San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Thursday night's 19-13 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. Here is what they said.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Opening comments:
"Injuries from the game. [CB] Jack Jones had a hand, didn't return. [QB] Kurtis Rourke, ribs, didn't return. [LB] Nick Martin had a stinger, he returned. And [S Marques] Sigle, oblique, didn't return."
What'd you think of Rourke? It was his first NFL action. How do you feel he fared?
"He looked good. Got the ball in the right spot. Thought he hung in there, played well, did a hell of a job on that draw. It looked good out there live."
Does it sound like he might miss some time?
"I'm not sure. They said ribs. He was struggling to breathe, so they took him to the hospital just to check on everything, make sure it's all right. X-rays in here didn't show it was broken or anything, but we'll see what we find out tomorrow."
Do you have to add another quarterback?
"Yeah, maybe. I mean, we still have three in here, so it's not a necessity. With other guys on the roster, it might be hard to carry five, but you don't have to with three."
Since he's been in the hospital, is he doing OK?
"I assume so. I mean, they just want to go get more imaging and find out, so we weren't too concerned. I don't want to downplay it too much, but also not trying to overplay it either."
What would have happened if QB Adrian Martinez had gotten hurt?
"Yeah, from the second quarter on we were talking about guys who were in the game who could take a handoff and hand it off or take a snap and hand it off. [TE] Brayden Willis was going to go in. We were doing handoff drills with him at halftime, so he was ready for it if we had to."
What did you think of WR De'Zhaun Stribling's long catch down the field and his performance in general?
"It seemed good. I mean, we'll see when we watch the film. I thought he struggled a little bit on the first drive, but I think he got three drives after that. It seemed like he executed all the stuff that went to him and I liked how his hands looked out there and played physical."
Is he moving around or is he still playing predominantly in the slot for you?
"He's moving around, yeah. We're switching him up throughout the week and he did a number of different things today, too."
I know you talked about it before, but what do you make of the way he's handling the adjustment of playing other positions and just everything that's on his plate?
"He's handling it well. I mean, it was tough when he got hurt. He missed that week. Now he's been back for, I believe, a week. Hopefully he can string together two more of these weeks, because he's going about it the right way and as long as he gets those reps and continues to do what he's been doing, he should be ready for the season."
It looked like LB Jaden Dugger was starting at the WILL and Martin at the strong. Is there significance to that ordering?
"No, there's not really any significance with the linebackers. We feel like we've got a bunch of good players. We're trying to get a bunch of them playing time and kind of let it sort itself out as these weeks go."
OL Connor Colby got his snaps at right guard today. Is that more of a cross-training thing or do you feel he's more comfortable in that spot as opposed to the left?
"No, you've got to be able to play everything. We've got guys competing for the starting left guard position. He's one of those. And he's got a real good chance to get that. A number of guys do too and whoever doesn't better be able to play both sides."
How did the joint practice on Tuesday impact what you wanted to do with the veterans, or did it? Did they get the work in that you wanted them to get in this week?
"Yeah, they did. I mean, we decided that before. I wasn't going to play any of our vets, really. Not any, the guys, the vets who were starters. We decided that a little earlier in the week before we went against Tennessee. If we didn't feel we got that work in, probably would have changed my mind. But, I was real happy with the work that we got that day and the vets, the guys who didn't dress today got a workout in yesterday. They got a workout with the coaches today. Just routes on air and things like that. So, they've gotten some work in, but it'll be good to have them fresh for Saturday, too."
I know he missed some time too, but what have your impressions of DL Gracen Halton been so far?
"It's always tough when these guys miss time, but I think he's been back for at least a week too and I think he's taken advantage of it. He had a good week and looked like he did some good things out there today, but I'll have to see the film to know for sure."
Did it feel like business as usual for you being on the sideline? I'm assuming offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak called the plays. How did that work for you?
