We'll start this edition of the notebook with the San Francisco 49ers' defense, specifically the defensive line. The unit has endured several injuries early in the season, particularly along the interior.
Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the season before Week 1 after suffering a patellar tendon tear. James Thompson Jr. is also dealing with a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss time.
Collins' replacement, C.J. West, recently suffered a bone chip in his knee and was placed on injured reserve, though he is expected to return later this season.
Additionally, rookie defensive end Romello Height underwent hand surgery this week, and his status for Sunday's Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals remains unclear.
With so many players dealing with setbacks, others will have to step up in the weeks ahead. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris discussed several of his defensive linemen after Thursday's practice.
"We've got to step up. Next-man-up mentality," Morris said. "I'm really excited about some of the guys that we're able to keep, maybe to get around here and play for us, and then we'll get out there, and we'll play and get a chance to get those things done.
"It's unfortunate what happened to C.J. because he took a step forward this game, just like everybody else did when it comes to that matter. But really excited about the next guy to go out there and get the opportunity to do it."
Expectations for 49ers rookie Gracen Halton
The 49ers may not have envisioned a significant role for rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton this season. However, more could be asked of him because of the injuries along the defensive front.
The good news is that Halton has impressed his coaches.
"Plays bigger than his actual stature," Morris said. "Did a lot of really cool things. Really excited about where he's going to go and what he can do for the Niners."
While Morris had certain expectations after the 49ers drafted Halton, some of the rookie's traits pleasantly surprised the coaching staff.
"His movement was not the surprise," Morris said. "He had great movement and things like that in Oklahoma. His natural ability to move around and kind of stunt and do some things like that. We thought we would get like this guy that can really help out in the pass rush. We knew that right away.
"But when he got here, he really shocked us with his ability to use his hands and played well in the run game and be able to be stout and do some real cool things there.
"I forget when we kind of got that revelation. I think it was sometime in camp, we put the pads on for sure, but his ability to go out there and play the run for us is really good as well. We're excited about that with him going forward."
Osa Odighizuwa makes an impact
Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa has had a significant impact on the 49ers defense. That impact hasn't been limited to the field.
Odighizuwa is a savvy veteran who has become a leader among his fellow defensive linemen, despite this being his first season with the team.
"I think the adult in Osa is number one, first and foremost," Morris said when asked about the most valuable part of the defensive lineman's game. "How he carries himself, how he leads the room, his ability to go out there and show guys how to prepare, how to practice. Show guys how to prepare to get ready for the game, to make sure his body's in the right spot, make sure his mind's in the right spot.
"He does a lot of really cool things that way when it comes to leadership. Then he's a natural dog. Love that about him. Love his ability to go out there and play for us and play winning football."
High praise for Nick Bosa
Defensive end Nick Bosa has yet to record a sack through two games this season. However, that doesn't mean the pass rusher hasn't made an impact.
"He's been, really, the most dominant player without a sack," Morris said. "I have to say he's been awesome. When he's rushing the passer, the first play of the game—the first play of the season was absolutely outstanding.
"This week, checking around [Dolphins QB Malik] Willis, he just forgot how to sack people. But other than that—I've joked with him this weekend—but other than that, he's been awesome. We'll see moving forward, all the stuff that happens with him, but he's been playing great."
Mykel Williams nearing a return
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that second-year defensive end Mykel Williams, who started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, could return to practice next week.
That was news to Morris, who learned of the update from reporters on Thursday.
"I love that kid," Morris said. "He's amazing. Those Georgia kids that year ... they had a great class. They're raised the right way, they're coached the right way. Then he had a really good rookie season here with you guys.
"And then having a chance to be joining up with him this year was absolutely outstanding, so I can't wait to get him back on the grass and watch him play. Remember, I haven't seen him play on the grass yet, so getting him out there would be really special, would be really cool for the team."
When asked where Williams might fit within his defense, Morris pointed to the defensive lineman's versatility.
"He can play anywhere," Morris said. "He's kind of that spinner in a different way. He can go inside, outside, do different things like that. I'm not sure if he couldn't stand up. He can do a lot of different things. He's really athletic, really talented."
