday and we weren't allowed to do it" Shanahan said. "You had to do it before the season started, so in order for us to do it, we kind of had to make a commitment before the year that we wear all whites until the middle of October or whatever, and then go to normal. But it's not usually this hot, so we'll probably do that now just in case."

Five 49ers to watch in Sunday's NFC West matchup vs. Cardinals
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

The 49ers open a stretch of back-to-back NFC West games, followed by high-profile games against Kansas City and Dallas.
After going 2-2 to open the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers need to string some wins together if they have any hopes of repeating as the NFC's No. 1 seed.
They have to take care of business Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium before heading to Seattle for a quick turnaround game Thursday. The Seahawks lead the division with a 3-1 record.
At this point, the 49ers do not know whether tight end George Kittle (ribs) or linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will be available. So they might need some others to step up.
Why Aiyuk's slow 49ers start after new contract doesn't worry Lynch
By Andy Lindquist

John Lynch isn't concerned about Brandon Aiyuk’s slow start to the 2024 NFL season, and the 49ers general manager has full confidence the wide receiver will return to true form.
Lynch explained Friday on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” why he isn't worried about Aiyuk’s production through four games this season, as he has just 13 catches for 167 yards and no touchdowns.
“Just keep watching, he’s just getting going,” Lynch told Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher. “Brandon, so many of the things he does don’t show up on a stat sheet. It’s the way he blocks, it’s the effect he has on the game. And so, what I see is a player who each week looks a little bit better, missed the entire offseason, so there’s timing and precision that goes along with an offense.
"I think Brandon is becoming more comfortable every week, and I think you’ll see the stats come. At the end of the year, it will all balance out.”
Shanahan explains 49ers' red-zone struggles after dominating in 2023
By Tristi Rodriguez

Programming note: Watch Greg Papa's full interview with Kyle Shanahan on "49ers Game Plan," airing at 9 p.m. PT Friday on NBC Sports Bay Area
Without the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the 49ers' success in the red zone during the 2024 season significantly has dipped.
But 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan won't make excuses, and he knows his guys and the standard they've set are capable of more than they're displaying this season.
While not having Christian McCaffrey on the field with them certainly impacts San Francisco's offense, Shanahan spoke to Greg Papa on NBC Sports Bay Area's "49ers Game Plan" about why there never is just one factor to blame.

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis joins Matt Maiocco on “49ers Talk” to discuss Fred Warner and why he believes he is the best player in the NFL.
John Lynch and Co. are preparing for a scenario in which 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner's ankle injury keeps him off the field Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.
The general manager discussed San Francisco’s contingency plan in case of Warner’s absence during an appearance on KNBR's "The John Lynch" show Friday morning.
With the 49ers’ linebacker depth in question, Lynch is considering alternative options to count on, like rookie Tatum Bethune.
“We got to figure that out,” Lynch told Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher. “We’re a little thinned up at linebacker, but there’s always a plan. A guy we kept, another seventh-rounder, Tatum Bethune. It’s hard to play a rookie at Mike linebacker.
Purdy seeks to maintain competitive edge as NFL career blossoms
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy set an outrageously high standard in his first 25 games as an NFL starting quarterback.
He ranks No. 1 for any player in NFL history with a passer rating of 112.6 in his first 25 regular-season starts, as the 49ers achieved a 19-6 record since he took over late in the 2022 season.
At 24, Purdy said he believes his ability to continue his top-notch play — or even take it to a higher level — comes down to his competitive mindset.
“The challenge for me now is, man, how can I continue to have that mentality of having the chip on my shoulder and competing every down in the game for four quarters?” Purdy said Thursday.



Why 49ers coach Shanahan believes Murray can be ‘scariest' NFL QB
By Taylor Wirth

Coach Kyle Shanahan knows his 49ers will have their hands full against Kyler Murray on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
San Francisco faces its NFC West foe for the first time this season, and while the defense did square off against Murray in Week 15 last year, the elusive Arizona quarterback had just recovered from a torn ACL that he sustained the prior season and didn't quite look like himself.
Shanahan was asked before practice Wednesday how different the Cardinals QB looks through four games this season, compared to last season's matchup.
"He just looks so much more comfortable," Shanahan told reporters. "I thought he looked really good last year when he came in, just watching their offense, seeing him in that new scheme for the first time. I think he got to sit back and watch other guys do it. And then him coming in, you could tell he really consciously tried to play within the confines of the offense, which was different to see, just how the scheme was before.

