San Francisco 49ers
NFC West
The Niners GM, John Lynch raved about rookie tight end, George Kittle, when he spoke on the local sports radio show in the Bay Area. “He’s got some suddenness to him in his movements. He catches the ball extremely well... I think George gives us something we don’t have in a playmaker down near the red zone... We feel like George Kittle maybe gives us something where he is that guy, in a one-on-one situation you can flex him out, put him in the middle of the field and he can kind of impose his will and just out-athlete people. That has been extremely positive. We thought that coming in, but he probably exceeded our expectations.” (Source: KNBR 680)
Fantasy Impact: Getting excited about a rookie tight end on a team that was one of the worst in football last season on the offensive side of the ball is a tough thing to do. Yes, the team now has an offensive guru that should help considerably, but historically, rookie tight ends simply do not produce for fantasy purposes. That's not to say that Kittle can't replicate what Hunter Henry did in his rookie campaign, but it's far from a guarantee. If he can flash during the preseason, he may be worth grabbing with your last pick, but the team still has a conundrum at tight end with Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell, and Logan Paulsen on the roster. Don't go crazy and start grabbing Kittle on all your MFL10 teams just yet.
San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco believes running back Carlos Hyde is not a lock to open the 2017 season as the team's starter. "Hyde is probably still the favorite to win the starting job, but he will have to earn it, Maiocco said via CSNBayArea.com. "However it shakes out, it is probably safe to assume the club will employ more of a backs-by-committee approach with Williams and Tim Hightower available for key roles." (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: It appears, per reports, the 49ers will employ an RBBC approach to their ground game in 2017. Although Hyde is the favorite to enter the year on top of the RB depth chart, he'll likely be heavily pushed by rookie Joe Williams, who is highly touted by team brass. Rounding off the trio will be free agent acquisition, Tim Hightower. Assuming Hyde's health remains intact, Hightower is expected to take on a lighter workload than the aforementioned rushers due to his age (31). Still, Hyde is the 49ers' RB to target in upcoming drafts for fantasy football purposes.
Category: Rumors
Brian Hoyer was ranked 26th best QB out of the 32 teams starting quarterbacks. He was in between Blake Bortles and Mike Glennon. (Source: Sporting News)
Fantasy Impact: Just because he's no Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, doesn't mean that Hoyer won't have fantasy value. We've seen Hoyer put on some nice numbers in some nice cushy matchups. He'll be a great DFS value play in those easy matchups.
Wed, May 24th 3:24pm EDT
By Chad Satterfield
Colin Kaepernick and Austin Davis met with the Seahawks on Wednesdays and sources say "it's not expected any signing will happen immediately." (Source: Bob Condotta on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: If Kap were to sign with the Seahawks, he wouldn't have any fantasy value unless Russell Wilson gets injured.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Buffalo Bills have signed free agent wide receiver Rod Streater on Wednesday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Streater will join a Bills wide receiver depth chart full of question marks outside of Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones. The 29-year-old wideout, who only played in 20 games since 2014, will likely have to compete for a roster spot for the 2017 season. Despite the underwhelming core of talent surrounding him, Streater is no shoe-in to make the final cut.
Category: Transactions
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Arizona Cardinals and free agent quarterback Blaine Gabbert have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Gabbert will join the Cardinals to compete with Drew Stanton for the role of Carson Palmer's primary backup. He'll have zero fantasy value unless Palmer is sidelined at any point during the year.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have released running back DuJuan Harris on Monday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: One week after cutting Mike Davis, the rebuilding 49ers have released another running back Monday, parting ways with Harris. With both Smith and Harris gone, San Francisco's running back depth chart is beginning to shape up. Carlos Hyde is on track to open the upcoming season as the starter with Tim Hightower serving as his primary backup. Rookie Joe Williams and Kapri Bibbs will likely fill in the remaining spots for 2017. For Harris, he'll likely sign with a running back-needy club in time for training camp and compete for a roster spot.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have released wide receiver KD Cannon on Sunday. (Source: David Smoak on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Cannon was signed as a UDFA following April's NFL Draft and was released after the team's rookie minicamp on Sunday. Expect the former Baylor wideout to land with a new club in time for training camp.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have released running back Mike Davis on Thursday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Davis was cut Thursday from a tremendously crowded 49ers running back depth chart. In the wake of the offseason additions of Tim Hightower, Joe Williams and Kapri Bibbs, plus, the re-signing of DuJuan Haris, there was no longer any room for Davis. Expect the 24-year-old rusher, whose totaled 171 yards and a touchdown in two seasons as a pro, to catch on with a new club in time for training camp.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have signed running back Joe Williams on Wednesday. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Williams, who was the 121st overall pick in the recent NFL Draft, is believed to be the first 2017 rookie to sign a deal. With Carlos Hyde the clear-cut starter, Williams will have to compete for a role with Tim Hightower, the presumed backup. However, Hyde has durability issues as does Hightower, which could open the door for the rookie to garner extended playing time this season. From a fantasy perspective, Williams is an intriguing Dynasty option due to his welcoming situation in San Francisco's backfield. For redraft leagues, Willaims should be targeted late in the draft and stashed on the back end of a fantasy roster in the event he does, in fact, garner a significant amount of snaps in 2017.
Category: Transactions
San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco is reporting wide receiver Bruce Ellington (soft tissue injury) sat out of minicamp with a soft tissue injury unrelated to his hamstring issue that sidelined him for the entire 2016 season. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers cleaned house this offseason and added a new regime both in the front office and on the player personnel end. Focusing on the wide receiver depth chart, San Francisco brought in Pierre Garcon, Aldrick Robinson and Marquise Goodwin, while retaining Jeremy Kerley and parting ways with Torrey Smith. For Ellington, who has battled injuries throughout his three-year career missing 22 games since 2014, his roster spot could be in jeopardy if he continues to be bitten by the injury bug.
Category: Injury Updates
The New York Giants and free agent running back Shaun Draughn agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal Tuesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Draughn, who played the last two seasons in San Francisco, signed with the Giants Tuesday. Playing in all 16 games in 2016, he accumulated 196 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher while catching 29 targets for 263 yards and another two scores as a receiver. With Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen already expected to enter 2017 as New York's top two backs on the depth chart, Draughn will likely open the year at the No. 3 spot ahead of Orleans Darkwa.
Category: Transactions
According to former NFL player Steve Smith, Torrey Smith will be released by the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: This can only mean good things for Smith, as he's been hardly used in the 49ers 'offense.' Going back to his days with the Ravens, Smith finished as a top-24 wide receiver every season. If he were to land on a team with a legit quarterback, Smith may find his way back into fantasy relevance.
Category: Transactions
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers and Jeremy Kerley have agreed on a three-year deal, worth $10.5 million. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It's hard to know how much value Kerley will have without knowing what quarterback will be throwing him the ball. The 49ers currently have zero quarterbacks on the roster, so maybe Kerley knows something we don't. He looked good posting 64 receptions, 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2016, especially considering who was throwing to him. Kerley isn't likely to be anything more than a spot-starter in fantasy, however.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have signed 23-year-old WR DeAndre Carter to a two-year deal. (Source: San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Impact: Carter was an undrafted free agent in 2015 that was signed by the Ravens. He was waived and later signed/waived by the Raiders and Patriots from 2015-16. The 49ers have holes in multiple places on their roster and the WR position was especially poor after finishing dead last in receiving yards in 2016. Part of the blame could be on the QB, but a WR corps of Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton and Jeremy Kerley isn't scaring anyone.
Category: Transactions
Garrett Celek caught only one pass on Sunday and it was for a nine yard touchdown.
Fantasy Impact: Celek has three touchdowns on the season and two in the last three games. The 49ers will have Vance McDonald and possibly some other pass catchers back next year, so Celek won't be a fantasy option.
Category: Game Recaps
Fri, Dec 23rd 4:48pm EST
By Mahesh Sharma
During Sunday's blowout loss to the Falcons, Patton left the game due to a foot injury, which will now sideline him for the 49ers' final two contests.
Fantasy Impact: Despite ranking second on San Francisco's receiver depth chart, Patton didn't score a touchdown this season. He was placed on injured reserve to make room for DeAndre Smelter, who was promoted from the practice squad. Patton's looming absence, and Torrey Smith being placed on injured reserve, elevates Jeremy Kerley to the lead receiver role this weekend.
Category: Game Recaps
Mon, Dec 19th 3:27pm EST
By Chad Satterfield
Blake Bell sustained a shoulder injury on Sunday and will miss the final two games of the season. (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: With Bell and McDonald out, Garrett Celek is looking like a nice GPP play next week.
Category: Injury Updates
The San Francisco 49ers placed tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder) on the injured reserve list Monday. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: McDonald suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 14 and was placed on IR as a result. He finished the 2016 campaign with 24 receptions for 391 yards receiving and four touchdowns through 11 games. Garrett Celek will start in McDonald's absence for the rest of the way.
Category: Injury Updates
Mon, Nov 28th 1:34pm EST
By Sean Fitzpatrick
Phil Dawson connected on his only field goal attempt on the day from 36-yards out. Dawson did make all three of his extra point attempts.