"Yeah. The same as I did last year in preseason. I didn't call a play last year in preseason, so it's really felt the same as last year. I have a lot of confidence in Klay. He does as good of a job as anyone I've been around at it. So nothing new today."
I saw you kept the red flag. I know you have the option. Did you think about another person having the red flag?
"No. I think the red flag's the most overrated thing in football. I guess I should have given someone else an attempt at it. I like throwing it, but I don't like when I throw it and it's wrong. I didn't have to throw it today, so it's a good thing."
What are you hoping to see out of your defensive ends through the preseason while you don't have DL Nick Bosa or DL Mykel Williams, maybe DL Keion White?
"I just like guys separating themselves. I think we've got a number of guys competing to make this team, a number of guys competing to play, a number of guys competing to try to make this practice squad. I like when guys make it so we don't have to make a tough decision. I like guys to jump out in these games. I like them to jump out at practice. Four of the guys that we had today didn't start training camp with us either. So we've had new guys in there, but I think a lot of them have done some good things in this week and they did the same things today and hopefully that'll continue throughout camp."
With everything that's gone on the last month, how did it feel just to be on the sidelines coaching football?
"The same as it has in practice. I know everyone knows I missed some things and haven't been calling plays as much, but I don't really do that in the preseason anyway. So, it's felt pretty normal. I'm on a pretty normal schedule. I miss some of the media stuff, I miss some of the hours, and it's not exactly consistent, but football's been pretty normal for me."
It didn't look like you had any concerns because you were walking on the sidelines between players and just kind of mixing it up in there.
"Yep, they stay away from me. They don't want to get hurt."
What have been your impressions of CB Ephesians Prysock so far?
"Similar to kind of answering questions about everyone else. Anytime rookies come in, they've got an uphill battle. He's been able to stay healthy and go through these two weeks, which I think has been really good for him. It looked like he did some good things today, but like I said, I'll wait until I see the tape and hopefully that'll continue next week versus the Chargers."
As far as Rourke, did he start having trouble drawing a breath after he came to the sideline after that drive?
"I don't know. We were worried he was banged up on that draw. We were trying to look at him. We were yelling to him. He was saying he was fine. Then when he got to the sidelines, after we scored, then they said they needed to take him in to look at a rib. They said that it didn't seem broken on the first x-ray, but they kept him in there. Then at halftime, they said they wanted to take him to the hospital just because he was struggling with some breath stuff, so you've got to look in. When you don't see something on x-ray and someone's struggling with something, then you've just got to go cover your bases and look for more."
What appeals to you guys about OL Robert Jones? Bringing him in after he didn't play last year and had to sit out. Is it his 2024 tape or something else that really drew you to him?
"I mean, they bring us a group of all guys that are available and our scouts have opinions on them, our personnel department does. Then we study them as a coaching staff, the offensive staff. I rely on [assistant head coach/offensive line coach] Chris Foerster the most. Guys that have coached Robert in the past, too, that we have relationships with. We felt he fit into our scheme and was a guy that we were able to get that we think can compete for that starting job and if not he can have some good depth for us."
I don't know if I've seen you do the quick field goal, go for an onside kick too much. Did you just want to try it out?
"Yeah, I still don't know if that was right. People were suggesting it. It's preseason. I said, 'Screw it, let's try it.' After we did it, I thought maybe we should have gone for the touchdown a couple more times because there was still a lot of time on the clock and a touchdown is a lot harder, obviously, than a field goal. I did like doing it that way, knowing that we didn't have to waste a timeout, because having a timeout to go get that whether it's a field goal or a touchdown is a huge advantage. But, we'll assess it as coaches tomorrow. We'll have our analytics people assess it."
Was it the right time to do it analytically?
"They didn't speak up on that, so."
On the clock, I mean.
"Yeah, when there is like a cut and stone thing, analytics-wise, when it comes to going for two or something like that, usually when it's like that, they speak up and they didn't on that. So, we'll assess it tomorrow."
