In a Week 7 showdown, the Atlanta Falcons beat the San Francisco 49ers to vault into prime position for NFC South supremacy. Host Kevin Knight and guest Aaron Freeman (Locked On Falcons) break down the win, dissect the latest injury updates, and debate whether Atlanta can seize control of the division in their upcoming clash with Tampa Bay. The episode also highlights fan engagement options like Discord, Patreon, and a YouTube livestream with full HD video and live Q&A.
The San Francisco 49ers release cornerback Jack Jones on October 28, 2026, days after trading for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The 28‑year‑old, a former All‑Pac‑12 honoree drafted by New England in 2022, had a tumultuous stint with the Patriots, Raiders and Dolphins before signing a one‑year deal with the 49ers. In 2026 he played seven games, tallying 11 tackles and three pass defenses, and was entering the final year of his rookie contract worth just over $3 million before being cut.
The 49ers sit 6‑1 after seven weeks, propelled by top‑five offensive explosive‑play rates (9.5% overall, 14.1% on the ground, 5.6% through the air) and a league‑best defensive rate of allowed explosions at just 3.2%. Wins over Denver and Seattle highlight their efficiency, while a returning DeForest Buckner and Nick Bosa promise to tighten an already stout defense. If the trend continues—more big gains offensively and fewer allowed defensively—the Niners look poised to sustain their hot start.
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts announces his retirement at the end of 2026, handing the reins to President Ethan Casson as the team's new CEO and alternate governor. Welts, a Hall of Famer who returned in 2024 after stints with the Suns, Warriors and the NBA, has overseen a major organizational overhaul. Casson, who joined Dallas in 2025 after leading the Timberwolves/Lynx and serving as COO of the 49ers, brings 20+ years of sports‑business experience to guide the franchise into its next chapter.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner discusses DeForest Buckner’s impact, the 49ers’ potential next trade and concerns about turnovers and Eddie Piñeiro.
Three 49ers who deserve more snaps in the second half of the season. Why Watkins, Black and Halton earned expanded roles before the playoff push.
ESPN's Courtney Cronin discusses a potential Bears trade deadline move as DeForest Buckner heads to the 49ers, leaving Chicago with fewer options.
Brock Purdy’s early-season surge stalls after Week 5, as the 49ers fall 29‑20 to Atlanta. Limited to four healthy receivers and missing key playmakers, Purdy throws 27‑of‑40 for 288 yards, one TD and two interceptions, dropping his passer rating from 126.2 to 75.8. Stats show his per‑play EPA tumble from +0.505 (weeks 1‑4) to –0.087 (weeks 5‑7). The loss highlights Purdy’s struggles against top defenses—particularly Seattle’s DVOA‑best unit—and a costly misread of cover disguises that led to both picks. The article dissects the fake cover‑1 and double‑mug looks that fooled him and suggests adjustments to regain his MVP‑caliber form.
Updated NFL QB rankings after Week 7, following J.J. McCarthy's excellent New York Giants debut and Brock Purdy's first dud of the campaign for the San Francisco 49ers.
Trade deadline chatter heats up across the NFC. The Bears, after missing out on DeForest Buckner, are still hunting defensive help, while the Cardinals' OLB Josh Sweat and safety Budda Baker draw serious trade interest despite contract concerns. Los Angeles could flip Khalil Mack if the Chargers decide to move players, and the Rams are being eyed as potential buyers. Meanwhile, the Vikings, seeking line‑of‑scrimmage upgrades, see WR Jauan Jennings as a possible outbound piece. Sources from ESPN and Jordan Schultz fuel the buzz.
The 49ers' Brock Purdy drops from No. 2 to No. 5 in NFL QB rankings after throwing two interceptions in a loss to the Falcons. See where he stands now.
Folk singer Noah Kahan attended the Nashville Predators' 4-3 loss to the New York Islanders solely to see star winger Filip Forsberg, not fellow celebrity George Kittle. Kahan posted on Instagram, joking “I’m just here for the Forsburgers,” while sitting beside the 49ers tight end in a luxury suite. Forsberg, a 2011 first‑round pick, has tallied three goals and ten assists this season. The Predators, now 4‑3‑5, aim to bounce back against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 29. Meanwhile, Kittle is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the Jan. 2026 playoffs.
Wide receiver Josh Downs has officially requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The 25‑year‑old, entering the final year of his rookie deal, made the move a day after the Colts dealt guard Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner, amid a front‑office shake‑up and a 2‑5 record. Downs, who has 26 catches for 307 yards and a career‑low 56.5% catch rate this season, said he’s “open to whatever” but remains focused on the upcoming game against Jacksonville. Potential suitors include the Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs and Commanders as the Nov. 10 deadline looms.
49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa and girlfriend Ella Ailiff spark Halloween fun by dressing as the Crimson Chin and Cleft the Boy Chin Wonder from *The Fairly OddParents* at the team's costume party. Their TikTok pairings draw cheers, but fans flood comments urging Bosa’s quick return after missing games with a calf injury. GM John Lynch hints Bosa may be back after the bye, targeting a Nov. 8 matchup with the Raiders. Meanwhile, San Francisco, 6‑1, bolsters the pass rush by acquiring DeForest Buckner, easing pressure to rush Bosa’s comeback.