Fantasy Impact: Dawson's fantasy value is pointing up with Kaepernick's play and Carlos Hyde's strong play after returning from injury.
Category: Game Recaps
The San Francisco 49ers signed WR DeAndre Smelter to their practice squad and released WR Dres Anderson.
Fantasy Impact: Smelter was previously released by the 49ers prior to the start of the season on September 3rd. The only way he'll make it on the roster is if other WRs suffer injuries, which Smelter has a problem avoiding as it is. It's doubtful that he has any fantasy impact this year.
Category: Transactions
There are reports that the 49ers locker room believes that Christian Ponder is the best QB on the team, and should be making starts. (Source: cbssports.com)
Fantasy Impact: The guy who was not on a NFL team just a few months ago is now suddenly the best QB on the 49ers. That's how bad it is in the bay. If Ponder does start, hopefully it will salvage Torrey Smith's awful season.
Bruce Miller was arrested Monday morning for an alleged assault of two men while intoxicated. He reportedly is being charged with battery, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, and elder abuse. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This is his second run-in with the law as a 49ers and the team made an immediate statement by cutting the fullback turned tight end. No word on the punishment yet, but it's hard to imagine Miller playing anytime soon.
Category: Transactions
Jeff Driskel was claimed by the Bengals, and is now their third QB on the roster. (Source: Mercury News)
Fantasy Impact: This has got to hurt for the 49ers, as they most likely wanted to sign Driskel to their practice squad after talking him up all pre-season. He has no fantasy relevance.
The son of former Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor, Kelvin has limited physical traits and upside in his 5 foot, 205-pound frame and marginial athleticism.
Fantasy Impact: The University of Florida product was a sneaky bet to crack the 49ers 53-man roster as they move further towards a youth movement and rebuilding their offensive and defensive rosters. But, his limitations were too much for new head coach Chip Kelly to include on the team's 53-man roster. San Francisco will attempt to stash Taylor onto the team's practice squad if he clears waivers.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have released WR Dres Anderson. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Even with all of the injuries to the 49ers WR corps, he still couldn't make the squad.
Sat, Aug 27th 10:48am EDT
By Benjamin Bukacek
San Francisco 49ers WR DeAndrew White caught 1-of-3 targets for 12 yards in Friday's 21-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Friday.
Fantasy Impact: The second year WR out of Alabama has the opportunity to see an uptick in playing time this season based on the 49ers lack of standout options at WR. He only had two receptions last year in very limited playing time so he should not be drafted in fantasy leagues.
Category: Game Recaps
The 49ers have signed Christian Ponder and to make room for him, have placed Thad Lewis on Injured Reserve. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: It's too bad for Thad, he played well during the pre-season game and looked like he could've made the roster.
San Francisco 49ers WR Eric Rogers (ACL) will miss the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL that was sustained during practice on Thursday. Rogers was a CFL star before signing with San Francisco in the offseason. (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Rogers will miss the entire 2016 regular season due to a torn ACL. He signed with the 49ers in the offseason following an outstanding career in the CFL. DeAndre Smelter, Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton will compete for the No. 2 and No.3 wide receiver spots on San Francisco's depth chart in training camp in the wake of Rogers' season-ending injury.
Category: Injury Updates
Jarryd Hayne announced his retirement from the NFL and a return to rugby. He will play for Fiji in the Olympics. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: He was a preseason phenom but was riddled with fumblitis and a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. He was a bigger name and story than a fantasy contributor.
Category: Transactions
Per Rand Getlin's sources, Boldin's desire is "important to him." (Source: Rand Getlin on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Boldin played in the Super Bowl, the NFC Championship game and for two bad teams in his last four seasons, so his last right would logically want him getting back to glory. Teams with title contention aspirations tend to have well-stocked WR corps, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up in New England or another well-stocked team.
Category: Rumors
Reggie Bush told reporters "I'm sill playing" in response to questions about the running back's retirement on Sunday. Bush is a free agent at the start of the new league year in March. (Source: Chris Wesseling via Around the NFL)
Fantasy Impact: Reggie Bush is coming off of a pair of seasons to forget and wants to try to resurrect his NFL career in 2016. Bush would have to play behind a proven offensive line with and continue to take on a complementary role if he is to be on an NFL roster this year.
Category: Rumors
Kendall Gaskins was in the mix to start against the Rams, but ended the game without a touch.
Fantasy Impact: A career practice squad player, Gaskins was thrust into action due to injury and was promptly replaced by committees led by Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris. He is a big bruising back but has limited agility and upside.
Category: Game Recaps
The 49ers cut Travaris Cadet and signed DuJuan Harris, who will be collecting his sixth team jersey. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Harris may get touches in a rotation if Shaun Draughn cannot go, but he's not worth going out to grab.
Category: Transactions
Sat, Nov 28th 2:37am EST
By Chad Satterfield
The 49ers signed McLeod Bethel-Thompson to their practice squad this week. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: He is just taking the spot of Dylan Thompson who was called up to backup Gabbert, now that Kaepernick is on IR.
The 49ers have parted ways with RB Pierre Thomas after one game. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Thomas didn't do much with the 49ers, notching 12 yards on 4 carries. This doesn't mean that Carlos Hyde is necessarily on the comeback trail, the Niners signed Travaris Cadet in a corresponding move. Cadet has no fantasy value and Thomas may pop up in New England.
Category: Transactions
San Francisco 49ers WR Jerome Simpson caught 3-of-10 targets for 34 yards in a 27-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.
Fantasy Impact: With Anquan Boldin ruled inactive prior to Sunday's game, Jerome Simpson received the most targets but didn't put up productive numbers. This was his first game back from a six-game suspension and he may not be on the same page as QB Colin Kaepernick quite yet. Simpson is not a solid fantasy option and the 49ers' QB situation should be monitored before deciding to start any of their WRs.
Category: Game Recaps
The Broncos will receive Davis and San Francisco's 2016 seventh-round pick in exchange for their 2016 sixth-round pick. The move is helpful for the Broncos as it gives them a mid-range target for Peyton Manning, as current TE Owen Daniels has failed to impress this season as a receiver but will remain a blocking TE for them.
Fantasy Impact: This is an upgrade for Vernon Davis' fantasy outlook, as he will be much more productive under Manning than Kaepernick. Garrett Celek will take over as the 49er TE.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers and Kendall Hunter have reached an injury settlement and he has been released from the IR and is now a free agent. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Kendall Hunter is a fan favorite in San Francisco, but he could never stay healthy. Kendall has some serious burst and it's worth keeping an eye on him to see where he lands.
Dylan Thompson was impressive in his preseason start, as he went for 225 yards, two touchdowns with one interception.
Fantasy Impact: Dylan Thompson played well Thursday night against the Chargers. He has a decent arm and has some athleticism as he was able to scramble away from several defenders. If he makes the 49ers squad, he'll be holding a clipboard on the sideline all season.
Category: Game Recaps
San Francisco Giants WR Mario Hull was cut by the 49ers on Monday. (Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hull was a talented punt returner out of Rice University, but didn't show enough for the 49ers to keep him on the roster. He didn't receive many targets in the preseason and may find himself on another roster for his punt returning skills.
Category: Transactions
Rookie, Rory Anderson lead the 49ers in receiving yards against the Cowboys.
Fantasy Impact: Anderson made the most of his playing time when fellow tight end, Vance McDonald left the second preseason game with an injury. Anderson's 32 yards on two receptions lead the 49ers for their second preseason game. Anderson is a long shot to make the opening day squad, but could be a sneaky daily selection should Vernon Davis miss an extended period of time.
Category: Game Recaps
Tight end Derek Carrier has been traded to Washington for a fifth round pick, according to Matt Maiocco. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Washington has had a string of injuries at the tight end position. Carrier showed he has the ability to make the tough catch when he was given the opportunity last season. He faced long odds to make the active roster for the 49ers this season. Carrier could be a sneaky contrarian pick for daily fantasy players.
Category: Transactions
Tight end Asante Cleveland has been traded to the Patriots, according to Matt Maiocco. The terms of this trade are not known. (Source: CSNBayArea.com)
Fantasy Impact: Cleveland was a long shot to make the 49ers roster with a log jam of tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart. Look for the 49ers to try and unload one more tight end before final roster cuts are made.
Category: Transactions
Thu, Jul 9th 10:22pm EDT
By Jonathan Ebanks
Ex-NFL RB Marcus Lattimore was stunned the 49ers selected him as a fourth-round draft pick. He spoke about it and said, "I mean, why would you take a running back with two horrible knee injuries?" He elaborated, "I did pretty good, I played good in college, but if I'm a GM I don't think I would do it." (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: Lattimore spent his two-year career buried on the depth chart and never played a down in the NFL, which is even a substantial bust on a fourth-round pick. He currently works for the University of South Carolina as a student ambassador.
Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, is reporting that Michael Crabtree is set to become a Raider. (Source: Matt Barrows on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Terms are not yet unknown, but the offseason odyssey for Crabtree seems to be over. Given his market this offseason, it's likely a short, incentive-laden prove-it deal. He won't be much more than a low-end WR3 in deep PPR leagues, and that's if he can improve his play.
