SANTA CLARA For much of the season, the state of the 49ers’ defense could be summed up by two numbers. One varied from week to week, seemingly only growing larger with every passing injury. The other remained persistently, consistently the same. The number of All-Pro selections watching from the suite level of Levi’s Stadium was the same as it has been since Fred Warner joined Nick Bosa with season-ending injuries, but that other number, the one that was stuck at zero for seven weeks, has begun to budge in a big way the past two weeks. “We opened that can of worms, and now we’re just flying,” safety Malik Mustapha said after San Francisco’s win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football. “We’re dialed in. On a night where their own quarterback, Brock Purdy, tossed three before halftime, it was the two hauled in by Ji’Ayir Brown that will be remembered from the 20-9 win. “I always pride myself on being a ballhawk,” the third-year safety said. “It’s just been slow. Just keeping at it, keep going. Keep taking it game by game, waiting on your opportunity, I was able to capitalize.” It only took 12 weeks, but Brown didn’t have to wait long for his opportunity Monday night. After San Francisco marched down the field on a methodical scoring drive to open the game, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young had the Panthers on the verge of a touchdown to match. Purdy’s first interception gave Carolina the ball in San Francisco territory, and Mustapha made a touchdown-saving tackle at the 1-yard line when Young took off out of the pocket. One play later, Carolina walked away empty handed after Brown came down with Young’s pass intended for tight end Mitchell Evans in the back of the end zone. Linebacker Curtis Robinson, who made his first start, called Brown’s first interception “one of the bigger plays we’ve had this year, especially in the moment of the game that it came.” Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said the immediate response to Purdy’s pick was a “big statement” that changed the course of the game. “I was just so happy that he caught it, with just the lack of turnovers this year,” Lenoir said. Brown’s second pick of the evening sealed the win with 6: 33 left to play and the team leading 20-9. It also gave the 49ers a second takeaway for the second straight week, the first time they have strung together multiple games in a row with more than one turnover. “We knew it’s something that we were going to hone in on,” Mustapha said of the turnovers. “And now, you know, we got us a few more.” Last week, Lenoir and Mustapha each grabbed one interception in a 41-22 win at Arizona, but the defense still allowed second-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett to set an NFL record with 47 completions for 452 yards passing. They held the Panthers to 230 total yards, their best defensive showing since Week 1 in Seattle. Coach Kyle Shanahan believes the group is just beginning to hit its stride. “Ever since losing Fred and stuff, it’s been a bunch of young guys, guys who haven’t had their opps yet,” Shanahan said. “And I think each week you can feel them in practice get better and better. It’s not always that result on Sunday or on Monday, but today it was.” Injuries have forced players into unfamiliar roles, including Brown, who had to heal from ankle surgery during training camp and then win back his starting job. San Francisco was already without its leading linebacker, Warner, and was also missing his replacement, Tatum Bethune. That created the opportunity for Robinson to make his first NFL start in a full-circle moment. The Stanford product suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, according to Shanahan, no less than 20 minutes after he had been told he would get the chance to start the following week. Almost a year later, Robinson made one solo tackle and assisted on two others in his first NFL start. “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced; it’s still hard to talk about,” Robinson said. “So to be able to come out healthy from this game and for it to have gone the way it went, I’m more grateful than I can even explain.”.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/24/jiayir-browns-interceptions-outweigh-brock-purdys-in-49ers-mnf-win/
Tag Archives: season-ending
Broncos Lose Out on JK Dobbins Replacement to Chiefs
The Denver Broncos entered their Week 12 bye with one glaring question mark at the running back position following J. K. Dobbins’ season-ending injury. Unfortunately, their attempt to bring in a replacement for Dobbins on Sunday was foiled by perhaps their biggest AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. For the most part, the 2025 season has gone as good as it possibly could for the Broncos. Their 9-2 record has them firmly at the top of the AFC West and potentially in contention for the top overall seed in the AFC. While Denver is riding an eight-game winning streak, there are reasons to be concerned about their rushing attack without Dobbins in the picture. Notably, the Broncos were only able to rush for 59 yards in their Week 11 win over the Chiefs, their first game since their star running back’s injury. More news: 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Sends Bold Message on Former Panthers Teammate Attempting to fill the void of Dobbins’ absence, the Broncos were reportedly nearing a deal with free agent running back Dameon Pierce, according to Broncos reporter Mike Klis. However, Pierce instead opted to sign with the Chiefs’ practice squad. More news: Patriots’ Will Campbell Carted to Locker Room With Apparent Leg Injury Denver will now look elsewhere to potentially add depth at running back to help replace Dobbins. Meanwhile, the Chiefs add a player who can potentially factor into their running back room, which could come back to bite the Broncos. The Chiefs and Broncos do still have one remaining game against one another in Week 17 that could have ramifications at the top of the AFC West standings. If Pierce does end up gaining a role on the Chiefs’ offense by the time that matchup happens, missing out on signing him could sting even more. On the bright side for Denver, they will get an ideal matchup to potentially get their run game going in Week 13 when they take on the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in football this year. So maybe rookie running back RJ Harvey can show that he is fully capable of taking on a workhorse role without Dobbins or Pierce in the picture.