The Chicago Bears are targeting Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons as a key trade deadline acquisition. Simmons, 29, boasts 46.5 sacks and 72 tackles for loss since 2019 and carries a contract of $124 million through 2029. The Titans could offload him for roughly two draft picks—likely a 2027 first‑rounder—while absorbing $14.1 million dead cap this season and $21.2 million in 2027. With the Bears already missing DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson, analysts say he would solidify a struggling defensive line, though price concerns remain amid other market options like Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat.
Field Gulls' latest SB Nation Reacts survey asks fans to predict the upcoming Seahawks‑Bears showdown on Monday night. After recent losses to the 49ers and Broncos, Seattle hopes to rebound against Chicago, whose last meeting was a 6‑3 slog. The poll pits coaches Mike Macdonald vs. Ben Johnson and highlights Caleb Williams facing Quenton Nelson, while Coby Bryant remains sidelined. Readers are invited to vote on the winner and margin—one, two, or three possessions—for either team. Results will be posted later in the week.
As the 49ers enter their bye week, trade speculation heats up. After Seattle acquires All‑Pro guard Quenton Nelson, San Francisco sends a fourth‑round pick for defensive end DeForest Buckner and may still pursue depth on the line, wide receiver, or cornerback before the deadline. The article reviews past midseason deals—from Emmanuel Sanders (2019) and Jordan Willis (2020) to Christian McCaffrey (2022) and Chase Young (2023)—showing a pattern of high‑floor additions that bolster depth and occasional splash‑y moves. With a title‑contending window this season and a Valentine’s Day Super Bowl prospect, the author argues the 49ers could make a bold trade for a top EDGE pass rusher or a premier wideout like Garrett Wilson, but most likely will stick to depth upgrades.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones confirms he’s single after ending his relationship with college sweetheart Sophie Scott earlier this year. On George Kittle’s podcast, Jones reveals he’s looking for a smart woman and notes a quirky deal‑breaker: he doesn’t like seafood. Despite trade rumors, 49ers GM John Lynch assures fans Jones isn’t on the market, citing the team’s strong quarterback situation. The interview mixes personal preferences with on‑field stability, offering a rare glimpse into Jones’s post‑breakup outlook.
Week 8 fantasy advice from Gridiron Experts warns that the recent roller‑coaster of high scores is over and urges managers to chase upside. With Houston, New Orleans, Giants and 49ers on bye, the focus is on quarterbacks and flex spots. Jacoby Brissett (Texans vs. Cowboys) is a top‑12 superflex pick against a soft Dallas secondary, while Geno Smith (Jets vs. Raiders) is a solid streamer despite a strong Raiders pass rush. Miami’s Ollie Gordon II sees heavy red‑zone carries, offering a safe RB2 floor. Blake Corum (Rams) and Rachaad White (Washington) provide flex upside in favorable run‑heavy matchups. Expect the unexpected through Halloween week.
Getting DeForest Buckner back is a feel-good thing for the 49ers, but it also led to Sports Illustrated proposing another reunion-like move.
Michael Penix Jr. earns his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a stellar Sunday versus the 6‑0 49ers. The Falcons quarterback went 25‑for‑34 for 213 yards, three TDs and zero turnovers, becoming only the third QB in the past 25 seasons to throw three touchdowns with no interceptions against a team with at least six wins. His 73.5% completion rate marks his third win with over 72% accuracy this season, and his 21 career TD passes rank 10th in Falcons history. Penix joins teammates Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts among recent NFC weekly honorees.
The Washington Commanders activate defensive lineman Johnny Newton off injured reserve after opening his 21‑day practice window, allowing him to return despite a torn pectoral in the first preseason game. Coach Dan Quinn praises Newton’s work ethic, noting his value as an interior pass rusher. Meanwhile, the team places WR Terry McLaurin on season‑ending IR after a torn patellar tendon suffered in Week 6 against the 49ers, and promotes veteran WR Van Jefferson from the practice squad, choosing him over Jaden Bradley. The moves also include signing OLB Kyle Kennard to the practice squad, reshaping a roster hit by injuries.
After a road loss to the Seattle Seahawks left the Kansas City Chiefs' offense cold, the team’s lack of reliable wide receivers is now front‑page news. Analysts expect the Chiefs to pursue a trade in the coming weeks, with names like Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. and Minnesota’s Jauan Jennings circulating. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that both Kansas City and Pittsburgh are eyeing Thomas, while the 49ers could snap up former member Jennings on a low‑cost deal. A possible Tyreek Hill reunion is being tossed around, though his recovery from a severe leg injury remains uncertain. The Chiefs next face the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
San Francisco, sitting 6-1, reportedly has about $35 million in cap space for the rest of the 2026 season, sparking trade rumors that could land veteran WR Chris Godwin on the 49ers' roster. Veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski comments he’s “intrigued” by the potential move, noting how Godwin’s route-running and experience could boost San Fran’s passing attack. The post explores the financial flexibility the Niners enjoy, the logistics of a Godwin trade, and why Gronk sees it as a win‑win for both player and team.
The 49ers, fresh off acquiring DE DeForest Buckner, are already eyeing additional upgrades at defensive end and wide receiver. Trade chatter includes Maxx Crosby (if the Raiders budge), Khalil Mack, and Josh Sweat (despite his dip to two sacks in 2026). On the receiver side, the Niners consider Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Garrett Wilson (Giants), and Josh Downs (Colts), with the latter reportedly seeking a trade. Analysts give Thomas a 45% trade likelihood and Sweat a 40% chance. The piece weighs each prospect’s fit, contract status, and recent production, highlighting the team’s ongoing roster‑building push.