Category: Rumors
Stevie Johnson will sign with the San Diego Chargers, after reports that he was a near lock to sign with the Patriots yesterday. (Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Stevie is an upgrade to Eddie Royal who is now on the Chicago Bears. Stevie could possibly be the leading receiver on the Chargers this year.
It was announced on the Colts blog that Frank Gore has signed with them. The 49ers all-time leading rusher will now don a different uniform for the first time in his career. (Source: Colts.com)
Fantasy Impact: With Gore on the Colts, his stock has just gone up. He's going to a very RB friendly offense and may even put up RB1 numbers in PPR leagues. He's someone to target in mid rounds.
The special teams standout has been sent to IR, ending his season. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Every 49er fan loves Osgood. He does the dirty work, he is their best special teams player and has been signed and released more than any player this year. Sadly, his season ends with a broken hand, it's just not fair. Unfortunately, he is not on the fantasy radar, but this does hurt their D/ST.
Brandon Lloyd had one catch for 12 yards on 2 targets. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: He remains fantasy irrelevant. The 49ers have been harping for a down-field threat but have failed to utilize Lloyd for that purpose. He was out of football last year and may be back out of it next year due to his age.
Alfonso Smith had 4 carries for 6 yards in the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks Sunday. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Smith was the 49ers #3 running back and was thrust into action with injuries to Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. If both are out next week, look elsewhere. Smith is #3 on the depth chart for a reason.
Josh Johnson is inactive for 49ers vs. Seattle Sunday (Source: Eric Branch on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: He is the QB3 for the 49ers and has been inactive all season. He has absolutely zero fantasy value.
49ers rookie Trey Millard will not be activated from injured reserve. (Source: Matt Maiocco)
Fantasy Impact: The seventh-round draft pick tore his ACL last year, and has not yet completed his rehab. Depending on the fate of Frank Gore and the future of the 49ers' offense, Millard has a very slight chance of having value in 2015 as a goal-line battering ram.
The 49ers have waived LaMichael James according to his agent, Jeff Sperbeck. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Not much of an impact here, since he really didn't have a role on game days. If for some reason you had him on your roster, it's time to let go, the 49ers did, you should too.
Second year RB Jewell Hampton lead the 49ers in carries with 8 for 18 yards against the Ravens on Thursday. He also had 1 catch for 3 yards. (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Despite the extra touches, Hampton wasn't able to produce many results, with his longest rush being for only 9 yards. Hampton is competing against Alfonso Smith for a roster spot on the Niners. Even if he is able to make the team, he isn't a candidate to see many carries this season if any, and therefore irrelevant in fantasy circles at this time.
The Niners announced their latest roster move on Saturday, waiving the injured WR Chuck Jacobs to make a roster spot for WR Lance Lewis on the team. Jacobs, an undrafted Free Agent who spent 2013 on the teams practice squad, tore his ACL on a kickoff return in Thursdays preseason game. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Jacobs was a long shot to join the teams crowded wide receiver group in the regular season, and Lewis (a fellow practice squad venturer) is just as much of an underdog. Jacobs will most likely spend the entire 2014 season unsigned as he works to recover from the serious injury.
The Detroit Lions have claimed former Chiefs and 49ers WR Jon Baldwin off waivers. (Source: Michael Schottey on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Lions don't have much after Megatron and Golden Tate at WR, but Baldwin has long been considered a bust and was unable to find his way onto the field despite playing with an injury-riddled WR corps in San Francisco last year. However, as a former first round pick it could be worth it to keep an eye on him throughout camp but I would assume Baldwin is just a body brought in to generate competition who is unlikely to be on the 53 man roster come week one.
Brian Hoyer was ranked 26th best QB out of the 32 teams starting quarterbacks. He was in between Blake Bortles and Mike Glennon. (Source: Sporting News)
Fantasy Impact: Just because he's no Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, doesn't mean that Hoyer won't have fantasy value. We've seen Hoyer put on some nice numbers in some nice cushy matchups. He'll be a great DFS value play in those easy matchups.
Wed, May 24th 3:24pm EDT
By Chad Satterfield
Colin Kaepernick and Austin Davis met with the Seahawks on Wednesdays and sources say "it's not expected any signing will happen immediately." (Source: Bob Condotta on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: If Kap were to sign with the Seahawks, he wouldn't have any fantasy value unless Russell Wilson gets injured.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Arizona Cardinals and free agent quarterback Blaine Gabbert have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Gabbert will join the Cardinals to compete with Drew Stanton for the role of Carson Palmer's primary backup. He'll have zero fantasy value unless Palmer is sidelined at any point during the year.
Category: Transactions
There are reports that the 49ers locker room believes that Christian Ponder is the best QB on the team, and should be making starts. (Source: cbssports.com)
Fantasy Impact: The guy who was not on a NFL team just a few months ago is now suddenly the best QB on the 49ers. That's how bad it is in the bay. If Ponder does start, hopefully it will salvage Torrey Smith's awful season.
Jeff Driskel was claimed by the Bengals, and is now their third QB on the roster. (Source: Mercury News)
Fantasy Impact: This has got to hurt for the 49ers, as they most likely wanted to sign Driskel to their practice squad after talking him up all pre-season. He has no fantasy relevance.
The 49ers have signed Christian Ponder and to make room for him, have placed Thad Lewis on Injured Reserve. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: It's too bad for Thad, he played well during the pre-season game and looked like he could've made the roster.
Sat, Nov 28th 2:37am EST
By Chad Satterfield
The 49ers signed McLeod Bethel-Thompson to their practice squad this week. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: He is just taking the spot of Dylan Thompson who was called up to backup Gabbert, now that Kaepernick is on IR.
Dylan Thompson was impressive in his preseason start, as he went for 225 yards, two touchdowns with one interception.
Fantasy Impact: Dylan Thompson played well Thursday night against the Chargers. He has a decent arm and has some athleticism as he was able to scramble away from several defenders. If he makes the 49ers squad, he'll be holding a clipboard on the sideline all season.
Category: Game Recaps
Josh Johnson is inactive for 49ers vs. Seattle Sunday (Source: Eric Branch on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: He is the QB3 for the 49ers and has been inactive all season. He has absolutely zero fantasy value.
San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco believes running back Carlos Hyde is not a lock to open the 2017 season as the team's starter. "Hyde is probably still the favorite to win the starting job, but he will have to earn it, Maiocco said via CSNBayArea.com. "However it shakes out, it is probably safe to assume the club will employ more of a backs-by-committee approach with Williams and Tim Hightower available for key roles." (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: It appears, per reports, the 49ers will employ an RBBC approach to their ground game in 2017. Although Hyde is the favorite to enter the year on top of the RB depth chart, he'll likely be heavily pushed by rookie Joe Williams, who is highly touted by team brass. Rounding off the trio will be free agent acquisition, Tim Hightower. Assuming Hyde's health remains intact, Hightower is expected to take on a lighter workload than the aforementioned rushers due to his age (31). Still, Hyde is the 49ers' RB to target in upcoming drafts for fantasy football purposes.
Category: Rumors
The San Francisco 49ers have released running back DuJuan Harris on Monday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: One week after cutting Mike Davis, the rebuilding 49ers have released another running back Monday, parting ways with Harris. With both Smith and Harris gone, San Francisco's running back depth chart is beginning to shape up. Carlos Hyde is on track to open the upcoming season as the starter with Tim Hightower serving as his primary backup. Rookie Joe Williams and Kapri Bibbs will likely fill in the remaining spots for 2017. For Harris, he'll likely sign with a running back-needy club in time for training camp and compete for a roster spot.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have released running back Mike Davis on Thursday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Davis was cut Thursday from a tremendously crowded 49ers running back depth chart. In the wake of the offseason additions of Tim Hightower, Joe Williams and Kapri Bibbs, plus, the re-signing of DuJuan Haris, there was no longer any room for Davis. Expect the 24-year-old rusher, whose totaled 171 yards and a touchdown in two seasons as a pro, to catch on with a new club in time for training camp.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have signed running back Joe Williams on Wednesday. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Williams, who was the 121st overall pick in the recent NFL Draft, is believed to be the first 2017 rookie to sign a deal. With Carlos Hyde the clear-cut starter, Williams will have to compete for a role with Tim Hightower, the presumed backup. However, Hyde has durability issues as does Hightower, which could open the door for the rookie to garner extended playing time this season. From a fantasy perspective, Williams is an intriguing Dynasty option due to his welcoming situation in San Francisco's backfield. For redraft leagues, Willaims should be targeted late in the draft and stashed on the back end of a fantasy roster in the event he does, in fact, garner a significant amount of snaps in 2017.
Category: Transactions
The New York Giants and free agent running back Shaun Draughn agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal Tuesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Draughn, who played the last two seasons in San Francisco, signed with the Giants Tuesday. Playing in all 16 games in 2016, he accumulated 196 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher while catching 29 targets for 263 yards and another two scores as a receiver. With Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen already expected to enter 2017 as New York's top two backs on the depth chart, Draughn will likely open the year at the No. 3 spot ahead of Orleans Darkwa.