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/denver-broncos-lose-out-on-jk-dobbins-replacement-to-kansas-city-chiefs-11096541
Frederick: This Vikings’ offense is woeful, and seems to be getting worse
The Vikings’ offensive performance on Sunday in Green Bay was the kind you’d see from a 3-12 team playing out the string in a pointless Week 17 tilt long after being eliminated from playoff contention. Of a team that was on its backup quarterback and had its fanbase saying, “We have to get a better No. 2 next offseason so we don’t have to go through THIS again.” Of a team that did not have any interest in opening up its playbook, and when it was finally forced to, you understood why. Minnesota managed 4 total yards of offense in the second half of a 23-6 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. That number dips below zero if you include a 5-yard loss on a false start infraction. The second half drive chart: 3 and out 3 and out 3 and out interception interception The offensive highlights of the final 30 minutes were sacks of J. J. McCarthy, where the quarterback was ruled down at his own 1-yard line rather than them being ruled safeties. The game was over the moment Minnesota went down multiple scores after a blunder by Myles Price on a punt return. The Vikings couldn’t block Packers star edge rusher Micah Parsons, or anyone else on Green Bay’s defensive front. McCarthy isn’t nearly good enough at this juncture to operate the offense under the most optimal conditions, as proven last week in a 19-17 loss to Chicago wherein Minnesota played 58 minutes of putrid offense . at home . against one of the worst defenses in football. When facing a good defense in a bad script? Forget it, it’s over. It’s non-competitive. Minnesota’s offense is an eyesore. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell admitted postgame to reporters that his team’s margin for error is “razor thin” at the moment. The narrow path to victory he described sounded like a team hoping to milk the clock to shorten the game and win 13-10. Never would you have thought this was possible in the O’Connell era. In the coach’s previous three seasons guiding the Vikings’ offense, Minnesota has ranked sixth, fifth and sixth in the NFL in passing yards. That includes a season in which Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall took turns filling in after Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending injury. Minnesota is averaging 138 yards through the air in McCarthy’s six starts. On a day when they lost by three scores, the Vikings attempted only 19 passes, and even that somehow felt like too many. There was never a guarantee Minnesota would always be good, but with O’Connell, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the assumption was the Vikings would always be fun. Yet this neutered offense is currently one of the toughest watches in football. It can be enjoyable to watch a youthful signal caller learn, develop and blossom, even amid growing pains. But this experiment is getting worse every week. O’Connell and McCarthy keep referring to mechanical changes the 22-year-old is attempting to master and implement on the fly. That process, frankly, feels impossible to complete midseason. It’s currently going about as poorly as you’d expect. As a result, fans likely feel worse and worse about this team with each passing performance. And with playoff odds now sitting south of 5% after this latest loss, what’s the point of tuning in? It’s certainly not for entertainment; there was none of that to be found on Sunday.
https://www.echopress.com/sports/pro/frederick-this-vikings-offense-is-woeful-and-seems-to-be-getting-worse
Packers’ Josh Jacobs Receives Update After Knee Injury Received Concering Outlook
Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs left the Week 11 game against the New York Giants with a knee injury. He was seen walking to the locker room moments after quarterback Jordan Love had also gone to the locker room. While Love eventually returned to the field, Jacobs was not as fortunate.
Initially labeled questionable to return, Jacobs was ultimately ruled out of the game due to the knee injury. Although there were concerns regarding the severity of the injury, the star running back has since received a significant update.
Early reports suggested that Jacobs’ exit might not be serious, but further information revealed a different story. Following the conclusion of the game, it was disclosed that the Packers’ playmaker’s knee injury is not believed to be season-ending.
According to Adam Schefter, via Packers reporter Rob Demovsky:
“Josh Jacobs’ knee injury is not believed to be season-ending, but more tests will be done on Monday back in Green Bay.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur commented on the situation:
“I think anytime a player, especially of his magnitude, but anytime a player doesn’t finish a game, you’re always concerned about the welfare of them.”
