No disrespect supposed for the San Francisco 49ers, however Matt Eberflus mentioned the message he’s making ready for his gamers previous to Sunday’s season opener at Soldier Field — his first as an NFL head coach — goes to be about his staff.
The 49ers reached the NFC championship recreation final season and have top-level expertise at most positions, however Saturday night time’s staff assembly goes to be centered on this system the Bears are working to place in place with a brand new roster, teaching employees and entrance workplace.
“To me, it’s about us,” Eberflus mentioned. “It’s about what we’ve done to this point and we’re really going to focus on us. I know you obviously have to focus on the great players that San Francisco has and how you are going to limit them and do the best you can that way, but this all comes down to us.”
Season openers haven’t been significantly type to first-year Bears coaches. Mike Ditka’s run started 40 years in the past in 1982 and 6 others adopted him earlier than the arrival of Eberflus — Dave Wannstedt, Dick Jauron, Lovie Smith, Marc Trestman, John Fox and Matt Nagy. Including Ditka, solely two of the seven gained their debuts — Trestman in 2013 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals and Jauron in 1999 in opposition to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I feel we’re in a good spot,” Eberflus mentioned. “We’ve built a lot of good things over the course of these seven months. We’re in a good place. Our foundation is starting to settle in and, of course, that’s going to take a while. You don’t just build a foundation and start building on top of it right away. We are still building a foundation and we’re going to put it on display on Sunday.”
Injury updates
Rookie extensive receiver Velus Jones Jr. just isn’t anticipated to play. He was listed on the damage report as uncertain with a hamstring damage and was held out of form Friday for the third consecutive day.
Jones participated Monday however has been out and in of motion for the final a number of weeks, and Eberflus indicated this is similar difficulty that marred the rookie’s camp expertise.
Jones had a 48-yard punt return within the second preseason recreation Aug. 18 at Seattle however didn’t play within the exhibition finale at Cleveland.
“We’re getting close with it,” Eberflus mentioned. “I think it’s going to be good here soon.”
Eberflus didn’t wish to discuss particular groups roles, however extensive receiver Dante Pettis is the main candidate to deal with punt returns and working again Khalil Herbert is the seemingly kickoff returner.
Meanwhile, rookie defensive finish Dominique Robinson (proper knee) was a full participant in follow and is possible.
The 49ers may very well be with out tight finish George Kittle, who has been sidelined this week with a groin damage. Kittle was on injured reserve with a calf difficulty when the groups performed final season. He has 9 catches for 94 yards and no touchdowns in two profession video games in opposition to the Bears.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com