Fred Warner has been on a tear entering Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, and the superstar 49ers linebacker credits one reason in particular.
Warner and his wife, Sydney, welcomed their first child, Beau Anthony, in March, and becoming a parent has transformed the defender’s life and even his playing style.
Warner, who is dealing with an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 4's win over the New England Patriots, took time Wednesday to explain how his son’s existence correlates with his on-field dominance.
“I think that’s a big part of it. Having my son, it kind of clears all the gray area in your life -- what’s important, what’s not important,” Warner told reporters. “And so, you could just be clear of mind, remove distractions, things that aren’t important [and] serve no purpose in your life. And you’re able to go out there and just play free.”
Bosa, Shanahan know improved Murray poses unique challenge for 49ers
By Jennifer Lee Chan

SANTA CLARA -- After the challenge of trying to bring down New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett in Week 4, Nick Bosa and the 49ers' defensive line have a new test on deck this Sunday in Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray.
The elusive quarterback has given the 49ers' defense difficulty in the past with his mobility -- enough to be referred to as a “squirrel” by former 49ers defender and current Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
“Yeah, I actually thought about that today,” Bosa said Wednesday of the anecdote. “That’s funny. I miss Buck.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan believes Murray is even better than what San Francisco has previously seen now that he's working in a new offensive system and under new coaching. The former No. 1 draft pick also is nearly two years removed from a season-ending ACL injury that occurred toward the end of the 2022 NFL season.
49ers practice report: Warner, Kittle sit out with injuries
By Jennifer Lee Chan

SANTA CLARA — After a couple of days off, it appears Fred Warner still could be on a path to play in Week 5.
The All-Pro linebacker did not practice on Wednesday after missing the second half of San Francisco's Week 4 win over the New England Patriots with an ankle injury, but he's hopeful he could be ready for Sunday’s game.
“My plan is obviously to play,” Warner told reporters in the locker room. “I’m just going to continue to listen to what the training room wants me to do and take it on each day at a time.”
If Warner is unable to return to the field for the 49ers' Week 5 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles could see more playing time alongside De’Vondre Campbell. Dee Winters also sat out of Wednesday’s session after aggravating his ankle injury in the Patriots game.
Aiyuk enjoys watching ex-ASU teammate Daniels' film vs. Cardinals
By Taylor Wirth

As his current quarterback prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, Brandon Aiyuk has enjoyed watching his former quarterback carve up the 49ers' next opponent on film.
In preparation for their Week 5 NFC West clash with Arizona, Aiyuk and San Francisco are studying film of the Cardinals' Week 4 matchup against the Washington Commanders, who are quarterbacked by rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels -- Aiyuk's quarterback in 2019 at Arizona State.
Aiyuk was asked Wednesday what he thought of his close friend's performance against the same Cardinals defense he and the 49ers' offense will see Sunday.
"He's balling. We've been watching that tape against Arizona so far a couple times already today, so I'm sure we'll see it all week," Aiyuk said. "But excited to see him on tape playing good football."

49ers do not open Pearsall's practice window ahead of Week 5
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

SANTA CLARA — Ricky Pearsall’s return to the practice field will have to wait at least another week.
The 49ers on Wednesday opted to allow the rookie wide receiver to continue to engage in physical therapy rather than open his practice window.
Pearsall remains on the reserve/non-football injury list after an Aug. 31 incident in which he was the victim of a shooting during an armed robbery attempt.
Pearsall remained hospitalized for less than 24 hours, as the bullet entered his right chest area and exited out the back near his armpit without striking any vital organs.
49ers open defensive tackle Davis' practice window ahead of Week 5
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

The 49ers opened the practice window for defensive tackle Kalia Davis on Wednesday.
Davis, a sixth-round pick of the 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft, sustained a knee injury in the preseason opener at the Tennessee Titans and required surgery. He was placed on injured reserve after the team’s initial cut to 53 players.
Davis sat out his rookie season as he went through physical therapy after his career at Central Florida ended with a torn ACL.
He appeared in three games last and registered one sack. He did not play in the postseason after sustaining a high-ankle sprain late in the season and going on IR.
What 49ers rookies' snap counts vs. Patriots says about them
By Jennifer Lee Chan

The 49ers had a surprising eight rookies contribute on the field in their 30-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
This is not a common occurrence for coach Kyle Shanahan's team, which has many veteran star players on its roster. There usually is an acclimation period before first-year players get the go-ahead to see actual game time, but the head coach shared on Monday that the 2024 rookie class has impressed, both on and off the field.
“We kind of noticed that with them right in OTAs just as a group as a whole,” Shanahan said via conference call. “They seemed like a very mature group. We didn’t have to teach too many of them how to act like pros as we say. They came in, they knew how to walk-thru, they worked very hard."
This maturity has led several rookies to see significant playing time early in the season, starting with offensive lineman Dominick Puni who won the starting right guard job from the first snap of the season.
Puni's dedicated work ethic has 49ers rookie on path to greatness
By Jordan Elliott