There were initial concerns that Jacobs’ knee injury could involve an ACL, MCL, or another long-term problem that might have sidelined him for the rest of the season. While LaFleur acknowledged the worries around the injury, he also indicated that the news was more positive than feared.
Jacobs is scheduled to undergo further tests in Green Bay, with the hope that he will only miss a few practices rather than several weeks.
In the meantime, the Packers secured a crucial 27-20 victory over the Giants, snapping their two-game losing streak.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/packers-josh-jacobs-receives-update-after-knee-injury-received-concering-outlookpackers-josh-jacobs-receives-update-after-knee-injury-received-concering-outlook-11056379
McIlroy seeks 7th Race to Dubai title to cap a year of unforgettable wins
The Masters to complete the career Grand Slam. A home Irish Open. An away Ryder Cup. It has been a year of unforgettable, career-defining wins for Rory McIlroy.
There’s a good chance it will get even better in Dubai this week, at the Northern Irishman’s final event of the 2025 season.
The No. 2-ranked McIlroy will look to be crowned Europe’s No. 1 player for a fourth straight year when he competes in the European Tour’s season-ending World Tour Championship, starting on Thursday.
If McIlroy holds off Marco Penge and Tyrrell Hatton—the only players in range of overhauling him—he will win the Race to Dubai title for the seventh time in his career and move within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record haul.
Montgomerie won his season-long points titles—when it was called the Order of Merit—each year from 1993 to 1999 and again in 2005. McIlroy is currently tied on six with the late Seve Ballesteros.
### Stopping Rory McIlroy
McIlroy leads the Race to Dubai standings, sitting around 767 points ahead of second-placed Penge and roughly 1,720 points ahead of third-placed Hatton. There are 2,000 points on offer for the winner at the Earth Course.
A win clearly guarantees McIlroy the title, as would finishing second alone.
For Penge, a three-time winner on the tour this year, to overhaul McIlroy, he either needs to win and hope McIlroy finishes worse than second alone, or finish in a tie for second with McIlroy down the leaderboard.
Hatton needs to win to have any chance—however unlikely—of claiming the title.
### PGA Tour Cards
Penge’s breakthrough season has already seen him lock down one of the PGA Tour cards offered to the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai standings who are not otherwise exempt.
The next nine players currently in position are Kristoffer Reitan, John Parry, Adrien Saddier, Alex Noren, Laurie Canter, Li Haotong, Daniel Brown, Keita Nakajima, and Jordan Smith.
### McIlroy Award
The European Tour announced on Tuesday a new trophy—the Rory McIlroy Award—which will be presented to the player who performs best across all four majors in a season.
The inaugural award will be handed out next season and honors McIlroy as the first European to complete the career Grand Slam.
“To have something named after you, that will be presented to future generations of players, is a huge honor and it is very humbling,” McIlroy said.
“I hope,” he added, “my success can inspire other DP World Tour members to chase and achieve their own dreams for years to come.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mcilroy-seeks-7th-race-dubai-091102177.html
Seahawks’ 7-2 Party Rocked by Sudden Knee Injury to Starting Center
Seattle center Jalen Sundell exited Sunday’s 44-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury in the second quarter and did not return. Head coach Mike Macdonald said postgame the early belief is it’s not season-ending, pending imaging.
After Sundell left, backup center Olu Oluwatimi took over, and the Seahawks’ offense kept grinding on the ground, finishing with 198 rushing yards on 46 attempts while surrendering just one sack in a dominant NFC West victory.
### Mike Macdonald: ‘We’ll Get It Imaged’
Sundell left in the second quarter with a knee injury and was ruled out. Asked postgame about the severity, head coach Mike Macdonald pumped the brakes but offered cautious optimism.
“It’s his knee. Not sure on the severity. It looked like he was in good spirits,” he said. “We’ll see. We’ll get it imaged and move on from there. I don’t think it’s season-ending — that could come back to haunt me — but that’s my sense right now.”
Macdonald added that he wanted to review the film on Oluwatimi’s performance but liked the feel of the run game with him in the middle.
“I don’t know how he played, but it felt like we moved the ball when we ran it, and the center drives that,” Macdonald said. “I can’t wait to watch it.”
### Olu Oluwatimi Takes Over as Run Game Rolls
Oluwatimi, a third-year center, handled the snaps after Sundell departed. Unfortunately, Oluwatimi and quarterback Sam Darnold’s very first snap resulted in a fumble, which led to the Cardinals scoring their first points of the game while Seattle had all but dominated to that point.