Category: Transactions
Bruce Miller was arrested Monday morning for an alleged assault of two men while intoxicated. He reportedly is being charged with battery, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, and elder abuse. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This is his second run-in with the law as a 49ers and the team made an immediate statement by cutting the fullback turned tight end. No word on the punishment yet, but it's hard to imagine Miller playing anytime soon.
Category: Transactions
The son of former Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor, Kelvin has limited physical traits and upside in his 5 foot, 205-pound frame and marginial athleticism.
Fantasy Impact: The University of Florida product was a sneaky bet to crack the 49ers 53-man roster as they move further towards a youth movement and rebuilding their offensive and defensive rosters. But, his limitations were too much for new head coach Chip Kelly to include on the team's 53-man roster. San Francisco will attempt to stash Taylor onto the team's practice squad if he clears waivers.
Category: Transactions
Jarryd Hayne announced his retirement from the NFL and a return to rugby. He will play for Fiji in the Olympics. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: He was a preseason phenom but was riddled with fumblitis and a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. He was a bigger name and story than a fantasy contributor.
Category: Transactions
Reggie Bush told reporters "I'm sill playing" in response to questions about the running back's retirement on Sunday. Bush is a free agent at the start of the new league year in March. (Source: Chris Wesseling via Around the NFL)
Fantasy Impact: Reggie Bush is coming off of a pair of seasons to forget and wants to try to resurrect his NFL career in 2016. Bush would have to play behind a proven offensive line with and continue to take on a complementary role if he is to be on an NFL roster this year.
Category: Rumors
Kendall Gaskins was in the mix to start against the Rams, but ended the game without a touch.
Fantasy Impact: A career practice squad player, Gaskins was thrust into action due to injury and was promptly replaced by committees led by Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris. He is a big bruising back but has limited agility and upside.
Category: Game Recaps
The 49ers cut Travaris Cadet and signed DuJuan Harris, who will be collecting his sixth team jersey. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Harris may get touches in a rotation if Shaun Draughn cannot go, but he's not worth going out to grab.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have parted ways with RB Pierre Thomas after one game. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Thomas didn't do much with the 49ers, notching 12 yards on 4 carries. This doesn't mean that Carlos Hyde is necessarily on the comeback trail, the Niners signed Travaris Cadet in a corresponding move. Cadet has no fantasy value and Thomas may pop up in New England.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers and Kendall Hunter have reached an injury settlement and he has been released from the IR and is now a free agent. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Kendall Hunter is a fan favorite in San Francisco, but he could never stay healthy. Kendall has some serious burst and it's worth keeping an eye on him to see where he lands.
Thu, Jul 9th 10:22pm EDT
By Jonathan Ebanks
Ex-NFL RB Marcus Lattimore was stunned the 49ers selected him as a fourth-round draft pick. He spoke about it and said, "I mean, why would you take a running back with two horrible knee injuries?" He elaborated, "I did pretty good, I played good in college, but if I'm a GM I don't think I would do it." (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: Lattimore spent his two-year career buried on the depth chart and never played a down in the NFL, which is even a substantial bust on a fourth-round pick. He currently works for the University of South Carolina as a student ambassador.
It was announced on the Colts blog that Frank Gore has signed with them. The 49ers all-time leading rusher will now don a different uniform for the first time in his career. (Source: Colts.com)
Fantasy Impact: With Gore on the Colts, his stock has just gone up. He's going to a very RB friendly offense and may even put up RB1 numbers in PPR leagues. He's someone to target in mid rounds.
Alfonso Smith had 4 carries for 6 yards in the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks Sunday. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Smith was the 49ers #3 running back and was thrust into action with injuries to Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. If both are out next week, look elsewhere. Smith is #3 on the depth chart for a reason.
49ers rookie Trey Millard will not be activated from injured reserve. (Source: Matt Maiocco)
Fantasy Impact: The seventh-round draft pick tore his ACL last year, and has not yet completed his rehab. Depending on the fate of Frank Gore and the future of the 49ers' offense, Millard has a very slight chance of having value in 2015 as a goal-line battering ram.
The 49ers have waived LaMichael James according to his agent, Jeff Sperbeck. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Not much of an impact here, since he really didn't have a role on game days. If for some reason you had him on your roster, it's time to let go, the 49ers did, you should too.
Second year RB Jewell Hampton lead the 49ers in carries with 8 for 18 yards against the Ravens on Thursday. He also had 1 catch for 3 yards. (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Despite the extra touches, Hampton wasn't able to produce many results, with his longest rush being for only 9 yards. Hampton is competing against Alfonso Smith for a roster spot on the Niners. Even if he is able to make the team, he isn't a candidate to see many carries this season if any, and therefore irrelevant in fantasy circles at this time.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Buffalo Bills have signed free agent wide receiver Rod Streater on Wednesday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Streater will join a Bills wide receiver depth chart full of question marks outside of Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones. The 29-year-old wideout, who only played in 20 games since 2014, will likely have to compete for a roster spot for the 2017 season. Despite the underwhelming core of talent surrounding him, Streater is no shoe-in to make the final cut.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have released wide receiver KD Cannon on Sunday. (Source: David Smoak on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Cannon was signed as a UDFA following April's NFL Draft and was released after the team's rookie minicamp on Sunday. Expect the former Baylor wideout to land with a new club in time for training camp.
Category: Transactions
San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco is reporting wide receiver Bruce Ellington (soft tissue injury) sat out of minicamp with a soft tissue injury unrelated to his hamstring issue that sidelined him for the entire 2016 season. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers cleaned house this offseason and added a new regime both in the front office and on the player personnel end. Focusing on the wide receiver depth chart, San Francisco brought in Pierre Garcon, Aldrick Robinson and Marquise Goodwin, while retaining Jeremy Kerley and parting ways with Torrey Smith. For Ellington, who has battled injuries throughout his three-year career missing 22 games since 2014, his roster spot could be in jeopardy if he continues to be bitten by the injury bug.
Category: Injury Updates
According to former NFL player Steve Smith, Torrey Smith will be released by the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: This can only mean good things for Smith, as he's been hardly used in the 49ers 'offense.' Going back to his days with the Ravens, Smith finished as a top-24 wide receiver every season. If he were to land on a team with a legit quarterback, Smith may find his way back into fantasy relevance.
Category: Transactions
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers and Jeremy Kerley have agreed on a three-year deal, worth $10.5 million. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It's hard to know how much value Kerley will have without knowing what quarterback will be throwing him the ball. The 49ers currently have zero quarterbacks on the roster, so maybe Kerley knows something we don't. He looked good posting 64 receptions, 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2016, especially considering who was throwing to him. Kerley isn't likely to be anything more than a spot-starter in fantasy, however.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have signed 23-year-old WR DeAndre Carter to a two-year deal. (Source: San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Impact: Carter was an undrafted free agent in 2015 that was signed by the Ravens. He was waived and later signed/waived by the Raiders and Patriots from 2015-16. The 49ers have holes in multiple places on their roster and the WR position was especially poor after finishing dead last in receiving yards in 2016. Part of the blame could be on the QB, but a WR corps of Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton and Jeremy Kerley isn't scaring anyone.
Category: Transactions
Fri, Dec 23rd 4:48pm EST
By Mahesh Sharma
During Sunday's blowout loss to the Falcons, Patton left the game due to a foot injury, which will now sideline him for the 49ers' final two contests.
Fantasy Impact: Despite ranking second on San Francisco's receiver depth chart, Patton didn't score a touchdown this season. He was placed on injured reserve to make room for DeAndre Smelter, who was promoted from the practice squad. Patton's looming absence, and Torrey Smith being placed on injured reserve, elevates Jeremy Kerley to the lead receiver role this weekend.
Category: Game Recaps
The San Francisco 49ers signed WR DeAndre Smelter to their practice squad and released WR Dres Anderson.
Fantasy Impact: Smelter was previously released by the 49ers prior to the start of the season on September 3rd. The only way he'll make it on the roster is if other WRs suffer injuries, which Smelter has a problem avoiding as it is. It's doubtful that he has any fantasy impact this year.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have released WR Dres Anderson. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Even with all of the injuries to the 49ers WR corps, he still couldn't make the squad.
Sat, Aug 27th 10:48am EDT
By Benjamin Bukacek
San Francisco 49ers WR DeAndrew White caught 1-of-3 targets for 12 yards in Friday's 21-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Friday.
Fantasy Impact: The second year WR out of Alabama has the opportunity to see an uptick in playing time this season based on the 49ers lack of standout options at WR. He only had two receptions last year in very limited playing time so he should not be drafted in fantasy leagues.
Category: Game Recaps
San Francisco 49ers WR Eric Rogers (ACL) will miss the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL that was sustained during practice on Thursday. Rogers was a CFL star before signing with San Francisco in the offseason. (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Rogers will miss the entire 2016 regular season due to a torn ACL. He signed with the 49ers in the offseason following an outstanding career in the CFL. DeAndre Smelter, Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton will compete for the No. 2 and No.3 wide receiver spots on San Francisco's depth chart in training camp in the wake of Rogers' season-ending injury.