SANTA CLARA -- If you didn't know any better, you'd assume 49ers rookie Dominick Puni was a 10-year NFL veteran based on how he carries himself on and off the field.
The 2024 third-round draft pick has been among San Francisco's best players to begin his first professional season, which comes as no surprise given his incredible attention to detail and relentless work ethic.
"If you don't work hard, talent don't matter," Puni told NBC Sports Bay Area after the 49ers' 30-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi's Stadium. "So, we still got to work hard and go out there and play hard."
Puni was outstanding in the victory, finishing Sunday's win over New England as San Francisco's highest-graded offensive player (85.8) at any position, per Pro Football Focus. The rookie guard didn't allow a single quarterback pressure on 29 pass-blocking snaps, playing a critical role in keeping quarterback Brock Purdy upright against the Patriots' formidable defensive front.
Where Purdy's NFL MVP odds stand through 49ers' first four games
By Logan Reardon

“49ers Talk” co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss San Francisco’s offense and how the team will adapt to opposing defenses throughout the 2024 NFL season.
The 2024 NFL season unofficially has reached its quarter mark, and the league MVP picture is starting to take shape.
All teams have played four of 17 games, with bye weeks set to begin as the calendar turns to October.
The usual suspects are in the mix, but there have been several surprises through the first month -- whether it's Sam Darnold leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 4-0 start or Jayden Daniels spearheading a renaissance for the Washington Commanders.
Here are the NFL MVP odds through the first four weeks of the season (via Fanatics Sportsbook):
49ers' D-line resurgence fueled by strength-in-numbers approach
By Jordan Elliott

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers' defensive line's belief in each other never wavered despite the loss of a Pro Bowl-caliber teammate and a brutal early-season losing streak.
On the heels of consecutive defeats, the group that long has been viewed as the engine of San Francisco's fearsome defense relied on a handful of new faces to spark its return to dominance.
Veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins -- one of four 49ers players to combine for six sacks on Sunday -- lauded the defensive line's response to adversity while powering San Francisco's 30-13 win over the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium.
"It was a great job, just raising the sense of urgency of what it's going to take to win," Collins told NBC Sports Bay Area. "We were ... I wouldn't say unproductive, but we didn't win the last two weeks, so we just knew we had to get it done. It was collectively, as a team for sure."
49ers overreactions: Is Jennings the team's best wide receiver?
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

The hysteria of a week ago has mostly dissipated.
The 49ers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 4, and now two NFC West opponents await.
But as the 49ers get set for potential season-shaping games against Arizona and Seattle in a span of five days, there still is plenty on the minds of 49ers fans.
Here’s our latest edition of 49ers overreactions with a big assist from our followers on Threads:

Former 49ers Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner was concerned about San Francisco’s defensive line after the team’s 1-2 start to the 2024 NFL season.
But after the 49ers defeated the New England Patriots, 30-13, in Week 4 at Levi’s Stadium, Whitner is back on the hype train. One side of the ball stood out to Whitner in particular, which he discussed in the latest “Hitner’s Hot Take” segment on NBC Sports Bay Area's "49ers Postgame Live."
“Last week versus the [Los Angeles] Rams -- when Javon Hargrave was lost for the season with a tricep injury -- many around the league thought the 49ers’ defensive line and defense was in trouble,” Whitner said. “On Sunday versus the New England Patriots, the 49ers showed that they have an adequate amount of talent to not just survive the absence of Javon Hargrave, but to thrive.”
Losing Hargrave was a tough blow for the 49ers. His absence, however, didn't keep San Francisco from collecting six sacks on Sunday.

Purdy, 49ers' offense continue to counter defensive adjustments
By Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider

SANTA CLARA -- The pass protection was good, but 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy often held the ball and eventually had to escape the pocket.
Why?
Oftentimes, Purdy had nowhere to throw it because the New England Patriots were well-prepared and took away some of the 49ers’ usually-simple pitch and catches.
“I felt early on New England did a good job just with scheming us up with our plays and stuff,” Purdy said following San Francisco's 30-13 victory Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.


49ers defensive end Nick Bosa speaks with reporters after San Francisco’s 30-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
The 49ers are at home for the second consecutive week as they welcome an NFC West opponent.
Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals enter the contest with a 1-3 record after back-to-back home losses against the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, the latter being a 42-14 rout.
The 49ers are coming off a rout of their own, as they beat the New England Patriots 30-13 with Brock Purdy's heroics again standing out and the defensive line picking up steam.
So, will the 49ers earn their first divisional win of the season? Here's how you can watch the Week 5 game from Levi's Stadium online or on TV:
Five ways Purdy made 49ers, NFL history in his first 25 starts
By Taylor Wirth

Brock Purdy seems to make history in just about every one of his NFL starts.
And that was the case yet again in the 49ers' 30-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 288 yards and one touchdown with one interception in the win and broke five different team and league records while doing so, according to the 49ers' game notes:
NO. 1 -- | HIGHEST COMPLETION % THROUGH A QB’s FIRST 25 CAREER STARTS, FRANCHISE HISTORY
| Rank | Player | Comp. %
| 1. | QB Brock Purdy | 69.1%
| 2. | QB Joe Montana | 63.0%
| 3. | QB Jeff Garcia | 62.8%
| 4. | QB Colin Kaepernick | 60.2%
| 5. | QB Alex Smith | 56.1%