Darnold said the unit will use this week to tighten details with a new voice at center:
“We just gotta continue to work together,” Darnold said. “We got as many snaps as possible together. We have to clean that up, obviously.”
Even with the mid-game switch, Seattle’s offensive line controlled the trenches:
– 198 rushing yards on 46 attempts (4.3 yards per carry)
– Zach Charbonnet and third-stringer George Holani scoring
– Only one sack allowed on 12 pass attempts (Darnold only threw one pass in the second half)
– 14 rushing first downs and 6-of-10 on third down, sustaining drives
– 6.3 yards per play and 13.4 yards per pass attempt, reflecting clean pockets and balance
Those numbers underscore a front that kept its composure and allowed Seattle to close it out on the ground.
### What It Means Going Forward
Seattle improved to 7-2 and swept Arizona for the fourth straight season. If Sundell misses time, Oluwatimi projects as the next man up with a pivotal divisional trip ahead.
Seattle has leaned on a physical identity, and Sunday’s performance — five takeaways overall and a punishing run game — fits that mold.
Sundell had played 94% of available snaps this season, according to Pro Football Reference. He was seen as a major upgrade to the center position after only playing 7% of snaps in 2024.
One immediate focus this week will be cadence, calls, and chemistry with Oluwatimi as the voice of the line. Exchange on shotgun snaps and clean identification in the run game can keep Seattle on schedule while Sundell rehabs.
The staff trusts Oluwatimi’s preparedness and temperament; if he starts, the Seahawks will lean on their guard tandem to help streamline protections.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/jalen-sundell-injury-oluwatimi/
Giants get dominated in all phases as they drop to 2-7 with a 34-24 loss to 49ers
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Brian Daboll loves to talk about playing complementary football. What his New York Giants did on Sunday was the polar opposite.
Mistakes on offense, defense, and special teams doomed the Giants in a 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that was not as close as the score indicated. The game was played in front of a crowd that sounded more like it was in the Bay Area than the Meadowlands.
“I’ve never played in a home game that was lopsided in that department,” rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart said. “But they have a big fan base.”
Drops plagued the Giants early as Theo Johnson and Wan’Dale Robinson failed to secure passes thrown right at them by Dart. On defense, Christian McCaffrey was left wide open for one of the easiest touchdowns of his career. McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. dominated the field all afternoon, carving through would-be tacklers repeatedly.
Adding to the Giants’ woes, kicker Graham Gano missed a field goal attempt wide left in the final minute of the first half. Later, special teams miscues continued when Zaire Barnes collided with returner Gunner Olszewski on a punt in the third quarter.
“We have to keep believing that we will win,” Dart said. “It’s not fun to lose. We missed out on certain phases of playing complementary football. You have to win at least two of those areas, and we didn’t.”
The loss marked New York’s third consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 2-7 this season with the NFL trade deadline looming Tuesday. Frustration within the fan base was evident, with a plane circling the stadium carrying a banner that read, “Mr. Mara enough is enough clean house.” Another banner wished owner John Mara well in his fight against cancer.
“Look,” Daboll said, “we’re not where we need to be.”
Injury troubles piled up as well. Starting center John Michael Schmitz, inside linebacker Darius Muasau, and rookie receiver Beaux Collins all left the game. The Giants were already missing their top two cornerbacks, Paulson Adebo and Cor’Dale Flott, as well as starting free safety Jevon Holland. This is on top of season-ending injuries to Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo.
Despite the struggles, Dart and the energy he has brought are sources of long-term optimism. He showed flashes of promise against San Francisco, completing three of four passes with a touchdown to Theo Johnson on the opening drive — which was the high point of the game. The 49ers responded immediately, scoring on their first possession and dominating the rest of the contest.
The Giants have allowed at least 33 points in each of their past three games during this skid.
“Nothing was good enough,” Daboll said, defending his decision to kick a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line — a choice that drew boos from the home crowd. “We have to keep working on our tackling. Whether it’s finishing tackles or finishing catches, we have to do better.”
Dart and Daboll have worked closely together since the Giants traded back into the first round to draft the Mississippi product as their future at football’s most important position.
When asked about pressure for a coaching change, Dart deferred. “I can only control what I can control,” he said. “As a team, we should be thinking the same way.”
How to Watch Rockets vs Toronto Raptors: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
The Houston Rockets (1-2) travel to Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors (1-3) on Wednesday night in an exciting NBA matchup.