Category: Injury Updates
Per Rand Getlin's sources, Boldin's desire is "important to him." (Source: Rand Getlin on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Boldin played in the Super Bowl, the NFC Championship game and for two bad teams in his last four seasons, so his last right would logically want him getting back to glory. Teams with title contention aspirations tend to have well-stocked WR corps, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up in New England or another well-stocked team.
Category: Rumors
San Francisco 49ers WR Jerome Simpson caught 3-of-10 targets for 34 yards in a 27-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.
Fantasy Impact: With Anquan Boldin ruled inactive prior to Sunday's game, Jerome Simpson received the most targets but didn't put up productive numbers. This was his first game back from a six-game suspension and he may not be on the same page as QB Colin Kaepernick quite yet. Simpson is not a solid fantasy option and the 49ers' QB situation should be monitored before deciding to start any of their WRs.
Category: Game Recaps
San Francisco Giants WR Mario Hull was cut by the 49ers on Monday. (Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Hull was a talented punt returner out of Rice University, but didn't show enough for the 49ers to keep him on the roster. He didn't receive many targets in the preseason and may find himself on another roster for his punt returning skills.
Category: Transactions
Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, is reporting that Michael Crabtree is set to become a Raider. (Source: Matt Barrows on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Terms are not yet unknown, but the offseason odyssey for Crabtree seems to be over. Given his market this offseason, it's likely a short, incentive-laden prove-it deal. He won't be much more than a low-end WR3 in deep PPR leagues, and that's if he can improve his play.
Category: Rumors
Stevie Johnson will sign with the San Diego Chargers, after reports that he was a near lock to sign with the Patriots yesterday. (Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Stevie is an upgrade to Eddie Royal who is now on the Chicago Bears. Stevie could possibly be the leading receiver on the Chargers this year.
The special teams standout has been sent to IR, ending his season. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Every 49er fan loves Osgood. He does the dirty work, he is their best special teams player and has been signed and released more than any player this year. Sadly, his season ends with a broken hand, it's just not fair. Unfortunately, he is not on the fantasy radar, but this does hurt their D/ST.
Brandon Lloyd had one catch for 12 yards on 2 targets. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: He remains fantasy irrelevant. The 49ers have been harping for a down-field threat but have failed to utilize Lloyd for that purpose. He was out of football last year and may be back out of it next year due to his age.
The Niners announced their latest roster move on Saturday, waiving the injured WR Chuck Jacobs to make a roster spot for WR Lance Lewis on the team. Jacobs, an undrafted Free Agent who spent 2013 on the teams practice squad, tore his ACL on a kickoff return in Thursdays preseason game. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Jacobs was a long shot to join the teams crowded wide receiver group in the regular season, and Lewis (a fellow practice squad venturer) is just as much of an underdog. Jacobs will most likely spend the entire 2014 season unsigned as he works to recover from the serious injury.
The Detroit Lions have claimed former Chiefs and 49ers WR Jon Baldwin off waivers. (Source: Michael Schottey on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Lions don't have much after Megatron and Golden Tate at WR, but Baldwin has long been considered a bust and was unable to find his way onto the field despite playing with an injury-riddled WR corps in San Francisco last year. However, as a former first round pick it could be worth it to keep an eye on him throughout camp but I would assume Baldwin is just a body brought in to generate competition who is unlikely to be on the 53 man roster come week one.
The Niners GM, John Lynch raved about rookie tight end, George Kittle, when he spoke on the local sports radio show in the Bay Area. “He’s got some suddenness to him in his movements. He catches the ball extremely well... I think George gives us something we don’t have in a playmaker down near the red zone... We feel like George Kittle maybe gives us something where he is that guy, in a one-on-one situation you can flex him out, put him in the middle of the field and he can kind of impose his will and just out-athlete people. That has been extremely positive. We thought that coming in, but he probably exceeded our expectations.” (Source: KNBR 680)
Fantasy Impact: Getting excited about a rookie tight end on a team that was one of the worst in football last season on the offensive side of the ball is a tough thing to do. Yes, the team now has an offensive guru that should help considerably, but historically, rookie tight ends simply do not produce for fantasy purposes. That's not to say that Kittle can't replicate what Hunter Henry did in his rookie campaign, but it's far from a guarantee. If he can flash during the preseason, he may be worth grabbing with your last pick, but the team still has a conundrum at tight end with Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell, and Logan Paulsen on the roster. Don't go crazy and start grabbing Kittle on all your MFL10 teams just yet.
Garrett Celek caught only one pass on Sunday and it was for a nine yard touchdown.
Fantasy Impact: Celek has three touchdowns on the season and two in the last three games. The 49ers will have Vance McDonald and possibly some other pass catchers back next year, so Celek won't be a fantasy option.
Category: Game Recaps
Mon, Dec 19th 3:27pm EST
By Chad Satterfield
Blake Bell sustained a shoulder injury on Sunday and will miss the final two games of the season. (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: With Bell and McDonald out, Garrett Celek is looking like a nice GPP play next week.
Category: Injury Updates
The San Francisco 49ers placed tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder) on the injured reserve list Monday. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: McDonald suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 14 and was placed on IR as a result. He finished the 2016 campaign with 24 receptions for 391 yards receiving and four touchdowns through 11 games. Garrett Celek will start in McDonald's absence for the rest of the way.
Category: Injury Updates
The Broncos will receive Davis and San Francisco's 2016 seventh-round pick in exchange for their 2016 sixth-round pick. The move is helpful for the Broncos as it gives them a mid-range target for Peyton Manning, as current TE Owen Daniels has failed to impress this season as a receiver but will remain a blocking TE for them.
Fantasy Impact: This is an upgrade for Vernon Davis' fantasy outlook, as he will be much more productive under Manning than Kaepernick. Garrett Celek will take over as the 49er TE.
Category: Transactions
Rookie, Rory Anderson lead the 49ers in receiving yards against the Cowboys.
Fantasy Impact: Anderson made the most of his playing time when fellow tight end, Vance McDonald left the second preseason game with an injury. Anderson's 32 yards on two receptions lead the 49ers for their second preseason game. Anderson is a long shot to make the opening day squad, but could be a sneaky daily selection should Vernon Davis miss an extended period of time.
Category: Game Recaps
Tight end Derek Carrier has been traded to Washington for a fifth round pick, according to Matt Maiocco. (Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Washington has had a string of injuries at the tight end position. Carrier showed he has the ability to make the tough catch when he was given the opportunity last season. He faced long odds to make the active roster for the 49ers this season. Carrier could be a sneaky contrarian pick for daily fantasy players.
Category: Transactions
Tight end Asante Cleveland has been traded to the Patriots, according to Matt Maiocco. The terms of this trade are not known. (Source: CSNBayArea.com)
Fantasy Impact: Cleveland was a long shot to make the 49ers roster with a log jam of tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart. Look for the 49ers to try and unload one more tight end before final roster cuts are made.
Category: Transactions
Mon, Nov 28th 1:34pm EST
By Sean Fitzpatrick
Phil Dawson connected on his only field goal attempt on the day from 36-yards out. Dawson did make all three of his extra point attempts.
Fantasy Impact: Dawson's fantasy value is pointing up with Kaepernick's play and Carlos Hyde's strong play after returning from injury.
Category: Game Recaps
The San Francisco 49ers have officially hired former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as their new head coach. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Shanahan, formerly of the Falcons, has officially been named new head coach of the 49ers. The announcement was made less than 24 hours after Shanahan was part of one of the most crushing losses in Super Bowl history. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the "plan" is for Shanahan to have "control" over the team's 53-man roster, while general manager John Lynch assumes "control of other facets." Their first order of duty is likely to address the quarterback position.
Category: Transactions
Thu, Jun 15th 7:52am EDT
By Anthony Cervino
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media linebacker Reuben Foster (shoulder) "should be more than ready" for training camp. (Source: Eric Branch on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Foster, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery, has been limited throughout all of the team's voluntary and mandatory workouts since being drafted in April. However, per Shanahan, the highly-touted linebacker is expected to make his full return to football activities at the start of training camp in late July. A healthy Foster will be a tremendous boost to a 49ers' defense that was atrocious in 2016, especially versus opposing running backs.
Category: Injury Updates
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Navorro Bowman (Achilles) is back to running at "full speed" at OTAs. "Injuries are part of the game, but I’ve done everything I’ve needed to do to get back to where I am today," Bowman said via 49ers.com. "I’m ahead of schedule. I don’t feel anything in my Achilles or my knee. Guys can see that out there on the field.” (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Bowman, who missed 12 games in 2016 with an Achilles injury, is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab and is "already back to running at full speed," per reports. The veteran linebacker will anchor a 49ers defense that was simply atrocious against the run last season. His presence should certainly boost the unit for the 2017 campaign.
Category: Injury Updates
Shayne Skov is one of 13 players to be cut by the 49ers. He was released because of failed physical, likely because his injured knee is not 100%. (Source: CBS Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Skov hadn't done much for the 49ers in awhile. he was mostly a special teams player. He is not fantasy relevant.