Is that assistant general manager Brian Hampton in your ear, talking you through that?
"No, it's [vice president of football research and development] Matt Ploenzke. Hamp retired from that two years ago."
Did you and Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh get a chance to compare notes on your teams?
"Yeah, we're not the biggest note takers, but we're more FaceTimers. So, we sat there and FaceTimed a little bit the last two nights, just talking about what we saw from each other. It's a little bit easier when you're in different conferences. You don't have to lie as much. You can be a little bit more honest, but I know he definitely isn't always. He's still trying to find things out and so am I, but it was good for us to practice against each other, have someone that you know. Especially seeing [Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator] Gus [Bradley] and stuff and [Tennessee Titans defensive run game coordinator/defensive line coach Aaron] Whitecotton, who was here for a little bit, [Tennessee Titans defensive pass game coordinator/cornerbacks coach] Tony Oden. It was good to catch up with all those guys this week."
Did CB Nate Hobbs suit up, or what was his status?
"Nate Hobbs in the practice versus the Titans pulled his groin. So, he's going to be a few weeks."
49ers LB Jaden Dugger
The Titans came out largely with their number ones, the 49ers did not. So, you got a taste right away of what it's like to face an NFL team. What was that like for you?
"It was a good feeling. I've been going against the first O-Line here all camp, so like I was pretty used to it – going against [RB Christian McCaffrey] CMC and all that, [T] Trent Williams. It was good work to be out there against their vets and stuff. So, it was a good experience."
We saw 53 flashing out there on the open field a couple of times. Open field tackles are pretty much the toughest ones to make. Is that kind of your strength?
"I would like to say so. That's definitely the hardest part about being a linebacker, just being in so much space. So, I try to take pride in it and just be comfortable in space."
Which of the veterans have been taking you under their wing and kind of shining their light here in the NFL?
"I'll say [LB] Fred [Warner] for sure. Fred and [LB] Dre [Greenlaw]. [LB Garret] Wallow, all the linebackers. And then, [linebackers] Coach K.J. [Wright], has been a big help with me. He's been pretty experienced in the league, just being in my position. So, it's those guys. I was here all summer with Fred and Dre too working out, so they kind of got me ready for this. So, I would say them two for sure."
49ers DL Gracen Halton
For a rookie, it's always about going out there and when your number is identified it's because you make some plays. What does it feel like to get out there and make some plays immediately?
"It's just—you play how you practice and there's things, I'm not just going to say, 'I was perfect.' There's a lot of things I need to work on. But I'm just blessed. Give thanks to God, to my teammates, just to make it happen."
Playing against mostly a first-string offense, what jumped out at you about playing at this level, the NFL level?
"Football is football. You know how to play, you're going to make plays."
Any vets give you any talking points today or any encouragement?
"Yeah, all the vets. [DLs] Sam O. [Okuayinonu], Osa [Odighizuwa], C.J. [West], those guys just telling me, 'Man, just go out there and play ball. Don't, don't be nervous, just play your game and good things will happen.' So, I'm not going to lie, a little bit before the game, I was a little nervous, but once I stepped foot on the field, like I said, 'football is football, just came to me.'"
49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling
You were playing against a first-string defense for the most part. What jumped out at you in terms of what you saw out there and how you responded?
"Just the physicality and the speed, you know? Just the whole tempo of everything. So, it really is just about getting out there for the first time and getting used to it. It was really fun."
Can you take us through that toe tapping catch at the sidelines where you spun around?
"Yes, I was just having a little sideline awareness and seeing where I'm at. I then tried to turn back inside to get the extra yards and do what I can out there."
San Francisco Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was on record saying the intent was to get you as many chances as possible in this game to kind of see how you have evolved as a potential NFL receiver. How'd you feel about the fact that they committed to that and then how do you feel like you performed?