**How to Watch Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors**
**When:** Wednesday, October 29, 2025
**Time:** 6:30 PM ET
**Where:** Scotiabank Arena
**TV Channel:** Space City Home Network
**Live Stream:** Fubo (Watch for free!)
The Rockets entered the season with championship aspirations but have faced challenges replacing point guard Fred VanVleet, who suffered a season-ending injury. Despite losing two tough games, Houston got a much-needed win when the Brooklyn Nets visited. The Rockets started strong, putting up 42 points in the first quarter, and never looked back, cruising to a 137-109 victory. Tari Eason led Houston off the bench with an impressive 22 points, along with five rebounds and five assists.
On the other side, after a strong opening win against the Atlanta Hawks, the Raptors have dropped three consecutive games. Their latest setback came in a 121-103 loss on the road to the San Antonio Spurs. RJ Barrett led Toronto with 25 points, while Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 19 points off the bench, shooting 7-of-13 from the field. Immanuel Quickley added 15 points, and Brandon Ingram chipped in 14, but the Raptors couldn’t overcome a first-quarter deficit, falling behind 41-29.
This promises to be a thrilling basketball game you won’t want to miss. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action!
**Live stream Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors on Fubo:** Watch the event now! (Regional restrictions may apply.)
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https://www.newsweek.com/sports/how-to-watch-rockets-vs-toronto-raptors-live-stream-nba-tv-channel-10960497
Dodgers make final decision on Clayton Kershaw’s World Series roster status
The Los Angeles Dodgers obviously want to give legendary left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw a proper send-off after a sensational near two-decade run with the franchise. At the same time, they are extremely motivated to win their second straight World Series championship. Many fans are wondering if both goals can be accomplished, or if sentiment might clash with ambition in this specific instance.
Based on the latest news, LA believes No. 22 can help the team stay on top. Longtime manager Dave Roberts revealed that Kershaw will be on the Dodgers’ roster for their best-of-seven, season-ending showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Following a rough relief outing versus the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, it was unclear if Kershaw would receive another opportunity to take the mound before he officially retires. The Dodgers kept the 37-year-old on the active squad for the NL Championship Series, but they did not use him in their sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.
A solid showing against the Blue Jays en route to another title would be the perfect way for Kershaw to end his final October run. But does he still have what it takes?
The 2014 MVP, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and five-time ERA king posted a respectable 2025 regular season, recording a 3.36 ERA with 84 strikeouts and a .663 OPS against in 112 2/3 innings of work. He remains a pillar of consistency for large stretches of time.
However, the playoffs have often been a source of adversity for him. Clayton Kershaw owns a 4.63 ERA in almost 200 postseason innings. That statistic will be the unfortunate “but” people mention when reflecting on an otherwise absurdly amazing MLB career.
It would be quite poetic if the future Hall of Famer and all-time great southpaw could ride off into the sunset after thriving in the Fall Classic. Fans across Los Angeles are undoubtedly hoping to witness just that as Kershaw looks to add one final championship to his illustrious resume.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-final-decision-clayton-kershaw-world-series-roster-status
Notre Dame football key OL to miss 3–4 weeks with knee injury
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team has encountered a significant setback amid its playoff push. Starting left guard and team captain Billy Schrauth is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a sprained MCL, marking a pivotal injury to the offensive front that could alter the course of the season.
This latest injury is the third major blow to a Notre Dame offensive line already struggling with depth issues. The absence of Schrauth threatens the Fighting Irish’s current resurgence after an 0-2 start to the season. As both a leader and an experienced player, Schrauth has been essential to the identity of Notre Dame football in 2025.
His ability to control the trenches has been especially vital in high-stakes games where physicality often determines the outcome. According to sources, “Notre Dame standout left guard Billy Schrauth is expected to miss 3-4 weeks due to a knee injury he suffered vs. USC Saturday. Schrauth, a team captain for the No. 12 Irish, is viewed as one of the top draft prospects among draft-eligible guards.”
The offensive line, already without center Ashton Craig (season-ending injury) and right guard Charles Jagusah (leg injury), will now lean on redshirt sophomore Sullivan Absher at left guard. The timing couldn’t be worse as the Fighting Irish stand at 5-2 and are clinging to College Football Playoff hopes with crucial November matchups ahead.
Before the injury, Schrauth was a core leader on an offensive front that averaged over 200 rushing yards per game. That dominance was on full display against USC, where running back Jeremiyah Love exploded for 228 yards and a touchdown. Jadarian Price added 87 more rushing yards, fueling Notre Dame’s fifth straight win.
With key November games looming, the Fighting Irish face a challenge in maintaining their momentum without Schrauth’s presence on the offensive line.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/notre-dame-football-news-billy-schrauth-injury-update