The 49ers linebacker is said to be "a cool 20 pounds overweight." (Source: Grant Cohn on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers brass has been quick to act this offseason with turning over players they feel don't fit their system. Lynch has shown the ability to be a talented pass rusher with 12.5 sacks combined over his first two seasons, but an injury-shortened 2016 coupled with this current development may land him on the chopping block. He could be a useful piece to any team if he proves his mind is in the right place, but where he'll play in 2017 is up in the air, even if he stays on the 49ers as they transition to a completely new defensive configuration.
The San Francisco 49ers have released defensive back Tramaine Brock on Friday. (Source: SNF on NBC on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Brock was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge in Santa Clara, CA Thursday. On Friday, he was released by the 49ers as a result of the incident. Brock, 28, played in 31 games with the 49ers since 2015 and accumulated 112 total tackles, four interceptions and 25 passes defended in the timespan. In the wake of Brock's release, the 49ers have a gaping hole at cornerback as he was a projected start for 2017. They'll likely address the void in the draft or with a veteran addition in free agency.
Category: Transactions
After three seasons with the 49ers, the team has waived center, Marcus Martin. (Source: San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Impact: A product out of USC and touted as a bruiser, Martin never made the transition to the NFL well after being drafted in the 3rd round in 2014. He started 14 games in 2015 and eight games in 2016. This isn't a big loss for the o-line as Daniel Kilgore remains the starter as long as health permits.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have released safety Antoine Bethea. (Source: Matt Barrows on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Bethea played all 16 games for the 49ers last season, but after signing a four-year contract in 2014, he isn't ideal for the team's new defensive configuration. He was set to earn a base salary of $5.25 million in 2017, the fourth highest on the team.
Category: Transactions
Mon, Nov 21st 5:45pm EST
By Chad Satterfield
Eric Reid has a torn right bicep and will miss the remainder of the season. (Source: The Mercury News)
Fantasy Impact: Reid is second on the team in tackles and will be greatly missed on an already terrible defense. Continue to target the 49ers defense in fantasy.
Category: Injury Updates
After being forced out of the 49ers-Seahawks game this weekend, Jimmie Ward was diagnosed with a multi-week quad strain.
Fantasy Impact: This isn't big for IDP players, as Ward was a better real life player than fantasy contributor. Ward was the best CB in a questionable 49ers defense that will get shredded even worse now that he will miss multiple weeks.
Glenn Dorsey had a tackle and a sack as he returned from injury.
Fantasy Impact: Dorsey returned from injury after missing the first two weeks of the season. He's nothing more than a rotational run specialist and not worth it in fantasy leagues.
Category: Game Recaps
Ahmad Brooks had four total tackles, a sack and a pass defended in the Seahawks' shellacking of the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: Brooks has random bursts of production. He is mostly a pass rushing OLB whose prime is long-since past and is a desperation play most weeks.
Category: Game Recaps
Mon, Sep 26th 7:42pm EDT
By Chad Satterfield
The 49ers OT Anthony Davis had informed the team that he is going to retire from the NFL. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This will be the second time Anthony Davis has retired, who knows if it will be his last. The 49ers need a lot of help on offense, and this definitely doesn't help.
Gerald Hodges rotated with Ray Ray Armstrong this week. He had ten total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Fantasy Impact: Hodges had the stranglehold on the ILB position next to NaVorro Bowman, but a strong preseason brought Armstrong to the fore. As of now, they are both rotating in and out, but Hodges had ten total tackles to Armstrong's four, and Armstrong had no big plays. If you need to speculate on LB, Hodges should snatch up this role before mid-season.
Category: Game Recaps
Michael Wilhoite registered only Special Teams snaps on Monday Night Football.
Fantasy Impact: How the mighty have fallen; Wilhoite was the odds-on favorite to start next to NaVorro Bowman when the season ended last year, but lost out completely to Ray Ray Armstrong and Gerald Hodges. Wilhoite is Just A Guy, and from their play Monday night, Armstrong and Hodges have more upside.
Category: Game Recaps
DeForest Buckner had three total tackles (two assisted) in his NFL debut.
Fantasy Impact: The Rams only ran it 20 times (not including Case Keenum scrambles), so Buckner didn't get a shot at production. He will get plenty of opportunity Sunday in Carolina.
Category: Game Recaps
The 49ers and Tank Carradine agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in red and gold through 2017. (Source: Sacbee.com)
Fantasy Impact: A good forward-thinking move for GM Trent Baalke. Carradine was a borderline bust before switching from DE to OLB, where he's played very well this preseason. The extension allows the 49ers extra time to negotiate a longer extension next offseason if Tank breaks out, like many suspect. Carradine won't get the tackle numbers to be worth it in LB leagues but in OLB leagues, he has some sleeper appeal.
Category: Transactions
49ers released former third rounder Corey Lemonier. (Source: Adam Schefter)
Fantasy Impact: The experiment is over. Lemonier, a former DE, made the same move (unsuccessfully) that Tank Carradine is making (successfully), shifting to OLB. Lemonier is another Trent Baalke bust, but the move bodes well for preseason's top-rated PFF pass rusher, Marcus Rush, to make the roster.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have traded CB Kenneth Acker to the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Acker started 13 games, appearing in 15, in 2015 with the 49ers after spending his entire rookie year on injured reserve. Acker will likely begin the year providing depth at the cornerback position and as a role player in Kansas City's secondary.
Category: Transactions
“He’s a guy that’s a part of our plans,†O’Neil talking about safety Tartt. “I’m excited to get him out there and get it rolling, because we haven’t really been able to utilize some of those packages because he hasn’t practiced. And then when he’s back, that allows us to do some things with Eric and allows us to do some new things pressure-wise.†(Source: Sacramento Bee)
Fantasy Impact: Tartt participated in his first practice of the summer after being on the non-football injury list with a leg issue up until Sunday. The second-year safety put together an impressive rookie campaign grading positively over the course of the season in Pro Football Focus' grading system. He and fourth-year free safety Eric Reid will man the back end of the field and be pivotal cogs in the 49ers' defense if they hope to become fantasy relevant as well as competing within the extremely competitive NFC West.
Category: Injury Updates, Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers announced that T Anthony Davis has been reinstated by the National Football League from the Reserve/Retired List, and subsequently has been added to the team’s 90-man roster. In order to make room on the roster, the team has placed NT Ian Williams on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers need help on defense and placing Williams on the PUP list doesn't do them any favors. The 49ers should be avoided at all cost. I would rather go without a defense that having to plug in San Francisco's.
Category: Transactions
Thu, Apr 28th 11:28pm EDT
By Jonathan Ebanks
Stanford G Joshua Garnett was selected by the 49ers with the 28th overall pick after they traded back into the first round.
Fantasy Impact: Garnett is a guy who can come in and be a successful contributor right out fo the gate. He's very agile and athletic and is a very large, physical blocker. He will compliment Chip Kelly's quick offense and serve as good protection for Colin Kaepernick.
The 49ers are bringing back starting DT Quinton Dial, inking him to a three year deal. (Source: KNBR)
Fantasy Impact: Dial started 15 games last year and has improved his play year over year. He had a decent 73 tackles last season, but his 2.5 sacks are a bit low for a DL to be fantasy relevant. The 49ers are hoping he continues to improve in 2016 and beyond.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers granted DB Shareece Wright his release. They promoted practice squad OL Andrew Tiller to the 53-man roster. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Be careful what you wish for. Wright had requested a release after being inactive all season. He represents another Trent Baalke free agency failure as he couldn't crack one of the worst DB corps in the league after getting a multi-million free agent contract.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers released former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett on Friday. This comes after the team signed him to a two-year, $7.25 million deal in the offseason. Recent social media usage led to Dockett and the 49ers telling different stories about a rib injury he's been working through. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Docket had not shown much during the preseason after coming off a season cut short by an ACL tear in 2014. With his current rib injury, the 49ers were not inclined to keep him around any longer which may speak to his level of play that the team feels he is capable of. He's not worth a roster spot for IDP leagues.
Category: Transactions
After a previously mentioned hit & run, vandalism and DUI arrest, the 49ers have released Aldon Smith. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Aldon Smith had a mind-boggling 44 sacks in 50 career games and is just another loss in a long string of losses for the 49ers this off-season. Smith was an IDP stud and his sacks will be sorely missed. Ahmad Brooks amazingly remains on the roster and Aaron Lynch likely secures a starting spot. Scuttlebutt around the league is that the league will suspending him now that he is a free agent. This is Smith's fifth arrest since joining the league.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have cut veteran DB Chris Cook. (Source: Aaron Wilson)
Fantasy Impact: Cook was a preseason darling in 2014 but was injured early on and didn't contribute. There has been no corresponding move made, but rumors are an offensive line move may be made. Cook had no fantasy value but it is curious the 49ers cut a DB when cornerback is their biggest question mark.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers have traded their Pro Bowl punter, Andy Lee, to the Browns for a seventh-round pick in 2017. (Source: CSN Bay Area)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers drafted a punter this year and must've been impressed with what they saw. He has some big shoes to fill, but Bradley Pinion will take over punting duties for the 49ers.