"I felt great out there. It felt like it was really clicking with the offense and hearing it in the huddle and lining up on the field. So, I'm very grateful that I had the opportunities and the passes that I did, you know, I was just trying to translate that and take all my coaching points so I can be better next week."
Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh
How'd you like the win?
"I liked the way we came out. The first couple drives for the defense I thought were good. I know they got a couple of first downs there, but overall we just kept points off the board. The last drive we had unfortunate losses in one-on-one situations, but overall, just as a group, ones, twos, and threes, I thought our defense did a really nice job. And then offensively, a really really cool drive to start the game with that 95 yarder. And then from there, just never looked like we really settled in, but I was really excited about the way we ran the ball. And then obviously on defense thought the way we defended the run was pretty good."
How'd you feel about Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward's decision making after the initial run?
"Yeah, we'll go back and look and I have to talk to [Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Brian] Daboll still. It felt like his decisions were right. It just felt like he was a little bit sped up, more than he has been in camp. It's first time, live bullets. I'm not sure but it looked like his mechanics were a little bit more sped up than it has been, which is good because we can go correct it, which is what the preseason's for. But I'm sure he'll look back at it and see that the protection was pretty good and he could have went through his process a little bit better."
You talked about some of those one-on-one losses on defense, how concerned should people be, does that matter?
"Everything matters whether it's, uh, you know, that [49ers WR De'Zhaun] Stribling kid is going to be pretty good. He's a big, strong receiver. Quarterback did a good job giving him a chance and he won some one-on-ones, but I'd love to tell you no concern, but there's a sense of urgency with regards to making sure that we get it fixed and we continue to put our guys in those situations and practice so that we can continue to get that work. We'll never panic, but urgency will always be high."
What's your philosophy on playing starters and how much do you think it helped tonight?
"It's part of the ramp up process at which we're operating. One, I do think we're really, really young, and I do think these guys need some game action, as you saw. We can't get our offense enough reps, Cam can't get enough reps. Then same thing with defense, on the secondary we're implementing a whole new system and they have to be able to feel it in live bullets, they have to feel the angles, they have to feel the tackling, they have to feel the route concepts and the spatial and the distribution that we operate with. So, we need these reps in all three phases and all three groups."
How do you feel the coaching operation went?
"I thought everything went good. We had a really cool opportunity at the end of the first half, off the missed field goal, we picked up a couple of yards, had a really cool short two-minute situation that allowed us to get a field goal to give us an opportunity to lap them coming out of the locker room with the ball. I thought the the operations in the booth for the challenge that we had was good, I thought it was sound. It was close, but obviously we lost that one, but it was pretty close. In preseason, not having too many on the field is a win, not having 10 on the field as a win. I don't think we had any legal formation today. I thought our procedure on offense was pretty good. And defensively it felt like we played clean ball. We were gap sound and special teams wise, I thought we did a really nice job. Overall as an organization, I though the operation was pretty clean."
What has Tennessee Titans G Fernando Carmona Jr. done well?
"It was his opportunity and Carmona's doing a great job. He put his foot in the door and he's doing his best to pry it open and blast through that thing. So he's done a nice job. I'm looking forward to seeing the tape to see how he performed. I feel like it was pretty good. Like I said, I thought all three groups ran the ball pretty well today so there's going to be a lot of good stuff to take from it. He's steady, he's very smart. He knows what to do, he communicates well, he executes, he's strong so he's not getting pushed around. You just want a steady guy. I always tell a lineman, just die a slow death and you'll play a long time. He's doing a great job just putting himself in position to be successful."
Was it good to see Tennessee Titans K Joey Slye settle in?
"How about that kid, man? He had a rough blue and white scrimmage and he sees the wire, does a couple of workouts, he has an outstanding practice and he follows it up with a 58 yarder at the end to seal it and he was perfect with his field goals and his extra points. Outstanding for him."
Any update on DE Jaylen Harrell or any other injuries?