Will Brandin Cooks play on Sunday?
Switching to the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the practice squad this week. It had sounded unlikely that he would suit up against the Cardinals, with the team expected to give Cooks time to get up to speed on Kyle Shanahan's offense.
However, Shanahan hasn't ruled out the chance of Cooks playing Sunday.
"It's a possibility," Shanahan said Thursday during an interview on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "We've still got another day to plan this out, but we still have some other guys that do have shots in front of him. But like I told him when we talked to him, we're going to let him compete here.
"I think it's hard to come in and compete and beat people out right away, but he still has that opportunity, and he's still going to have that opportunity over the next few weeks."
What does Brandin Cooks bring to the 49ers?
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak discussed what Cooks brings to the 49ers offense.
"He's a pro. He's been doing it a long time," Kubiak said. "He's a worker. His reputation kind of precedes itself. He's a heck of a worker. Everywhere he's been, people just talk about how hard he practices, obviously how hard he plays.
"He's a vet. He's picking up our offense quick. It's good to have him out there and get him involved and just get him incorporated into our offense. So, he's been a pleasure to have."
Morris is familiar with game-planning against Cooks and also shared his thoughts on the veteran wideout.
"I believe he was with the Saints my first time game-planning against him when I was in Tampa, as a rookie," Morris recalled. "He came in as just like a real speed guy, real guy that could take the top off. Then he evolved into this guy that was just ultimately able to be counted on, whether he was a Ram—he's been a couple different spots.
"And I've missed him at a couple different spots, but I've heard nothing but great real things about him where he's been, and how he prepares, and how he goes about his business. So, really excited that he's on our football team. Really excited to add a guy like that when you need him."
Why the NFL hasn't overwhelmed rookie Kaelon Black
Rookie running back Kaelon Black has been an early contributor on offense and has one more rushing attempt than starter Christian McCaffrey through two games. That's because he has quickly earned his coaches' trust and shown that the transition from college to the NFL hasn't overwhelmed him.
"It's hard to play running back in the NFL as a rookie," Kubiak said. "There's a lot that goes into it. I think Kaelon is a special guy, similar to Strib [WR De'Zhaun Stribling]. We knew what we were drafting, in terms of the person, how well they prepared in college, how they were in their interview process. They're just locked in. They're just really smart football players.
"He's played a lot of football. He's played at a high level, played in a National Championship. And so, as soon as he got here, nothing was too big for him. He took to the coaching. Any rep we gave him, he was ready for it. I just think we saw that consistency throughout camp.
"He was ready to play. And so, it's a credit to him. He's wired the right way. He's a heck of a player. So, we're proud of where he's at and [we'll] keep pushing him."
An opportunity for Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins
With injuries thinning the 49ers' wide receiver depth, younger players have an opportunity to step up and show the coaching staff they can contribute in the passing attack.
Two of those players are Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins, who could be called upon to play more in the coming weeks.
"This is an opportunity for them," Shanahan said. "We usually use about four receivers in rotation. Then, the fifth guy is usually a special teams guy, which, to me, has been Cowing, because he's an automatic returner. [KhaDarel] Hodge got up, one, because we thought he was the best or second-best gunner on our team, which makes him very valuable. And then he did a good job in the preseason with his reps at receiver.
"With [Demarcus Robinson] getting hurt and needing to get a fifth guy up now, it gives Jordan Watkins the opportunity he's been waiting for. He's been working his tail off. I'm excited to get him out there, excited to see him play.
"And then we still got the same thing with Jake (Cowing), that he's got more opportunities, too. He's always up because of special teams, and we saw him out there a little bit more last week when D-Rob got hurt, but it ups his playing time, too, which could up his opportunities."
More info on: Kaelon Black, Nick Bosa, Alfred Collins, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, KhaDarel Hodge, Christian McCaffrey, Osa Odighizuwa, Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling, James Thompson, Jordan Watkins, C.J. West, Mykel Williams
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