Defensive lineman Justin Smith has decided to retire rather than return to the San Francisco 49ers for a 15th NFL season according to sources. (Source: Jim Trotter on ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers defense has taken its hits this offseason with the retirement of multiple players including Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis and his replacement Chris Borland. This is another blow to the defense and should have an impact on Aldon Smith's numbers as he'll be missing the "Cowboy" from taking on double-teams. The 49ers drafted Arik Armstead in the 1st round with the mindset that Justin Smith was likely retiring.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have waived Chase Thomas. He spent most of his time on the 49ers practice squad. During the off-season, Thomas tore his ACL and has been rehabbing since. (Source: 49ers on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Chase was very unlikely to crack the roster, as he only paid in a few games on special teams. There is no fantasy impact here.
Tue, Mar 24th 3:38pm EDT
By Rob Schwarz, Jr.
Chicago Bears to sign Ray McDonald per multiple sources. The Bears are looking everywhere to improve their horrid defense. McDonald was released by San Fransisco last year when he was arrested for sexual assault; his second arrest in less than six months. This is clearly a push by Vic Fangio who coached McDonald in San Fransisco. (Source: NBC Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Ray McDonald is not an elite player, but he is a very talented player. The Bears are obviously looking at the risk and think the possible reward outweighs any public relations issues. McDonald will be an upgrade over guys like Ego Ferguson. If McDonald does not have any more off the field issues, this could prove to be a great signing if the money is right.
Category: Transactions
Chris Borland, one of the NFL's top defensive rookies last year, told "Outside the Lines" that he is retiring due to concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: This is a huge blow for the 49ers defense after fellow linebacker and All-Pro Patrick Willis retired last week. Borland was set to be a great IDP pickup, but this news hurts the 49ers team more than it does fantasy owners. The onus will be put on Navorro Bowman to return to form from a gruesome knee injury.
Category: Transactions
Culliver has signed a 4 year deal with the Redskins and immediately upgrades their secondary. (Source: Sacramento Bee)
Fantasy Impact: Culliver was a big piece to the 49ers defense, and it seems to be losing more and more people. It'll be interesting to see if the 49ers can rely on their young secondary.
Category: Transactions
Unrestricted free agent cornerback Perrish Cox is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Wednesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Cox is a talented corner who is coming off a career year, finishing with five interceptions, 17 pass deflections, and 53 tackles. The 2010 fifth-round pick and Oklahoma State product was drafted by the Broncos, spent time with the Seahawks, and is now leaving the 49ers. He went to San Fran in 2012, where he played all 16 games that season. If Cox is signed by Washington, he would likely play the nickel behind starters DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson. He would have to compete against Bashaud Breeland and Tracy Porter for that nickel spot.
The 49ers have confirmed that Patrick Willis is going to retire from the NFL today at 12 PT. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: This is a sad day for 49ers fans and the NFL. Willis was one of the elite defenders in the NFL and will be missed by all. Chris Borland is going to be the player to target in IDP leagues.
Dan Skuta is set to move on to Jacksonville after two seasons in San Francisco. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The most mild of the 49ers' defensive losses today, Skuta was a backup for the 49ers that was thrust into action via suspension and injuries. A better real-life player than IDP option, Skuta will have to drastically change his game to be fantasy relevant in 2015.
Sat, Jan 3rd 12:56am EST
By Jeff Krisko
The 49ers have kept Olympian and NFL hopeful Lawrence Okoye for another year with a reserve/future contract. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Okoye is yet to play a down in the NFL and is an extremely raw talent. With the 49ers cutting Ray McDonald and the impending retirement of Justin Smith, Okoye may pave his way to some playing time in 2015. He isn't worth a sniff even in the deepest of dynasty leagues.
Nick Moody filled in for an injured Chris Borland and ended the day with five tackles. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Moody was the recipient of a horrible roughing the passer penalty that gifted the Seahawks a touchdown. He is far down on the 49ers' depth chart and will likely take the Michael Wilhoite 4th ILB role for the 49ers next season. He has no fantasy relevance in any format unless Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Chris Borland all miss significant time in 2015.
Rookie CB Dontae Johnson performed admirably, totaling four tackles and a pass defended. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: With injuries abound in the 49ers' secondary, the rookie CB has been tasked with playing nearly every down. He's responded strongly, but doesn't track as a weekly starter for your squad.
Glenn Dorsey had a tackle and a sack as he returned from injury.
Fantasy Impact: Dorsey returned from injury after missing the first two weeks of the season. He's nothing more than a rotational run specialist and not worth it in fantasy leagues.
Category: Game Recaps
DeForest Buckner had three total tackles (two assisted) in his NFL debut.
Fantasy Impact: The Rams only ran it 20 times (not including Case Keenum scrambles), so Buckner didn't get a shot at production. He will get plenty of opportunity Sunday in Carolina.
Category: Game Recaps
The 49ers and Tank Carradine agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in red and gold through 2017. (Source: Sacbee.com)
Fantasy Impact: A good forward-thinking move for GM Trent Baalke. Carradine was a borderline bust before switching from DE to OLB, where he's played very well this preseason. The extension allows the 49ers extra time to negotiate a longer extension next offseason if Tank breaks out, like many suspect. Carradine won't get the tackle numbers to be worth it in LB leagues but in OLB leagues, he has some sleeper appeal.
Category: Transactions
The San Francisco 49ers announced that T Anthony Davis has been reinstated by the National Football League from the Reserve/Retired List, and subsequently has been added to the team’s 90-man roster. In order to make room on the roster, the team has placed NT Ian Williams on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers need help on defense and placing Williams on the PUP list doesn't do them any favors. The 49ers should be avoided at all cost. I would rather go without a defense that having to plug in San Francisco's.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers are bringing back starting DT Quinton Dial, inking him to a three year deal. (Source: KNBR)
Fantasy Impact: Dial started 15 games last year and has improved his play year over year. He had a decent 73 tackles last season, but his 2.5 sacks are a bit low for a DL to be fantasy relevant. The 49ers are hoping he continues to improve in 2016 and beyond.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers released former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett on Friday. This comes after the team signed him to a two-year, $7.25 million deal in the offseason. Recent social media usage led to Dockett and the 49ers telling different stories about a rib injury he's been working through. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Docket had not shown much during the preseason after coming off a season cut short by an ACL tear in 2014. With his current rib injury, the 49ers were not inclined to keep him around any longer which may speak to his level of play that the team feels he is capable of. He's not worth a roster spot for IDP leagues.
Category: Transactions
Defensive lineman Justin Smith has decided to retire rather than return to the San Francisco 49ers for a 15th NFL season according to sources. (Source: Jim Trotter on ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers defense has taken its hits this offseason with the retirement of multiple players including Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis and his replacement Chris Borland. This is another blow to the defense and should have an impact on Aldon Smith's numbers as he'll be missing the "Cowboy" from taking on double-teams. The 49ers drafted Arik Armstead in the 1st round with the mindset that Justin Smith was likely retiring.
Category: Transactions
Tue, Mar 24th 3:38pm EDT
By Rob Schwarz, Jr.
Chicago Bears to sign Ray McDonald per multiple sources. The Bears are looking everywhere to improve their horrid defense. McDonald was released by San Fransisco last year when he was arrested for sexual assault; his second arrest in less than six months. This is clearly a push by Vic Fangio who coached McDonald in San Fransisco. (Source: NBC Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Ray McDonald is not an elite player, but he is a very talented player. The Bears are obviously looking at the risk and think the possible reward outweighs any public relations issues. McDonald will be an upgrade over guys like Ego Ferguson. If McDonald does not have any more off the field issues, this could prove to be a great signing if the money is right.
Category: Transactions
Sat, Jan 3rd 12:56am EST
By Jeff Krisko
The 49ers have kept Olympian and NFL hopeful Lawrence Okoye for another year with a reserve/future contract. (Source: Pro Football Talk)
Fantasy Impact: Okoye is yet to play a down in the NFL and is an extremely raw talent. With the 49ers cutting Ray McDonald and the impending retirement of Justin Smith, Okoye may pave his way to some playing time in 2015. He isn't worth a sniff even in the deepest of dynasty leagues.
Thu, Jun 15th 7:52am EDT
By Anthony Cervino
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media linebacker Reuben Foster (shoulder) "should be more than ready" for training camp. (Source: Eric Branch on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Foster, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery, has been limited throughout all of the team's voluntary and mandatory workouts since being drafted in April. However, per Shanahan, the highly-touted linebacker is expected to make his full return to football activities at the start of training camp in late July. A healthy Foster will be a tremendous boost to a 49ers' defense that was atrocious in 2016, especially versus opposing running backs.