"Yeah, they'll be evaluated. [Tennessee Titans RT JC Latham] dealing with a pec injury, he'll get an MRI, and then Harrell had a knee injury, we'll get an MRI on him also."
Titans QB Cam Ward
How did it feel to get back out there as a first unit team?
"It felt great to get back out there. Three phases, offense, defense, and special teams. I think we were able to run the ball good, but it is good to get out there for sure and be in a real atmosphere again."
What did you like about how tonight went? What are some things you've got to get better at?
"I liked how the O-line, they made the standpoint on the game. They've had a great camp this whole time. We'll have a great season, keeping myself upright and then a running back room. So, I think they have us trending in the right direction. We are real good in the run game, real sound like we've been through the whole camp. I think we've got to continue to clean up things in the pass game with myself, with the receivers seeing eye-to-eye. I've got to continue to give them better chances at making plays, and I think once we get that we'll be really good."
What's working for you right now on the rhythm plays, and how do you translate that to more of the place where you've got to extend?
"Really everything's working. It's just more of us connecting on everything, getting that extra little push that we need to really break through, and it comes down to just more reps with each other. Going back to the film room, watching and correcting it off there."
Did you feel sped up today? Tennessee Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh said he thought you might have felt a little sped up mechanically.
"Maybe a little bit, especially getting back out there, but I see everything. I was able to move linebackers the way I wanted to, each and every coverage you're getting to. So, it's really just me slowing down, then putting the ball where it needs to go."
I think you guys went out about 20 plays. I don't know if that number will increase as far as plays goes during the Preseason. How much is Preseason going to help you in the long run getting ready for the Regular season?
"Oh, it's going to help me a lot. Help me get back in rhythm, help me get the flow of the game back, for the entire offense to be in a full game situation instead of practice or joint practices, and so I think it's going to benefit us a lot playing a certain amount of reps every game."
What did you like about Tennessee Titans G Fernando Carmoma Jr. who got the start tonight?
"Carmona real tough. He's real physical. He's a great draft pick for us, and I think the best thing about him is that he doesn't care what no one thinks of him. He has a pretty straightforward mindset. He's a great person in the locker room. He's a hard worker, and if he's right there by the time the season comes around, I'm more than happy to have him protecting me."
How'd you feel like you guys handled the week start to finish with the joint camp and obviously cultivate tonight?
"I think we handled it well. We had just a different time change. That's really the only thing that we really had to adjust to, but it was fun to get out of Nashville, go against another team, but we're ready to get back in the heat, you know, train some more come Saturday."
Had you talked much to San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner before this week and did you guys talk again maybe on the field before you went off, and what was it like getting to know him a little bit more?
"It was great talking to him. I believe he can be a Hall of Fame linebacker, he probably will be, but just him continuing to preach to me: keep the main thing the main thing. Everything that I want I can get, just got to keep on doing the things I'm doing. Work hard and he'll be in my corner for sure."
Titans LB Cody Barton
Do you guys feel the urgency to make those corrections?
"Yes. Absolutely. I feel there's some things we could clean up. I feel like overall run game wise, we were pretty solid. I think in the passing conditions, there are some things that we could clean up, tighten up some coverage here and there, whatever it is. Every opportunity you get to go out, you will find that there's always things you have to get better at. It was just fun to be out there for the first time."
How'd you guys feel like you handled the week with the joint practice and with a lot of young guys on the team?
"It was good. A lot of young guys on the team, like you said, but even the young guys handled it well. A lot of first-time opportunities for a lot of guys out here. Overall, I thought it was fun though. Ultimately, we got the win."
You guys were somewhere in that range of 20 plays. How much of a help is it, getting a little bit of a groove during the pre-season. How much can it help you once the regular season arrives?
"I think it's very important. The timing of it. The full speed tackling versus just studying, it's very different. Getting that live action in a game-like setting. To me, it's very important and that's why all of us were playing."
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