49ers Lose Yetur Gross-Matos to Injured Reserve, Further Depleting Defense
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - The San Francisco 49ers placed defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve on Saturday after he re-injured his hamstring during practice.
Gross-Matos initially injured his hamstring in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams and missed the next three games. He returned to practice for the first time on Thursday but got hurt again and now will miss at least the next four games on injured reserve.
Gross-Matos had no sacks in five games this season but ranked fifth on the team with nine quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 49ers are already down two more defensive linemen with star defensive end Nick Bosa out for the season with a knee injury and defensive end Bryce Huff missing his second straight game with a hamstring injury.
The Niners rank last in the NFL with 1.13 sacks per game and have only five in the past six games after Bosa went down with the injury. The players available on the roster to play Sunday against the New York Giants have a combined three sacks on the season.
San Francisco acquired Keion White this week in a trade from New England to add another player to the defensive line rotation and signed Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad. Ferrell was promoted to the roster Saturday and is eligible to play Sunday.
The 49ers also promoted offensive lineman Nick Zakelj from the practice squad for the game on Sunday and activated offensive lineman Spencer Burford from injured reserve.
Burford hurt his knee in Week 2 against New Orleans. He had been serving as the backup tackle before his injury but could be available to play guard this week with starting left guard Ben Bartch still sidelined by an ankle injury. Seventh-round rookie Connor Colby has been starting in Bartch's place.
“I’m Employee 41. I’ll do whatever they need me to do.” — Alvin Kamara Sends Message That’ll Make Every Saints Fan Proud
The New Orleans Saints came into the year with low expectations on the season. They lost Derek Carr and Tyrann Mathieu in the offseason after both opted to suddenly retire. After this, the Saints weren't left with much on the roster.
They ended up opting with Spencer Rattler as the replacement to Carr, but the results weren't great. Rattler led the Saints to a 1-7 start to the year, and the team opted to bench him in favor of Tyler Shough. Shough is set to get his first start of the season in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Saints have been linked to a lot of trade rumors this year, too. They're reportedly fielding offers for speedy wide receiver Rashid Shaheed among others.
Wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara have been mentioned as trade candidates this year, but it doesn't seem like either will be traded.
Alvin Kamara continues to show his selflessness
Olave is reportedly working on a new contract with the Saints. It's unlikely the Saints would want to trade him if they're working on a contract extension.
Kamara recently said he'd rather retire than be traded from the Saints, showing his commitment to the team that drafted him.
Kamara's commitment to the Saints goes beyond his willingness to stay with a losing team. The veteran running back is seemingly willing to do whatever it takes to help the Saints win.
“I’m Employee 41. I just do what they need me to do," Kamara said when asked about his touches this year, via Saints reporter Nick Underhill.
Kamara is nearing the end of his best years, which is likely going to come with a decline in production at some point. With that in mind, it's clear that he's ready to do whatever is best for the team, including taking a bit fewer touches this season than many would have expected.
The Saints have one of the more selfless veterans in football on their roster. His recent admission is music to the Saints' ears. It's hard to find a player so willing to put the team over himself.