Category: Injury Updates
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Navorro Bowman (Achilles) is back to running at "full speed" at OTAs. "Injuries are part of the game, but I’ve done everything I’ve needed to do to get back to where I am today," Bowman said via 49ers.com. "I’m ahead of schedule. I don’t feel anything in my Achilles or my knee. Guys can see that out there on the field.” (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Bowman, who missed 12 games in 2016 with an Achilles injury, is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab and is "already back to running at full speed," per reports. The veteran linebacker will anchor a 49ers defense that was simply atrocious against the run last season. His presence should certainly boost the unit for the 2017 campaign.
Category: Injury Updates
Shayne Skov is one of 13 players to be cut by the 49ers. He was released because of failed physical, likely because his injured knee is not 100%. (Source: CBS Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Skov hadn't done much for the 49ers in awhile. he was mostly a special teams player. He is not fantasy relevant.
The 49ers linebacker is said to be "a cool 20 pounds overweight." (Source: Grant Cohn on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers brass has been quick to act this offseason with turning over players they feel don't fit their system. Lynch has shown the ability to be a talented pass rusher with 12.5 sacks combined over his first two seasons, but an injury-shortened 2016 coupled with this current development may land him on the chopping block. He could be a useful piece to any team if he proves his mind is in the right place, but where he'll play in 2017 is up in the air, even if he stays on the 49ers as they transition to a completely new defensive configuration.
Ahmad Brooks had four total tackles, a sack and a pass defended in the Seahawks' shellacking of the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: Brooks has random bursts of production. He is mostly a pass rushing OLB whose prime is long-since past and is a desperation play most weeks.
Category: Game Recaps
Gerald Hodges rotated with Ray Ray Armstrong this week. He had ten total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Fantasy Impact: Hodges had the stranglehold on the ILB position next to NaVorro Bowman, but a strong preseason brought Armstrong to the fore. As of now, they are both rotating in and out, but Hodges had ten total tackles to Armstrong's four, and Armstrong had no big plays. If you need to speculate on LB, Hodges should snatch up this role before mid-season.
Category: Game Recaps
Michael Wilhoite registered only Special Teams snaps on Monday Night Football.
Fantasy Impact: How the mighty have fallen; Wilhoite was the odds-on favorite to start next to NaVorro Bowman when the season ended last year, but lost out completely to Ray Ray Armstrong and Gerald Hodges. Wilhoite is Just A Guy, and from their play Monday night, Armstrong and Hodges have more upside.
Category: Game Recaps
49ers released former third rounder Corey Lemonier. (Source: Adam Schefter)
Fantasy Impact: The experiment is over. Lemonier, a former DE, made the same move (unsuccessfully) that Tank Carradine is making (successfully), shifting to OLB. Lemonier is another Trent Baalke bust, but the move bodes well for preseason's top-rated PFF pass rusher, Marcus Rush, to make the roster.
Category: Transactions
After a previously mentioned hit & run, vandalism and DUI arrest, the 49ers have released Aldon Smith. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Aldon Smith had a mind-boggling 44 sacks in 50 career games and is just another loss in a long string of losses for the 49ers this off-season. Smith was an IDP stud and his sacks will be sorely missed. Ahmad Brooks amazingly remains on the roster and Aaron Lynch likely secures a starting spot. Scuttlebutt around the league is that the league will suspending him now that he is a free agent. This is Smith's fifth arrest since joining the league.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have waived Chase Thomas. He spent most of his time on the 49ers practice squad. During the off-season, Thomas tore his ACL and has been rehabbing since. (Source: 49ers on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Chase was very unlikely to crack the roster, as he only paid in a few games on special teams. There is no fantasy impact here.
Chris Borland, one of the NFL's top defensive rookies last year, told "Outside the Lines" that he is retiring due to concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: This is a huge blow for the 49ers defense after fellow linebacker and All-Pro Patrick Willis retired last week. Borland was set to be a great IDP pickup, but this news hurts the 49ers team more than it does fantasy owners. The onus will be put on Navorro Bowman to return to form from a gruesome knee injury.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have confirmed that Patrick Willis is going to retire from the NFL today at 12 PT. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: This is a sad day for 49ers fans and the NFL. Willis was one of the elite defenders in the NFL and will be missed by all. Chris Borland is going to be the player to target in IDP leagues.
Dan Skuta is set to move on to Jacksonville after two seasons in San Francisco. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The most mild of the 49ers' defensive losses today, Skuta was a backup for the 49ers that was thrust into action via suspension and injuries. A better real-life player than IDP option, Skuta will have to drastically change his game to be fantasy relevant in 2015.
Nick Moody filled in for an injured Chris Borland and ended the day with five tackles. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Moody was the recipient of a horrible roughing the passer penalty that gifted the Seahawks a touchdown. He is far down on the 49ers' depth chart and will likely take the Michael Wilhoite 4th ILB role for the 49ers next season. He has no fantasy relevance in any format unless Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Chris Borland all miss significant time in 2015.
The San Francisco 49ers have released defensive back Tramaine Brock on Friday. (Source: SNF on NBC on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Brock was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge in Santa Clara, CA Thursday. On Friday, he was released by the 49ers as a result of the incident. Brock, 28, played in 31 games with the 49ers since 2015 and accumulated 112 total tackles, four interceptions and 25 passes defended in the timespan. In the wake of Brock's release, the 49ers have a gaping hole at cornerback as he was a projected start for 2017. They'll likely address the void in the draft or with a veteran addition in free agency.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have released safety Antoine Bethea. (Source: Matt Barrows on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Bethea played all 16 games for the 49ers last season, but after signing a four-year contract in 2014, he isn't ideal for the team's new defensive configuration. He was set to earn a base salary of $5.25 million in 2017, the fourth highest on the team.
Category: Transactions
Mon, Nov 21st 5:45pm EST
By Chad Satterfield
Eric Reid has a torn right bicep and will miss the remainder of the season. (Source: The Mercury News)
Fantasy Impact: Reid is second on the team in tackles and will be greatly missed on an already terrible defense. Continue to target the 49ers defense in fantasy.
Category: Injury Updates
After being forced out of the 49ers-Seahawks game this weekend, Jimmie Ward was diagnosed with a multi-week quad strain.
Fantasy Impact: This isn't big for IDP players, as Ward was a better real life player than fantasy contributor. Ward was the best CB in a questionable 49ers defense that will get shredded even worse now that he will miss multiple weeks.
The San Francisco 49ers have traded CB Kenneth Acker to the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Acker started 13 games, appearing in 15, in 2015 with the 49ers after spending his entire rookie year on injured reserve. Acker will likely begin the year providing depth at the cornerback position and as a role player in Kansas City's secondary.
Category: Transactions
“He’s a guy that’s a part of our plans,†O’Neil talking about safety Tartt. “I’m excited to get him out there and get it rolling, because we haven’t really been able to utilize some of those packages because he hasn’t practiced. And then when he’s back, that allows us to do some things with Eric and allows us to do some new things pressure-wise.†(Source: Sacramento Bee)
Fantasy Impact: Tartt participated in his first practice of the summer after being on the non-football injury list with a leg issue up until Sunday. The second-year safety put together an impressive rookie campaign grading positively over the course of the season in Pro Football Focus' grading system. He and fourth-year free safety Eric Reid will man the back end of the field and be pivotal cogs in the 49ers' defense if they hope to become fantasy relevant as well as competing within the extremely competitive NFC West.
Category: Injury Updates, Transactions
The 49ers granted DB Shareece Wright his release. They promoted practice squad OL Andrew Tiller to the 53-man roster. (Source: 49ers.com)
Fantasy Impact: Be careful what you wish for. Wright had requested a release after being inactive all season. He represents another Trent Baalke free agency failure as he couldn't crack one of the worst DB corps in the league after getting a multi-million free agent contract.
Category: Transactions
The 49ers have cut veteran DB Chris Cook. (Source: Aaron Wilson)
Fantasy Impact: Cook was a preseason darling in 2014 but was injured early on and didn't contribute. There has been no corresponding move made, but rumors are an offensive line move may be made. Cook had no fantasy value but it is curious the 49ers cut a DB when cornerback is their biggest question mark.
Category: Transactions
Culliver has signed a 4 year deal with the Redskins and immediately upgrades their secondary. (Source: Sacramento Bee)
Fantasy Impact: Culliver was a big piece to the 49ers defense, and it seems to be losing more and more people. It'll be interesting to see if the 49ers can rely on their young secondary.
Category: Transactions
Unrestricted free agent cornerback Perrish Cox is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Wednesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Cox is a talented corner who is coming off a career year, finishing with five interceptions, 17 pass deflections, and 53 tackles. The 2010 fifth-round pick and Oklahoma State product was drafted by the Broncos, spent time with the Seahawks, and is now leaving the 49ers. He went to San Fran in 2012, where he played all 16 games that season. If Cox is signed by Washington, he would likely play the nickel behind starters DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson. He would have to compete against Bashaud Breeland and Tracy Porter for that nickel spot.
Rookie CB Dontae Johnson performed admirably, totaling four tackles and a pass defended. (Source: ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: With injuries abound in the 49ers' secondary, the rookie CB has been tasked with playing nearly every down. He's responded strongly, but doesn't track as a weekly starter for your squad.
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